
Almost three decades ago, because of your hard work, I became the first elected Black Mayor in Memphis History.
I ran in 1991 for many of the same reasons I am running for Mayor today: our streets are not safe, our people are suffering, and those in office have forgotten where their power comes from, the People.
I do not make the decision to run for mayor lightly, nor do I take your support for granted.
There is work to be done and I am eager to roll up my sleeves – and together with a top notch, diverse team – move Memphis toward becoming the progressive city it is destined to be.
New ideas
Over 4 decades of public service
old school skill
Dr. W.W. Herenton was born in memphis, TN on april 23,1940




After teaching, serving as principal and a district administrator,
Dr. herenton became the first black superintendent of memphis city schools in 1979
Dr. Herenton’s CV from 1989
Education:
Booker T. Washington High School, 1958: High School Diploma
LeMoyne College, 1963: B.S. Elementary Education
Memphis State, 1966: M.A.Educational Administration
Southern Illinois Administration, 1971: Ph.D Educational Administration
Professional Experience:
Shannon Elementary(MCSS), 1963-1967: Fifth Grade Teacher
Memphis City School System, 1967-1968: Administrative Internship
Bethel Grove Elementery(MCSS), 1968-1970: Principal
Southern Illinois University, 1970-1971: Instructor
Kansas State University, Summer 1971: Visiting Professor
Larose Elementry(MCSS), 1971-1973: Principal
Memphis State University, 1973-1978: Part-Time Instructor
Rockefeller Foundation, 1973-1974: Superintendent Training Program (Baltimore and Washington DC, Office of the Superintendent)
University of Tennessee/Memphis State University, 1974-1975: Project Coordinator (Program Evaluation Study)
Memphis City School System, 1975-1979: Deputy Superintendent
Memphis City School System, 1979-: First Black Superintendent in MCSS History.
Boards, Committees and other Organizations:
Board of Directors: United Way of Greater Memphis
Board of Directors: Chickasaw Council, Boy Scouts of America
Executive Board of Directors: National Conference of Christians and Jews
Board of Directors, Choirmon: Economic Club of Memphis
Advisory Board of Directors: LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center
Member of the Executive Advisory Council: Fogelmon College of Business and Economics
Economics Executive Advisory Council: Memphis Development Foundation
Board of Trustees: National Urban League
National Board of Directors: Junior Achievement, Incorporated
Board of Trustees: LeMoyne-Owen College
Board of Directors: Holiday Corporation
Board of Directors: Memphis Chamber of Commerce
Awards:
NDEA Fellowship in Geography, Ohio State University, I966
Raymond Foster Memorial Scholarship Award
Outstanding Young Men of America Awards, Southern Illinois University, 1970
Recipient of The Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship, 1973-74
Outstanding Service in Education Award, Alpha Kappa Alpha, 1975
Alumnus of the Year, LeMoyne-Owen College, 1976
Service Key Award, Phi Delta Kappa Memphis State University Chapter, 1978
Community Service Award, The National Conference of Christians and Jews, 1979
Distinguished Service Award, Memphis Chapter NAACP
Citizen of the Year, Omega- Epsilon Psi Chapter, 1980
Top I00 School Executives in the United States and Canada, Executive Educator, 1980
Who’s Who Among Black Americans, 1980 Volume
Gridiron Headliner Award, Memphis Media Association, 1980
Liberty Bell Award, Memphis and Shelby County Bar Association, 1980
Honorary Membership in the Phi Circle of Omicron, Delta Kappa Fraternity, Southwestern at Memphis, 1981
Civic Recognition Award, The Memphis Rotary Club, 1982
Silver Beaver Award, Chickasaw Council, Boy Scouts of America, 1983
Top I00 School Executives in the United States and Canada, Executive Educator, 1984
Distinguished Alumni, National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, 1984
Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree, Rhodes College, 1985
Professional Achievement Award, Southern Illinois University Alumni Association, 1986
Professional and Organizational Memberships:
American Management Association
American Association of School Administrators
The National Alliance of Black Educators
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
The Memphis Rotary Club
The Economic Club of Memphis
NAACP, Memphis Branch
Phi Delta Kappa
Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Delta Boule