Paul McKinney (politician)

Paul McKinney (April 16, 1923 – June 28, 1995) was an American politician who served as a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 8th district from 1975 to 1982.[1]

Not to be confused with Paul McKinney.
Paul McKinney
Member of the Pennsylvania Senate
from the 8th district
In office
January 7, 1975 – November 30, 1982
Preceded byThomas McCreesh
Succeeded byHardy Williams
Personal details
BornApril 16, 1923
Albany, Georgia
DiedJune 28, 1995(1995-06-28) (aged 72)
West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Bessie Grayson
ChildrenMarcella, Gloria, Robert (Bobby), Paula, Diane, Gwen, Elaine and Vernell
OccupationBusiness Owner

Early life and education

McKinney was born in 1923 in Albany, Georgia. In 1941 he moved to Darby, Pennsylvania and served in the U.S. Merchant Marines during and after World War II. He moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the late 1940s and attended Palmer Business College.[2]

Business career

McKinney owned several business, his first being a restaurant and catering business with his wife Bessie. In the 1960s he owned and operated a television sales and repair shop. In 1966 he became one of Philadelphia's first African American U.S. Postal Service independent contractors.

Political career

McKinney served as a Democratic Party Committeeman and Ward Chairman of West Philadelphia's 60th Ward for a number of years. In 1974 he was elected to the Pennsylvania Senate for the 8th district and served from 1975 to 1982.[3]

Personal life

In 1949, he married Bessie Grayson and together had five daughters. One of his daughters, Diane McKinney-Whetstone became an award-winning author and faculty member of the University of Pennsylvania's creative writing program.[4]

References
  1. Cox, Harold. "Senate Members "M"". Wilkes University Election Statistics Project. Wilkes University.
  2. Black Legislators in Pennsylvania 1911-2010 (PDF). p. 37. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
  3. "Pennsylvania State Senate - Paul McKinney Biography". www.legis.state.pa.us. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
  4. "McKinney-Whetstone, Diane 1954-". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
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