The Honorable Kelly M. Alexander, Jr.

Kelly Miller Alexander Jr. (October 17, 1948 – September 6, 2024) was a trailblazing politician, businessman, educator, and civil rights leader whose lifelong commitment to racial justice, economic empowerment, and community service left a profound mark on North Carolina and the United States.  Following in the footsteps of his prominent civil rights family, Kelly Jr. made significant contributions to the NAACP where he held leadership roles and the North Carolina House of Representatives where he served for 16 years.  His work in civic engagement, economic justice, and criminal justice reform is remembered as both transformative and inspiring.

Early Life and Family Legacy

Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Kelly Jr. was the son of Kelly Miller Alexander Sr., one of the nation’s most respected civil rights leaders.  Kelly Sr. served as President of the Charlotte Branch NAACP, President of the North Carolina State Conference NAACP for over 40 years, and eventually became Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors.  Under his leadership, the North Carolina NAACP became the largest and most active state conference in the country, with over 120 branches and more than 30,000 members.

Growing up in a household dedicated to civil rights, Kelly Jr. witnessed firsthand the perils and triumphs of the fight for racial equality.  In 1965, when Kelly Jr. was 17 years old, the family’s Charlotte home was bombed by white supremacists in retaliation for his father’s activism.  This harrowing experience, however, only strengthened the family’s resolve to fight for justice. Margaret Alexander, Kelly Jr.'s mother, played a vital role in the family’s activism as well.  She was a community leader in her own right and provided strong support to both her husband and her sons as they worked to improve the conditions for African Americans in the South.

Kelly Jr.’s uncle, Fredrick D. Alexander, was another key figure in the family’s activism.  He became the first African American elected to the Charlotte City Council and later served in the North Carolina State Senate, breaking racial barriers in local and state government.

Kelly Jr. attended West Charlotte Senior High School, a historically significant institution for African Americans during segregation. He later went on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration. He formed strong bonds with his classmates during this time, and many of them remained lifelong friends.  During his time at UNC, Kelly Jr. co-founded Project Uplift, a pioneering program designed to provide African American high school students from underrepresented communities with the opportunity to experience college life and to encourage and prepare them to pursue higher education.  Project Uplift became a model for similar initiatives across the country and inspired thousands of students to pursue their dreams of attending college, with many being the first in their families to do so.

Professional Career

After completing his education, Kelly Jr. returned to Charlotte to help manage the Alexander Funeral Home, the oldest African American-owned business in Mecklenburg County, founded in 1914 by his grandfather, Zechariah Alexander Sr.  His role at the funeral home not only deepened his ties to the people of Charlotte, but also allowed him to carry on his family’s legacy of community service.

Kelly Jr., alongside his brother Alfred Alexander, upheld the funeral home’s long-standing reputation for professional, compassionate, and personal services.  As the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Kelly Jr. modernized the business and was responsible for overseeing the financial operations, ensuring its long-term sustainability in an industry that faced increasing pressures from corporate conglomerates.  Under the leadership of Kelly Jr. and Alfred, the Alexander Funeral Home thrived while remaining independently owned, a rarity in an era where large corporations began to dominate the funeral industry.  This funeral home remains a powerful symbol of Black entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

Kelly Jr. and Alfred ensured that the business remained true to the values established by their grandfather, emphasizing personal and dignified funeral services while maintaining its focus on community service and social justice.  More than just a business, the Alexander Funeral Home became a pivotal institution in the African American community and highly renown for its civic role in hosting civil rights meetings, supporting local activism, serving as a hub for organizing and mobilization efforts, and serving as a place where civil rights leaders could gather and strategize during critical moments in the civil rights movement.

Kelly Jr.’s leadership helped sustain the business for over a century, ensuring that it remained a vital institution in the Charlotte African American community.  By safeguarding the family’s commitment to excellence and community engagement, Kelly Jr. reinforced the funeral home’s legacy as both a thriving business and a pivotal hub in the civil rights movement.  It unquestionably demonstrates how Black-owned businesses can be pillars of both economic and social strength for African American communities.

In addition to his work in the funeral industry, Kelly Jr. was committed to education and shared his expertise by teaching at several institutions. He taught classes at Central Piedmont Community College, Johnson C. Smith University, Queens University of Charlotte, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and North Carolina Central University in Durham.  His dedication to teaching reflected his belief in the power of education as a tool for social change.

