W. W. Herenton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Willie Herenton
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| 62nd Mayor of Memphis | |
| In office January 1, 1992 – July 30, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Richard Hackett |
| Succeeded by | Myron Lowery (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Willie Wilbert Herenton
April 23, 1940 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | LeMoyne-Owen College (BA) University of Memphis (MEd) Southern Illinois University (EdD) |
Willie Wilbert Herenton (born April 23, 1940) is an American politician from Memphis, Tennessee. He made history as the first African-American person elected as Mayor of Memphis, Tennessee. Herenton served five terms as mayor. He resigned from his position in 2009 during his fifth term.
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Early Life and Education
Willie Wilbert Herenton was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He was raised by his mother, Ruby Lee Harris. From a young age, Herenton was encouraged to follow his dream of becoming a Golden Gloves boxer.
He attended Le Moyne-Owen College, earning a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Later, he received a master's degree in Educational Administration from the University of Memphis. To get his doctorate in education, Herenton had to leave Memphis. This was because of segregation, which kept people of different races apart. He earned his doctorate from Southern Illinois University.
Leading Memphis Schools
After college, Herenton started his career as a fifth-grade teacher at Memphis City Schools. In 1968, he supported the Memphis Sanitation Strike. He marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. and carried a sign that said "I AM A MAN." This choice led to challenges from school leaders and other teachers.
In 1969, Herenton became the principal of Bethel Grove Elementary. At 28, he was the youngest principal ever hired in Memphis. Three years later, he completed his Ph.D. degree. After returning from a special training program, Herenton became the Deputy Superintendent of Memphis City Schools. In 1979, he became the first African-American superintendent of Memphis City Schools.
During his 12 years as superintendent, Herenton started many programs. These programs aimed to help young people who faced challenges. They also gave teachers more freedom in their work. He resigned from this role in 1991.
Becoming Mayor of Memphis
Mayoral Elections
In April 1991, over 3,000 people in Memphis chose Willie Herenton as their candidate for mayor. On October 3, 1991, Herenton became the first African-American person elected mayor of Memphis. He won his first term by a very small number of votes, defeating the mayor at the time, Richard Hackett.
Herenton went on to win five mayoral elections in a row. He was elected for his fifth term on October 4, 2007.
Serving as Mayor
During his time as mayor, Herenton was praised for several achievements. He helped put the city on a strong financial path. He also oversaw the rebuilding of downtown Memphis. This brought new private investments to the city. Two professional sports teams also came to Memphis: the Memphis Grizzlies (basketball) and the Memphis Redbirds (baseball).
Herenton was considered for the 2008 World Mayor award. However, he was not chosen for this honor.
On March 20, 2008, Herenton announced he would step down as mayor. He said he would leave office on July 31, 2008. This announcement came just over 90 days after he was re-elected for his fifth term. He later said he would not leave unless he became the superintendent of schools again. Herenton explained that he only ran for re-election in 2007 to protect Memphis. He believed he needed to protect the city from other main candidates.
Herenton eventually resigned from office on July 30, 2009. Myron Lowery, who was the Memphis City Council Chairman, became the acting mayor. Lowery served for three months. Then, A.C. Wharton won a special election to finish Herenton’s term.
Later Mayoral Campaigns
On April 5, 2018, Herenton announced he would run for mayor of Memphis again. He challenged the current mayor, Jim Strickland, in the 2019 Memphis mayoral election. Strickland won the election. Herenton accepted the results on election night.
On February 6, 2023, Herenton joined the race to become mayor once more. He placed third in the 2023 Memphis mayoral election. The winner was Paul Young, who became the new mayor.
Personal Life
Willie Herenton has four children. He and his first wife are divorced. His grandson, Willie, played college basketball for Miami (Florida).
See also
In Spanish: W. W. Herenton para niños
