Ron Kirk is an American politician, lawyer, and diplomat. From 1995 to 2002, he served as the 56th Mayor of Dallas, making him the first African American to hold the city’s highest office. Read on to learn more about the life and career of this influential leader on dallas-yes.
Early Life and Education
Born in Austin, Texas, on June 27, 1954, Ron Kirk was the youngest of four children. Growing up, he witnessed his family’s keen interest in American politics. His father worked for the national postal service, and his uncle was a prominent civil rights leader.
Even in his school days, Kirk showcased his natural leadership abilities. He was a student leader throughout middle school and served as student council president during his senior year at John H. Reagan High School. Notably, Kirk grew up in a predominantly Black community and attended public schools in his hometown.
After high school, Ron Kirk pursued his higher education at Austin College, majoring in political science and sociology. He then went on to earn his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. In 1981, Kirk began his legal career in the office of then-Texas Senator Lloyd Bentsen. He relocated to Dallas in 1983, working as an attorney.
The Political Ascent of Dallas’s First Black Mayor
In 1994, Ron Kirk served as Texas Secretary of State. The following year, he decided to throw his hat into the ring for the Dallas mayoral race. With strong support from the Dallas business community and influential members of the city’s African American community, Kirk’s bid was successful. He made history by becoming the first African American mayor of Dallas, securing a decisive 62% of the vote.
During his tenure as mayor, Ron Kirk quickly became a beloved figure among Dallas residents. He earned a reputation as a competent and effective political leader, and for good reason. First, Kirk was known for his coalition-building skills, adeptly finding common ground with both the city and school councils. Second, he spearheaded the “Dallas Plan,” a comprehensive blueprint for the city’s development over the next 25 years. Third, Kirk played a pivotal role in the construction of the American Airlines Center, which opened its doors in 2002.
Given his stellar performance, it was no surprise that Dallas residents overwhelmingly re-elected Kirk in 1999. He garnered an impressive 74% of the vote. While his re-election campaign was largely successful, it wasn’t without a minor hiccup. The sole misstep was a radio advertisement that used music from the movie “Star Trek.” The ad famously depicted Ron Kirk as the “Captain of the Dallas ship,” promising new sports arenas, roads, and a bond system. However, lawyers from Paramount Pictures quickly sent a cease and desist letter, leading to the ad’s removal.
In 2002, Ron Kirk stepped down as Mayor of Dallas with plans to run for a seat in the U.S. Senate. However, he wasn’t the only one eyeing the spot vacated by Republican Phil Gramm; Texas Attorney General John Cornyn also sought the position. Ultimately, Dallas’s first Black mayor was unsuccessful in his bid, securing only 43% of the votes.
Following his unsuccessful Senate campaign, Ron Kirk returned to Dallas and joined the law firm Gardere Wynne Sewell. He later became a partner at Vinson and Elkins. As of March 2007, according to Texans for Public Justice, Ron Kirk was one of the four highest-paid lobbyists for Energy Future Holdings Corporation.