Kenneth Cooper Alexander
Encyclopedia
Kenneth Cooper "Kenny" Alexander (born October 17, 1966, in Norfolk, Virginia
) is an American politician of the Democratic Party
. Since 2002 he has been a member of the Virginia House of Delegates
, representing the 89th District in Norfolk.
he was drum major
of the marching band
.
He studied mortuary science at John Tyler Community College
in Chester, Virginia
and married a classmate, Donna Burnley. After graduation, they set up business in Norfolk, starting the Metropolitan Funeral Service in the Berkley
neighborhood in the southwest corner of the city. They later expanded, opening a second funeral home in the mid-town Wards Corner area.
After his election to the House, Alexander pursued and received a masters degree in political science from Norwich University
. Since then, he has taught courses in government and political affairs at Tidewater Community College
.
In May 2002, Governor
Mark Warner
appointed the 89th District incumbent, Delegate Jerrauld C. Jones to be Director of the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice. Alexander won the Democratic nomination, then won a special election on August 6 with 72% of the vote in a three-way race.
Alexander was unopposed in two of his three succeeding elections.
On December 15, 2008, Alexander became chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus
.
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. With a population of 242,803 as of the 2010 Census, it is Virginia's second-largest city behind neighboring Virginia Beach....
) is an American politician of the Democratic Party
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
. Since 2002 he has been a member of the Virginia House of Delegates
Virginia House of Delegates
The Virginia House of Delegates is the lower house of the Virginia General Assembly. It has 100 members elected for terms of two years; unlike most states, these elections take place during odd-numbered years. The House is presided over by the Speaker of the House, who is elected from among the...
, representing the 89th District in Norfolk.
Early life
Alexander grew up in Norfolk, where he attended public schools. At Lake Taylor High SchoolLake Taylor High School
Lake Taylor High School is a public high school located in Norfolk, Virginia and is the "Home of the Mighty Titans". It is administered by Norfolk City Public Schools. The school colors are red and white and its mascot is the Titans. Lake Taylor High is also the home to a NJROTC program and is...
he was drum major
Drum Major
A drum major is the leader of a marching band, drum and bugle corps, or pipe band, usually positioned at the head of the band or corps. The drum major, who is often dressed in more ornate clothing than the rest of the band or corps, is responsible for providing commands to the ensemble regarding...
of the marching band
Marching band
Marching band is a physical activity in which a group of instrumental musicians generally perform outdoors and incorporate some type of marching with their musical performance. Instrumentation typically includes brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments...
.
He studied mortuary science at John Tyler Community College
John Tyler Community College
John Tyler Community College is a two-year, public institution of higher education and is the fifth largest of the 23 community colleges in Virginia. John Tyler is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and offers 17 associate degree programs,...
in Chester, Virginia
Chester, Virginia
Chester is a census-designated place in Chesterfield County, Virginia, United States. The population was 20,987 at the 2010 census.-History:...
and married a classmate, Donna Burnley. After graduation, they set up business in Norfolk, starting the Metropolitan Funeral Service in the Berkley
Berkley, Virginia
Berkley was an incorporated town in Norfolk County, Virginia. Chartered by an Act of Assembly in 1890, the Town of Berkley was located directly across the eastern branch of the Elizabeth River from the City of Norfolk in the South Hampton Roads area....
neighborhood in the southwest corner of the city. They later expanded, opening a second funeral home in the mid-town Wards Corner area.
After his election to the House, Alexander pursued and received a masters degree in political science from Norwich University
Norwich University
Norwich University is a private university located in Northfield, Vermont . The university was founded in 1819 at Norwich, Vermont, as the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy. It is the oldest of six Senior Military Colleges, and is recognized by the United States Department of...
. Since then, he has taught courses in government and political affairs at Tidewater Community College
Tidewater Community College
Tidewater Community College is a two-year higher education institution in South Hampton Roads with campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach — and serving approximately 46,000 students. The school is known locally by its abbreviation, TCC.-History:The school was founded...
.
Political career
Alexander was a leader in economic development efforts in Berkley through the Beacon Light Community Housing Development Organization, which he helped organize, and through appointments to the Norfolk Planning Commission and Norfolk Economic Development Authority.In May 2002, Governor
Governor
A governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
Mark Warner
Mark Warner
Mark Robert Warner is an American politician and businessman, currently serving in the United States Senate as the junior senator from the Commonwealth of Virginia. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Warner was the 69th governor of Virginia from 2002 to 2006 and is the honorary chairman of...
appointed the 89th District incumbent, Delegate Jerrauld C. Jones to be Director of the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice. Alexander won the Democratic nomination, then won a special election on August 6 with 72% of the vote in a three-way race.
Alexander was unopposed in two of his three succeeding elections.
On December 15, 2008, Alexander became chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus
Virginia Legislative Black Caucus
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus is an American political organization composed of African Americans elected to the Virginia General Assembly.-Priorities:The No. 1 budget priority is continuing to fund a proton beam cancer center at Hampton University...
.
External links
- Official website
- Virginia Public Access Project: Kenneth Alexander
- Virginia State Board of Elections results for 89th House District
- Project Vote Smart - Representative Kenneth Cooper 'Kenny' Alexander (VA) profile
- Follow the Money - Kenneth Cooper Alexander