Difference between revisions of "Kirt Bennett"
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{{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
| − | |name=Kirt Bruce Bennett | + | |name = Kirt Bennett |
| − | + | |image= | |
| − | | birth_date= | + | |image_size= |
| − | | birth_place=[[Brooklyn]], [[New York]], [[United States|U.S.]] | + | |caption= |
| − | | death_date= | + | | birth_name = Kirt Bruce Bennett |
| − | | death_place=[[Baton Rouge]], [[Louisiana]], [[United States|U.S.]] | + | | birth_date ={{birth date|1967|12|15}} |
| − | | | + | | birth_place = [[Brooklyn, New York|Brooklyn]], [[New York]], [[United States|U.S.]] |
| − | | | + | | death_date = {{death date and age|2010|5|3|1967|12|15}} |
| − | | spouse= Zanetta Denise Taylor-Bennett ( | + | | death_place =[[Baton Rouge, Louisiana|Baton Rouge]], [[East Baton Rouge Parish]], [[Louisiana]], [[United States|U.S.]] |
| − | + | |residence =Baton Rouge, Louisiana | |
| − | John Denham Bennett<br> | + | |occupation = [[Businessman]] |
| + | |spouse= Zanetta Denise Taylor-Bennett (goes by Denise) | ||
| + | |children=John Denham Bennett<br> | ||
Christiana Marie Bennett<br> | Christiana Marie Bennett<br> | ||
| − | Benjamin Taylor Bennett | + | Benjamin Taylor Bennett |
| − | + | |parents=Elden Denham Bennett<br> | |
| − | Elden Denham Bennett<br> | + | Nova Carlota Bennett |
| − | Nova Carlota Bennett | + | |alma_mater=Eleanor McMain Magnet Senior High School<br> |
| − | |||
| − | Eleanor McMain Magnet Senior High School | ||
[[Louisiana State University]]<br> | [[Louisiana State University]]<br> | ||
| − | Southern University ( | + | [[Southern University]] |
| − | + | |religion=[[United Methodist]] | |
| − | + | |party=[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] | |
| − | + | |footnotes=(1) Though he never won office as an [[African American|African-American]] [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] in [[Louisiana]], Bennett founded the nationally recognized Young Leaders Academy in [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana|Baton Rouge]]. | |
| + | |||
| + | (2) Bennett was a star [[track and field]] athlete at [[Louisiana State University]] between 1987 and 1991. | ||
| + | |||
}} | }} | ||
| − | '''Kirt Bruce Bennett''' (December 15, 1967 – May 3, 2010) was an [[African-American]] [[Republican Party|Republican]] political activist, [[business]]man, and educational leader in [[Baton Rouge]], [[Louisiana]]. | + | '''Kirt Bruce Bennett''' (December 15, 1967 – May 3, 2010) was an [[African American|African-American]] [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[political activist]], [[business]]man, and educational leader in [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana|Baton Rouge]], [[Louisiana]]. |
| − | == | + | ==Early years== |
| − | + | Bennett was born in [[Brooklyn, New York|Brooklyn]], [[New York (state)|New York]]. He graduated from Eleanor McMain Magnet Senior High School in [[New Orleans, Louisiana|New Orleans]].<ref name=hurst>Willmarine B. Hurst, "A New Breed with New Vision and New Leadership for a New Louisiana", May 30, 2003, at kirtbennett.com</ref> He then attended [[Louisiana State University]] in Baton Rouge on an athletic [[scholarship]]. He lettered in [[track and field]]: the [[shot-put]], [[discus]], and the hammer.<ref name=obit/> He was elected president of the LSU Student Government Association becoming the second African American SGA president in LSU's history. In 1991, he received a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree in [[political science]]. In the early 21st century, he was invited to speak at the LSU commencement exercises. He also studied [[public administration]] at [[Southern University]], an [[historically black]] institution in Baton Rouge.<ref name=hurst/> | |
| − | In 1993, Bennett founded the Young Leaders Academy of Baton Rouge, an institution for the education of African-American boys.<ref name=yla>{{cite web|url=http://www.youngleaders.org/|title=Young Leaders Academy mourns loss of former director and friend|publisher=youngleaders.org|accessdate=May 7, 2010}}</ref> Youngsters from the school appeared twice on the syndicated [[Oprah Winfrey]] | + | In 1993, Bennett founded the Young Leaders Academy of Baton Rouge, an institution for the education of African-American boys.<ref name=yla>{{cite web|url=http://www.youngleaders.org/|title=Young Leaders Academy mourns loss of former director and friend|publisher=youngleaders.org|accessdate=May 7, 2010}}</ref> Youngsters from the school appeared twice on the [[Television syndication|syndicated]] ''[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]]'' and won Winfrey's "Use Your Life" award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:ejPliGK-_HcJ:www.guidestar.org/pqShowGsReport.do%3Fpartner%3Djustgive%26npoId%3D409003+Young+Leaders+School+on+The+Oprah+Winfrey+Show&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us|title=Young Leaders Academy of Baton Rouge|publisher=webcache.goolgeusercontent.com|accessdate=May 8, 2010}}</ref> In 1998, the school was presented the "Points of Light" award by former [[U.S. President]] [[George Herbert Walker Bush]].<ref name=yla/> Other citations include three U.S. President Service awards from former President [[Bill Clinton]] and an [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] Community Service designation in 2006.<ref name=obit>{{cite web|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theadvocate/obituary.aspx?n=kirt-bruce-bennett&pid=142542604 |
