Sunday, July 18, 2010

From The Honorable Sis. Cynthia McKinney: Information On Billy McKinney, My Daddy . . .

To The Honorable Sis. Cynthia McKinney:
I offer my sincere condolences...The fruit doesn't fall too far from the tree so your daddy was a true freedom fighter just like you...I thank him for allowing you to become the brilliant and confident and caring humanitarian that you are...As a Black man who knew the value of being a father and one who stands for something his model will be replicated but his distinct persona and style will never be duplicated for he is a true original...Take care and know that the many who admire you also grieve and celebrate the life that was and the legacy that will always be...
Your comrade,
Bro. Ron

A Glimpse Into The Life Of Honorable James Edward “Billy” McKinney

Sunrise February 23, 1927 -- Sunset July 15, 2010

James Edward “Billy” McKinney was born to the late Ann Lewis in Atlanta, Georgia. He was raised by his loving grandmother, Annie Bell Dixon.

Billy joined the U.S. Army in 1945. Upon his return to Georgia from the European war theatre, while still wearing his U.S. Army uniform, Billy was arrested for drinking from the “White Only” water fountain.

He attended Clark Atlanta, University and joined the fraternity Phi Beta Sigma.

“Billy,” as he is fondly known by family, friends and colleagues grew up to become a socially and politically conscious young man; always fighting for justice and equality. This mind-set led him to join the Atlanta Police Department in 1947. Billy was one of the first black policemen in the city of Atlanta. He often reflected on walking the streets of Atlanta being allowed to police only “colored” folk, since black policemen were not allowed to arrest whites. He readily recognized this injustice and formed a one-man protest, picketing the Atlanta Police Department headquarters on his off days,, often in his police uniform and much to the ire of his fellow officers.

It was on his Grady Hospital “beat” that he met and married his loving wife of 56 years, Leola Christion McKinney. To this union, was born a daughter, Cynthia Ann McKinney. Billy also had 2 sons, Gregory and James, from a previous marriage.

Billy made a conscious decision that picketing from the outside was not as effective as being on the inside as a part of the law-making body, helping to make laws that made sense. He ran unsuccessfully for Alderman, County Commissioner, as well as U.S. Congress as an Independent Candidate in 1982, against Wyche Fowler. 

Billy McKinney was NOT a quitter, and in 1970, was elected to the Georgia State Legislature after the passage of the 1965 Voting rights Act mandated election law changes in the State of Georgia. His position in the Legislature was accompanied by that of his daughter in 1989, as she too was elected to the Georgia State Legislature. Thus, Billy and Cynthia served as the first father-daughter team of lawmakers in the history of the State of Georgia. Billy served as an elected official in the State where he was born and raised for more than 30 years.

Many bills were enacted during his years as a public servant that changed the legislative landscape of the State of Georgia. In tribute to his service, a stretch of Interstate 285, from I-20 to the Cobb County line is named in his honor; Representative James E. “Billy” McKinney. Highway.

Billy was one of the forgotten Civil Rights advocates and activists. He often joined causes for justice and equality with his then-young daughter on his shoulders. He marched with the more recognized leaders and fought just as hard with the less recognized, but just as important people in the neighborhoods and communities in Atlanta.

His political prowess was recognized across the nation and the world, and his advice and counsel were sought from elected officials and candidates for elected office near and far. He was requested to tell his life story annually for a period of time to students from California State University at Pomona, as the group toured the South on their Civil Rights Tour; and he often spoke at events of socially conscious organizations. Billy served on numerous boards and was active in many organizations.

In his younger days, Billy was an avid tennis player. He also spent a lot of time reading and researching, turning himself into a ‘walking encyclopedia.’ His unique view of the world sometimes found him at odds with so-called conventional wisdom, but Billy McKinney was true to his principles, regardless.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Leola,; daughter, former Congresswoman Cynthia Ann; 2 sons, James and Gregory; one grandson, Coy and 2 granddaughters, Morgan and Lauren; sisters-in-law Joan Christian (Thurman), Atlanta, GA, Virginia Christion, (Roosevelt “Fat”), Birmingham, AL; brothers-in-law: Ernest Christion (Luvenia), Birmingham, AL, Haywood Christion (Wylean), Birmingham, AL Eugene Christion (Cassandra) Atlanta, GA; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.

Family Hour will be held on Sunday, July 18, 2010 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home located at 1003 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard, while the Celebration of Billy’s Life will take place on Monday, July 19, 2010 at 11:00 am at Jackson Memorial Baptist Church (pastored by Reverend Doctor Gregory Sutton), located at 534 Fairburn Road, N.W.; Atlanta, Georgia 30331. Interment will be at Lincoln Cemetery. Arrangements have been made by Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home (www.williewatkins.com).


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Silence is the deadliest weapon of mass destruction.



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