James A. Sharp Jr. (May 28, 1933 – July 2, 2023) was an American politician who served as mayor of the City of Flint, Michigan, and the second "strong" mayor under Flint's 1974 Charter.
James A. Sharp Jr. | |
|---|---|
| 87th Mayor of the City of Flint | |
| In office 1983–1987 | |
| Preceded by | James W. Rutherford |
| Succeeded by | Matthew S. Collier[1] |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 28, 1933 |
| Died | July 2, 2023 (aged 90) |
| Political party | Democratic[2] |
Career
editSharp defeated James W. Rutherford at his attempt at a third term for Flint Mayor,[3] effectively becoming the city's first popularly elected African American mayor;[4] the city's first African American mayor Floyd J. McCree, who served between 1966 and 1968, had been selected by the Flint City Commission. In 1984, Sharp was selected as alternate delegate to Democratic National Convention from Michigan.[2] Sharp was defeated by Matthew S. Collier in 1987.[3]
Death
editReferences
edit- ^ "The Political Graveyard: Mayors and Postmasters of Flint, Michigan".
- ^ a b "The Political Graveyard: Index to Politicians: Sharp".
- ^ a b Raymer, Marjory (2007-08-09). "Two white candidates make history". Flint Journal. Flint, Michigan: Booth Newspapers. Retrieved 2009-01-06.
- ^ "A one-to-one man. Mayor of Flint, Mich. Facing crime and racial unrest, the city's tough but tender mayor uses a personal touch and an on-the-scenes presence to bring people together". Christian Science Monitor. 21 October 1986.
- ^ "Mr. James A. Sharp Jr". Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
- ^ "Former City of Flint Mayor James Sharp Jr. passes away". WEYI-TV. 5 July 2023. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
