Sly James facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sly James
54th Mayor of Kansas City
In office May 2, 2011 – August 1, 2019
Preceded by	Mark Funkhouser
Succeeded by	Quinton Lucas
Personal details
Born	Sylvester James, Jr. (1951-12-09) December 9, 1951 (age 73) Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Licia Clifton
Children	4
Education	Rockhurst College (BA) Syracuse University University of Minnesota (JD)

Sylvester "Sly" James, Jr. was born on December 9, 1951. He is an American politician. He served as the 54th mayor of Kansas City, Missouri. His time as mayor was from 2011 to 2019. Sly James lived in the Union Hill neighborhood of Kansas City. Many people knew him for wearing bow ties during his time as mayor.

About Sly James

Early Life and Education

Sly James grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. His childhood home was on the East side of the city. He went to Bishop Hogan High School and graduated in 1969. During high school, he was the lead singer in a band. The band was called the Amelia Earhart Memorial Flying Band. Later, they changed their name to Manchester Trafficway. They even opened for the famous band Jefferson Airplane once!

In 1971, James joined the Marines. He worked as a military policeman. He served in places like California, Japan, and the Philippines. He left the Marines honorably in 1975.

After his military service, James went to college. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Rockhurst College in 1980. He graduated with honors. He then studied law at Syracuse University College of Law. He later transferred to the University of Minnesota Law School. He earned his law degree there in 1983, also with honors.

Career Before Becoming Mayor

After law school, Sly James returned to Kansas City. He started working at a law firm. In 1990, he became the first African-American partner at that firm. Later, in 1993, he started his own law firm. His firm focused on cases like personal injury.

From 1992 to 2002, he was a member and president of the Missouri Board of Law Examiners. This board helps decide who can become a lawyer. In 2003, he led the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.

In 2012, Newsweek magazine recognized James. They listed him as one of the most innovative mayors. This was because he helped Kansas City become a "Silicon Prairie." This means he helped new technology businesses grow there. He also worked with Google to bring their super-fast internet service, Google Fiber, to the city.

Becoming Mayor of Kansas City

In 2010, Sly James decided to run for mayor. He had never held an elected public office before. The election was in 2011. In the first round of voting, called the primary, he came in first place.

The final election was on March 22, 2011. James ran against Mike Burke. The election was friendly and calm. James won the election with 54 percent of the votes. He celebrated his win at the American Jazz Museum.

Sly James became the second African-American mayor in Kansas City's history. The first was Emanuel Cleaver.

City Curfew Decision

On August 13, 2011, Mayor James was visiting the Country Club Plaza. He was looking into a request to set a 9 p.m. curfew there. This was because many teens were gathering there at night. While he was there, gunshots were heard nearby. Three young people were hurt.

Less than a week later, the city council voted. They approved a city-wide curfew. The curfew applies to different age groups and times of the year. It aims to keep young people safe.

Re-election as Mayor

Sly James ran for mayor again in 2015. He won the election easily. He received 87.3% of the votes.

Visit to the White House

On January 21, 2016, Mayor James visited the White House. He appeared during the daily press briefing. Josh Earnest, who was the White House Press Secretary, was from Kansas City. James spoke about how well Kansas City was doing. He also praised President Barack Obama for helping race relations. He highlighted Kansas City's success with new businesses. He also mentioned the Kansas City Royals winning the 2015 World Series.

Key Accomplishments as Mayor

During his time as mayor, Sly James achieved several important things:

• In 2017, voters approved an $800 million plan. This money was for fixing city infrastructure. It included streets, bridges, and sidewalks. It also covered flood control and a new animal shelter. Public buildings were updated to be more accessible.
• Also in 2017, voters approved a plan for a new airport terminal. This new design would replace the older terminals at KCI airport.
• James said he was most proud of starting a nonprofit group. It's called Turn the Page KC. This group helps children improve their reading skills. Their goal is for kids to read well by the end of third grade.

See also

• List of mayors of the largest 50 US cities