(MOBILE, Ala.)--Often
referred to as the “Black Jackie Onassis” for her style and grace, the state of
Alabama is mourning the loss of Dr. Yvonne Kennedy who passed away Saturday
following a brief illness. Yvonne Kennedy, known for her eloquent, refined
Southern demeanor, passed away exactly one month to the day prior to what would
have been her 68th birthday, January 8th.
Her standards of excellence extended beyond the
halls of the Alabama legislature. For 25 years, she rose to prominence and
became the President for Bishop State Junior College in Mobile and then later the
National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. A woman who wore many hats,
Dr. Kennedy is also being remembered for her work as past chairwoman of the
Alabama Legislative Black Caucus.
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| Yvonne Kennedy |
Yvonne Kennedy lived in the community she loved and
worked hard to become a 'beacon of hope" for the people in her community.
She believed in her community because she was committed to the belief
"change comes from the inside-out, not the outside in." Her life was
a testimony of her beliefs because she worked hard in expanding the Mobile
Community and bringing a quality education, health care and the right to vote
to ex-felons incarcerated in the state of Alabama.
Yvonne Kennedy, a woman Mobile Mayor Sam Jones
called a "pillar of the community and will be remembered for her
leadership and commitment to the city.
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley remembered Kennedy in a
tweet. "She was a fine lady who represented her district well,"
he wrote. Bentley is expected to call a special election in the coming
week to fill Kennedy's seat.
A longtime state representative, she was elected to
the state house in 1979. Kennedy was the second permanent president of
Bishop State Community College, appointed in 1981 after its namesake Sanford D.
Bishop, Senior. She has been credited
with overseeing major growth to the campus. She retired from this position amid
a financial scandal in 2006.
She will be greatly missed by me and many other Black professional women who always had her as "the best example" of how to be a lady in the mist of a male dominate business and political world. She was instrumental in giving me an early start in my career as a journalist following high school. Dr. Yvonne Kennedy also encouraged me to "strive for excellence" in everything and for that I'm eternally grateful.
Dr. Yvonne Kennedy, a tireless servant of the people who rose in the national spotlight, but never forgot where she came from because she never left.
Dr. Yvonne Kennedy, a tireless servant of the people who rose in the national spotlight, but never forgot where she came from because she never left.
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