Leadership in the NAACP

Kelly Jr. followed in the footsteps of his father, Kelly Sr. to become a prominent leader in the NAACP, playing a vital role in advancing racial justice and economic equity. As President of the Charlotte Branch NAACP, President of the North Carolina NAACP, a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, a member of the NAACP Special Contribution Fund Board, and a Life Member and a Golden Heritage Life Member of the NAACP, Kelly Jr. focused on systemic racism in housing, education, and employment, as well as advocated for voter rights. His work extended beyond activism as he contributed to key negotiations that shaped national strategies for the organization in a rapidly changing political and social landscape.

One of Kelly Jr.’s most significant achievements was his role in helping to secure Fair Share Agreements with major corporations. Fair Share Agreements were a significant part of the NAACP’s broader strategy of leveraging economic power to drive social justice and to open doors for African Americans in industries that had historically been exclusionary.  These agreements aimed to increase minority hiring, promote equitable business opportunities for African American-owned businesses, increase the number of African American-owned franchises, and ensure corporate accountability regarding diversity and inclusion. Fair Share Agreements also aimed to increase support of African American community activities and institutions (e.g., Historical Black Colleges and Universities) and to increase scholarships for deserving students. These agreements were chiefly monitored by Kelly Jr., Kermitt Waddell, and Fred Rasheed to assess compliance with the terms of the agreements and make recommendations for improvement.  Some of the most notable Fair Share Agreements included those with the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets, Coors, Denny’s, Food Lion, and Hardee’s.

Serving as the NAACP National Board’s lead person for economic development, Kelly Jr. devised the concept for the establishment of eight Community Development Resource Centers by the National NAACP in partnership with Nations Bank (now Bank of America).  These resource centers worked with churches, businesses, civic groups, other organizations, and individuals to help posture them for loan approval.  Millions of dollars of loans were successfully facilitated by the efforts of these Community Development Resource Centers.

In addition to his work on corporate diversity, Kelly Jr. was deeply involved in efforts to combat racial inequality in education. He played a significant role in desegregating schools, including his support for the Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education case, which mandated busing as a solution to integrate schools. This case had a lasting impact on desegregation efforts both in North Carolina and across the United States.

Under the leadership of Kelly Jr, the North Carolina NAACP filed and won many lawsuits for single member districts throughout North Carolina which would allow African American voters to elect candidates of their choice.  In addition, the North Carolina NAACP was the first to present a redistricting plan to the North Carolina General Assembly showing that two majority African American congressional districts could be drawn and such a plan should be adopted to ensure that the African American voting power is not diluted and African American voters could elect candidates of their choice

Following the murder of two African Americans in Fayetteville, North Carolina by Fort Bragg soldiers with ties to skinhead and white supremacist activities, Kelly Jr. initiated an investigation by the North Carolina NAACP of skinhead and white supremacist activities in and around all military bases in North Carolina.  The report and findings of this investigation were reviewed and addressed by the White House, the Pentagon, and the command leadership of the military bases in North Carolina.

In response to the continuous rise in the number of HIV/AIDS cases and associated deaths in the African American community, Kelly Jr. championed a North Carolina NAACP initiative to educate NAACP leaders and members to increase public awareness and advocacy for HIV/AIDS education and prevention.

Under the leadership of Kelly Jr., the North Carolina NAACP advocated for the establishment of citizen review boards throughout North Carolina to address allegations of police brutality and the use of deadly force.

Kelly Jr. believed strongly in the importance of youth involvement in civil rights and was committed to mentoring the next generation of civil rights leaders.  Working closely with the North Carolina NAACP Youth and College Division and NAACP Youth Councils, he nurtured young activists and provided guidance needed to continue the fight for justice.

Through his leadership in the NAACP at the local, state and national levels, Kelly Jr. left an indelible mark on the civil rights movement, ensuring that the fight for justice extended into economic empowerment, educational equality, and the cultivation of young leaders who would continue the mission of the NAACP.

Political Career

In 2008, Kelly Jr. was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 107. Over the course of his eight terms in office, Kelly Jr. became known for his unwavering commitment to criminal justice reform, economic development, and expanding access to education and healthcare for underserved communities.  He also served on multiple legislative committees including Agriculture, Alcoholic Beverage Control, Education (Universities), Energy & Public Utilities, Environment, and Finance.

One of Kelly Jr.’s most significant legislative focuses was on criminal justice reform.  He worked to address racial disparities in sentencing and promote restorative justice initiatives aimed at reducing recidivism rates among African Americans.  Kelly Jr. was a staunch advocate for increasing police accountability, calling for reforms that would ensure fairer treatment of African Americans by law enforcement.

