E. Denise Simmons is the current mayor of Cambridge, Massachusetts, (United States) and is the first openly lesbian African-American mayor in the United States.[1] The previous mayor of Cambridge, Kenneth Reeves, was the first openly gay African-American mayor in the United States. As Cambridge mayor, Simmons serves as head of the city's legislative body—while the non-elected city manager serves as the city's chief executive officer.
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Personal
Simmons grew up in Cambridge's industrial neighborhood and attended Cambridge schools. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts at Boston, and a Master's degree in Psychotherapy from Antioch College. In 1982, she established her own business, the Cambridgeport Insurance Agency.
Simmons is also a photo archivist and family historian, and has facilitated workshops for public and private organizations both nationally and locally—including for the Cambridge Public Schools. Simmons has received numerous awards and commendations for her work in the community.[specify]
Politics
A Justice of the Peace and Notary Public, Simmons came to public office with 12 years of experience with the city-funded citizen rights organization Civic Unity Committee, which she served as executive director. In 2001, she took a seat on the city council. Her election to mayor of Cambridge by the Cambridge City Councilors on January 14, 2008 was unanimous.[2]
See also
References
- ^ Queerty.com: Black lesbian makes history in Massachusetts
- ^ "Mayor's Biography". cambridgema.gov. http://www.cambridgema.gov/mayor2.cfm?article_id=4&tnltext=Mayor%27s%20Biography. Retrieved 2009-06-07.
External links
- Office of the Mayor — City of Cambridge official website
| Political offices | ||
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| Preceded by Kenneth Reeves |
Mayor of Cambridge, Massachusetts 2008 - present |
Incumbent |
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