| − | |title=Kirt Bruce Bennett | + | |title=Kirt Bruce Bennett|publisher=''[[The Advocate (Baton Rouge)|Baton Rouge Morning Advocate]]'', May 7, 2010|accessdate=May 7, 2010}}</ref> |
==Political campaigns== | ==Political campaigns== | ||
| − | In March 1993 | + | In March 1993, Bennett ran as a [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] in a [[special election]] for the District 67 seat in the [[Louisiana State Legislature|Louisiana House of Representatives]]. He finished in third place with 11 percent of the vote.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www400.sos.louisiana.gov:8090/cgibin/?rqstyp=elcms3&rqsdta=030693|title=Louisiana special election returns, March 6, 1993|publisher=sos.louisiana.gov|accessdate=May 7, 2010}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> |
| − | In 2003, Bennett, | + | In 2003, Bennett, [[Clyde C. Holloway]], and [[Melinda Schwegmann]] were three major Republican candidates for [[lieutenant governor]]. Bennett stressed improving the state's business climate in his campaign.<ref name=hurst/> The position instead went to the lone [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] in the race, [[Mitch Landrieu]].<ref name=obit/> Bennett ran fourth in the [[nonpartisan blanket primary]], with 108,293 votes (8.5 percent).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www400.sos.louisiana.gov:8090/cgibin/?rqstyp=elcms2&rqsdta=100403|title=Louisiana primary election returns, October 4, 2003|publisher=sos.louisiana.gov|accessdate=May 7, 2010}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> |
| − | In 2004, Bennett ran unsuccessfully again, this time for a seat on the 144-member Republican State Central Committee from House District 61, but he lost to [[Dan Richey]], a former member of both houses of the state legislature, having represented the area about Concordia Parish. Richey defeated Bennett, 102-65, in a low-turnout [[closed primary]].<ref>Louisiana | + | In 2004, Bennett ran unsuccessfully again, this time for a seat on the 144-member Republican State Central Committee from House District 61, but he lost to [[Dan Richey]], a former member of both houses of the state legislature, having represented the area about [[Concordia Parish, Louisiana|Concordia Parish]]. Richey defeated Bennett, 102-65, in a low-turnout [[closed primary]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sos.louisiana.gov:8090/cgibin/?rqstyp=elcms3r&rqsdta=030904|title=Louisiana primary election returns, March 9, 2004|publisher=sos.louisiana.gov|accessdate=May 7, 2010}}</ref> |
| − | Bennett was a representative of the Northwest Mutual Financial Network. At the time of his death, he was also serving as the treasurer of the Port of Greater Baton Rouge board of commissioners, under appointment from Republican | + | Bennett was a representative of the Northwest Mutual Financial Network. At the time of his death, he was also serving as the treasurer of the Port of Greater Baton Rouge board of commissioners, under appointment from Republican [[governor of Louisiana|Governor]] [[Bobby Jindal]]. Port headquarters are located in [[Port Allen, Louisiana|Port Allen]]. |
| + | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.portgbr.com/content.php?display=contacts_com|title=Port commissioners|publisher=portgbr.com|accessdate=May 7, 2010}}</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | The Young Leaders' Academy issued the following statement on Bennett's death: "Mr. Bennett laid a solid foundation that continues to direct our path today. He was a visionary leader who offered himself in service to countless people in this community. We will never find the words to express the depth of his impression on the young men that he inspired, molded, and mentored."<ref name=yla/> | ||
==Death== | ==Death== | ||
| − | Kirt Bennett died on May 3, 2010 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge after suffering a [[stroke]] the previous week. He was | + | Kirt Bennett died on May 3, 2010 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge after suffering a [[stroke]] the previous week. He was forty-two.<ref name=obit/> |
| − | |||
| − | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
| + | |||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bennett, Kirt}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Bennett, Kirt}} | ||