In addition to his work on criminal justice, Kelly Jr. championed efforts to expand high-speed internet access in underserved rural and urban areas.  Recognizing the importance of digital connectivity in education and business, he helped push for legislation that would bring broadband to historically marginalized communities, bridge the digital divide, and ensure that all North Carolinians have the tools they need to succeed.

Kelly Jr. was also a vocal supporter of medical marijuana legalization in North Carolina.  Having witnessed the benefits of medical cannabis for individuals suffering from chronic pain and terminal illnesses through his work in the funeral industry, he believed that it could offer a compassionate solution for those in need.

Public Service and Community Leadership

Throughout his life, Kelly Jr. was deeply involved in his community and served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission, the Friendship Community Development Corporation, and the North Carolina Martin Luther King Jr. Commission.  His leadership roles in these organizations reflected his dedication to improving the quality of life for all Charlotte residents, particularly those from historically underserved communities.

Kelly Jr. also held numerous significant public service positions that allowed him to shape policy and advocate for marginalized communities including the following:

§  Member, Airport Advisory Committee (1978–1984) – the first African American appointed to this committee.

§  Life Member, Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg

§  Founding Member, 100 Black Men of Charlotte

§  Member, Schools Building Solutions Committee

§  Member, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission

§  Member, Friendship Community Development Corporation

§  President, University Park Neighborhood Association

§  Chair, New Brooklyn Initiative

§  Chair, Mothers of Murdered Offspring (MOMO)

§  Member, Z. Smith Reynolds Advisory Board

§  Member, NC Martin Luther King Commission

§  Member, General Alumni Association Board of Directors, UNC-Chapel Hill

§  Co-Founder, Project Uplift, UNC-Chapel Hill

§  Member, The Academy of Political Science

§  32nd-degree Mason, Prince Hall Affiliation, F&AM of North Carolina

§  Member, Rosa M. Morris #650 Order of the Eastern Star

§  Member, Charlotte Consistory #35

§  Member, Zechariah Alexander Sr Lodge #833

§  Member, Second Ward and West Charlotte Breakfast Club

These positions highlight his deep involvement in community building, urban planning, and advocacy for social justice.  He was particularly dedicated to supporting underserved neighborhoods, advocating for better educational facilities, and creating safer communities.

Recognition and Awards

Kelly Jr. received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to civil rights, public service, and community leadership.  These awards reflect the deep respect and admiration that Kelly Jr. earned for his lifelong dedication to justice, equality, and service.  Among his many honors are:

§  Harvey E. Beech Outstanding Alumni Award, UNC-Chapel Hill

§  Order of the Old Well, UNC-Chapel Hill

§  Membership in the Society of Janis, UNC-Chapel Hill

§  National NAACP Outstanding State Conference President Award

Personal Life and Legacy

Kelly Jr. was known not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his intellectual curiosity and love of history and science fiction.  He often shared his thoughts through op-ed columns, radio commentaries, and poetry and he frequently spoke of his desire to one day write a book chronicling his experiences in public service and the civil rights movement.

Throughout his life, Kelly Jr. remained a devoted member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, where his faith helped guide his activism and service to the community.  He was deeply connected to the values of family, community, and justice that had been instilled in him by his parents.

Kelly Jr.’s legacy is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to justice.  His work in the NAACP, the North Carolina General Assembly, and his family’s Alexander Funeral Home profoundly impacted the lives of countless individuals, and his contributions will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and activists.  He is remembered as a visionary whose lifelong mission was to build a more just and equitable society for all.

The Honorable Kelly Miller Alexander Jr. was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Kelly Miller Alexander Sr. and Margaret Alexander.

Kelly Miller Alexander Jr. is survived by his son, Kelly M. Alexander, III of Johannesburg, South Africa; his devoted brother, Alfred L. Alexander (Helen Anthony) of Charlotte, NC; his nephews, Desmond J. Phifer (Shanina Melton) of Charlotte, NC, and Nathanael M. Alexander, Esq., of Atlanta, GA.; his first cousin, Theodora E. Alexander of Charlotte, NC; his grandniece, Cloey N. Barnes and grandnephew, Aiden I. Phifer, both of Charlotte, NC; and his goddaughter, Shawna J. Howard, of Durham NC; and a host of relatives, friends and the staff of Alexander Funeral Home, Inc.