Billy McKinney (politician)
| Billy McKinney | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives from the 51st district |
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In office January 11, 1993 – January 13, 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Thurbert Baker |
| Succeeded by | Nan Grogan Orrock |
| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives from the 35th district |
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In office January 1973 – January 11, 1993 |
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| Succeeded by | Tom Cauthorn |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Edward McKinney February 23, 1927 Abbeville, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | July 15, 2010 (aged 83) Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Leola Christion |
| Alma mater | Clark College |
| Religion | Methodist |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1945–1946 |
James Edward "Billy" McKinney (February 23, 1927 – July 15, 2010) was an American politician from the U.S. state of Georgia. Although McKinney served as a Democrat in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1983 until 2002, he ran as an Independent for Congress after that time. In 2008 he joined the Green Party and cast delegate votes for their Presidential nominee. McKinney was the father of Cynthia McKinney, former United States Representative from Georgia and Green party Presidential candidate.
McKinney was born in Abbeville in Wilcox County, Georgia. He attended the Atlanta public schools and Clark College, a historically black college. He became a decorated veteran of the United States Army. He was credited with integrating the Atlanta Police Department and spearheading the efforts of the Afro-American Police League. A portion of Interstate 285 is known in his honor as the "James E. "Billy" McKinney Highway" between I-20 in northwest Atlanta and I-75 near Cumberland Mall.
McKinney was known as a politician who did not shy away from controversy. In 1981, he acted as co-chairman of the campaign of Sidney Marcus for Mayor of Atlanta. Marcus was a prominent Jewish leader; his opponent was the well-known African-American politician Andrew Young. McKinney's choice antagonized much of the African-American community in Atlanta.
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