July 15
On July 15, 1970, James H. McGee was sworn in as the first Black mayor of Dayton, Ohio.
James H. McGee served as mayor from 1970-1981.
James McGee broke many color barriers throughout his political career. Before jumping into politics and social activism, McGee pursued higher education. He earned a degree from Wilberforce University, before serving in the U.S army.
Shortly after, he attended law school at Ohio State University. Using his new found knowledge and passion for law and justice, McGee started a career in politics in the 1960s.
After years of service, advocacy and activism McGee died in 2006 at the age of 87.
Sources
James H. McGee, Dayton’s first African-american mayor. Out of the Box. (2019, February 5). https://blogs.libraries.wright.edu/news/outofthebox/2015/02/19/james-h-mcgee-daytons-first-african-american-
mayor/#:~:text=the%20Dayton%20area.-,James%20H.,in%20Woodland%20Cemetery%20in%20Dayton
Powell, L. (2021, February 22). James H. McGee, Dayton’s trailblazing mayor. dayton. https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/throwback-thursday-james-mcgee-dayton-trailblazing-mayor/PNPaEtV0et7bx0BSQ3UxOP/
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