Skip to content

Biography · Film & Television

James E. Simpson Jr.

1928–1999

United States

Source image for James E. Simpson Jr.Loading image…
Visit the source record ↗

Biography

James Simpson Jr (1928–1999) was the first African American to win a city commission election in the history of Covington, Kentucky. Simpson was one of nearly 30 people who filed to run for the City Commission in 1971. He finished third, winning one of four seats and making political history. Simpson served the full two-year term. He later finished an un-expired term on the commission in 1991. Simpson was active in many other civic groups. He served on the following boards: Kenton County Airport Board (8 years - in 1978 he was elected Chairman), People's Liberty Bank Board of Directors, Booth Hospital in Covington, St. Elizabeth Hospital in Covington and the Kenton County TB Sanatorium. Simpson was also one of the founders of the Northern Kentucky Community Center in the Eastside Neighborhood of Covington.

Sources & collection details

Wikipedia contributors — original record ↗

Black heritage reference ↗

Biography text · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source checked 2026-10-20

Continue exploring Series 1

Arts, Music & Culture →Civil Rights & Public Life →Business & Enterprise →Everyday Life & Community →

Explore all Series 1 cards →

Keep exploring