James Meeks

For the American politician, see James A. Meeks. For the dean and professor of law, see James E. Meeks.
Not to be confused with James Meek of York.
James Meeks
Chairman of the
Illinois State Board of Education
In office
January 21, 2015 – 2019
Appointed byBruce Rauner
Preceded byGery Chico
Succeeded byDarren Reisberg[1][2]
Member of the Illinois Senate
from the 15th district
In office
January 8, 2003 – January 9, 2013
Preceded byBill Shaw
Succeeded byNapoleon Harris
Personal details
Born (1956-08-04) August 4, 1956 (age 68)
Chicago, Illinois
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseJamell Meeks
ResidenceRoseland, Chicago, Illinois
Alma materBishop College (B.A.)
ProfessionMinister (Baptist)

James T. Meeks (born August 4, 1956) is a Baptist minister and past member of the Illinois Senate, who represented the 15th district from 2003 to 2013. While a Senator, he chaired the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. He briefly campaigned for mayor of Chicago in the 2003 and 2011 election, before dropping out of the race both times. He subsequently become a leading figure in the campaign to oppose same-sex marriage in Illinois.[3]

Meeks was appointed chair of the Illinois State Board of Education by Governor Bruce Rauner and took office January 21, 2017. He succeeded Gery Chico who had resigned the previous week.[4]

  1. ^ "NEW STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS AND STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION SWORN IN TODAY". www.isbe.net. Illinois State Board of Education. 26 February 2019. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  2. ^ Hinz, Greg (25 February 2019). "Pritzker names U of C exec to head state school board". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  3. ^ Erbentraut, Joseph (2013-04-30). "Black Clergy, NOM Team For Anti-Gay Marriage Robo-Calls In Illinois". Huffington Post.
  4. ^ "Former state Sen. James Meeks takes over state school board". 21 January 2015.