Ronald Kirk American politician and lawyer Date of Birth: 27.07.1954 Country: USA

Biography of Ronald Kirk

Ronald "Ron" Kirk was born on June 27, 1954 in Austin, Texas. He grew up in a working-class suburb of Austin, the youngest of four children in a black family. His father, Lee Kirk, worked as a postal worker, and his mother, Willie Mae Jones, was a school teacher and cellist in the city orchestra. Despite facing racial discrimination, Kirk excelled academically and was involved in student leadership.

After graduating from Reagan High School in 1972, Kirk attended Austin College. He interrupted his studies to work in the Texas state government and later graduated in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Sociology. He then attended the University of Texas School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor degree in 1979.

Following his graduation, Kirk practiced law in Dallas and worked in the office of Democratic Senator Lloyd Bentsen in Washington, D.C. In 1983, he returned to Dallas and worked in the city's attorney general's office. He later became the Deputy Mayor of Dallas and held various lobbyist positions.

In 1995, Kirk was elected as the first African-American mayor of Dallas, serving two terms. During his tenure, he focused on promoting business and economic growth, including the creation of the North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA). He also spearheaded the construction of the American Airlines Center and a city park along the Trinity River.

After leaving office as mayor, Kirk ran for the U.S. Senate in 2002 but was unsuccessful. He then worked as a lobbyist for various companies before being nominated by President Barack Obama to serve as the United States Trade Representative in 2009. Kirk's nomination was met with mixed reviews due to his previous support for NAFTA.

In addition to his political career, Kirk has served on the boards of several companies and charitable organizations. He is married to Matrice Ellis and they have two daughters together. They are active members of the Methodist church.