[[Category:Louisiana People]] | [[Category:Louisiana People]] | ||
| − | [[Category:New York | + | [[Category:New York]] |
[[Category:Business People]] | [[Category:Business People]] | ||
[[Category:Educators]] | [[Category:Educators]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Methodists]] | ||
[[Category:Politicians]] | [[Category:Politicians]] | ||
| − | |||
[[Category:Republicans]] | [[Category:Republicans]] | ||
| − | |||
Revision as of 04:09, November 11, 2019
| Kirt Bennett | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Died | Template:Death date and age Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Spouse | Zanetta Denise Taylor-Bennett (goes by Denise) |
| Religion | United Methodist |
Kirt Bruce Bennett (December 15, 1967 – May 3, 2010) was an African-American Republican political activist, businessman, and educational leader in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Early years
Bennett was born in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from Eleanor McMain Magnet Senior High School in New Orleans.[1] He then attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge on an athletic scholarship. He lettered in track and field: the shot-put, discus, and the hammer.[2] He was elected president of the LSU Student Government Association becoming the second African American SGA president in LSU's history. In 1991, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. In the early 21st century, he was invited to speak at the LSU commencement exercises. He also studied public administration at Southern University, an historically black institution in Baton Rouge.[1]
In 1993, Bennett founded the Young Leaders Academy of Baton Rouge, an institution for the education of African-American boys.[3] Youngsters from the school appeared twice on the syndicated The Oprah Winfrey Show and won Winfrey's "Use Your Life" award.[4] In 1998, the school was presented the "Points of Light" award by former U.S. President George Herbert Walker Bush.[3] Other citations include three U.S. President Service awards from former President Bill Clinton and an FBI Community Service designation in 2006.[2]
Political campaigns
In March 1993, Bennett ran as a Democrat in a special election for the District 67 seat in the Louisiana House of Representatives. He finished in third place with 11 percent of the vote.[5]
In 2003, Bennett, Clyde C. Holloway, and Melinda Schwegmann were three major Republican candidates for lieutenant governor. Bennett stressed improving the state's business climate in his campaign.[1] The position instead went to the lone Democrat in the race, Mitch Landrieu.[2] Bennett ran fourth in the nonpartisan blanket primary, with 108,293 votes (8.5 percent).[6]
In 2004, Bennett ran unsuccessfully again, this time for a seat on the 144-member Republican State Central Committee from House District 61, but he lost to Dan Richey, a former member of both houses of the state legislature, having represented the area about Concordia Parish. Richey defeated Bennett, 102-65, in a low-turnout closed primary.[7]
Bennett was a representative of the Northwest Mutual Financial Network. At the time of his death, he was also serving as the treasurer of the Port of Greater Baton Rouge board of commissioners, under appointment from Republican Governor Bobby Jindal. Port headquarters are located in Port Allen. [8]
The Young Leaders' Academy issued the following statement on Bennett's death: "Mr. Bennett laid a solid foundation that continues to direct our path today. He was a visionary leader who offered himself in service to countless people in this community. We will never find the words to express the depth of his impression on the young men that he inspired, molded, and mentored."[3]
Death
Kirt Bennett died on May 3, 2010 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge after suffering a stroke the previous week. He was forty-two.[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Willmarine B. Hurst, "A New Breed with New Vision and New Leadership for a New Louisiana", May 30, 2003, at kirtbennett.com
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Kirt Bruce Bennett. Baton Rouge Morning Advocate, May 7, 2010. Retrieved on May 7, 2010.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Young Leaders Academy mourns loss of former director and friend. youngleaders.org. Retrieved on May 7, 2010.
- ↑ Young Leaders Academy of Baton Rouge. webcache.goolgeusercontent.com. Retrieved on May 8, 2010.
- ↑ Louisiana special election returns, March 6, 1993. sos.louisiana.gov. Retrieved on May 7, 2010. [Dead link]
- ↑ Louisiana primary election returns, October 4, 2003. sos.louisiana.gov. Retrieved on May 7, 2010. [Dead link]
- ↑ Louisiana primary election returns, March 9, 2004. sos.louisiana.gov. Retrieved on May 7, 2010.
- ↑ Port commissioners. portgbr.com. Retrieved on May 7, 2010.