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. He served five terms in a row before he decided to leave his position in 2009.
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Early Life and Education
Willie Wilbert Herenton was born in Memphis, Tennessee. His mother, Ruby Lee Harris, raised him. From a young age, he was encouraged to follow his dream of becoming a Golden Gloves boxer.
Herenton earned his first degree in Elementary Education from Le Moyne-Owen College. He then got a master's degree in Educational Administration from the University of Memphis. To get his doctorate in education, he had to go to Southern Illinois University.
Leading Memphis City Schools
After college, Herenton started working as a fifth-grade teacher in Memphis City Schools. In 1968, he supported the Memphis sanitation strike. He marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and held a sign that said "I AM A MAN." This choice led to some challenges for him at work.
However, 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 finished his Ph.D. degree. In 1979, Herenton became the first African-American superintendent of Memphis City Schools. He held this important role for 12 years. During his time, he started programs to help young people and give teachers more freedom. He resigned in 1991 to run for mayor.
Becoming Mayor of Memphis
Winning Elections
In April 1991, many people in Memphis chose Herenton to run for mayor. On October 3, he became the first African-American person elected as mayor of Memphis. He won his first election by a very small number of votes against the mayor at the time, Richard Hackett.
Herenton was very popular and won five mayoral elections in a row. He was elected for his fifth term on October 4, 2007.
His Time as Mayor
During his time as mayor, Herenton was praised for making the city financially stable. He also helped improve downtown Memphis. New businesses and two professional sports teams, the Memphis Grizzlies (basketball) and the Memphis Redbirds (baseball), came to the city.
Herenton was considered for the 2008 World Mayor award, which recognizes mayors from around the world.
On March 20, 2008, Herenton announced he would leave his job as mayor. He said he wanted to become the superintendent of Memphis City Schools again. However, he later decided to stay in office. He finally resigned on July 30, 2009. After he left, Myron Lowery became the acting mayor for a short time. Then, A C Wharton was elected in a special election to finish Herenton's term.
Running for Congress
In 2010, Herenton decided to run for a seat in the U.S. Congress. He ran against Congressman Steve Cohen in the Democratic primary election. This district in Tennessee has many African-American voters.
Herenton's campaign manager said that the congressional seat was meant for African-American representation. However, Congressman Cohen received support from President Barack Obama. Cohen won the election, and Herenton received 20% of the votes.
Later Mayoral Campaigns
On April 5, 2018, Herenton announced he would run for mayor of Memphis again. He wanted to serve a sixth term. He ran against the current mayor, Jim Strickland, in the 2019 Memphis mayoral election. Strickland won the election.
In 2023, Herenton ran for mayor once more in the 2023 Memphis mayoral election. He placed third in the race. Paul Young was elected as 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
