September 7th 2024.
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of North Carolina State Representative Kelly Alexander Jr. announced his passing on September 6th. He had served in the state's legislature for nearly two decades, leaving a lasting impact on his community and the state as a whole.
According to a report by WRAL, Alexander had a long and distinguished career as a dedicated activist before entering politics in 2008. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Kelly Alexander Sr., who was a leader in the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP for over three decades.
In a statement, the family expressed their shock and grief over the loss of their beloved 75-year-old patriarch. They described Kelly as a man whose unwavering commitment to his city, district, state, and nation was both profound and heartfelt.
"Kelly's passion for serving his community was evident throughout his life," the family wrote in a statement released on August 6th. "His sudden passing has left us reeling, and we ask for privacy as we come to terms with this loss and make arrangements to honor his memory."
Kelly Alexander Jr. was not only loved and respected by his family, but also by his fellow politicians in North Carolina. Representative Robert Reives of Chatham County released a statement expressing his admiration for Alexander's leadership and mentorship.
"Kelly was a mentor to me from the moment I entered the General Assembly," Reives wrote. "He taught me valuable lessons about life and politics during our late-night discussions at the Legislative Building in Raleigh. He always had a vision for the future and worked tirelessly to improve our great state of North Carolina."
Throughout his career, Alexander was a strong advocate for anti-poverty and criminal justice reform. He was particularly passionate about marijuana legalization and fought for it for many years before finally gaining support in 2024.
Former House Speaker and current U.S. Senator Thom Tillis spoke highly of Alexander's contributions to North Carolina, including his role in making the state the first to compensate victims of forced sterilization in the 20th century.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rep. Kelly Alexander," Sen. Tillis wrote on social media. "It was an honor to work with him in the NCGA, and he played a crucial role in making North Carolina the first state to provide compensation to victims of eugenics. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."
According to the Associated Press, Alexander retired from the legislature in 2023 due to health issues that would have made it difficult for him to run for re-election in 2024.
The Charlotte area Democrats will select someone to finish Alexander's term until the end of 2024. Funeral arrangements for the esteemed representative have not yet been announced.
Charlotte Mayor VI Lyles released a statement honoring Alexander's life and legacy, stating that he was a true pillar of the community. She also shared a personal connection with him as they both graduated from the government program at UNC Chapel Hill.
"Charlotte is grieving the loss of Kelly M. Alexander, a remarkable leader in our community," Mayor Lyles wrote. "As the director of Alexander Funeral Home, he brought comfort to countless families. Kelly was a champion for civil rights, following in his father's footsteps as president of the NC NAACP. His dedication to serving others was evident through his involvement in various community organizations. He will be remembered for his compassion and unwavering fight for justice."
She continued, "Kelly's legacy of service and advocacy will continue to inspire our city for generations to come. My thoughts are with his loved ones and all those whose lives he touched."
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