Walter Thomas Kenney, son of Jacob Kenney and Lois Moore Kenney, was born in Henrico County, Virginia on December 3, 1930. Walter began his career as a postal clerk in Richmond, before later being elected by members of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), AFL-CIO, in the states of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and the District Columbia to a position on the union’s national executive board.
Appointed Mayor in 1990 by members of the Richmond City Council, Kenney faithfully served the citizens of Virginia’s capital city for two terms.
Walter T. Kenney Sr., a labor leader who made history as a member of the first black majority on the Richmond City Council before making racial reconciliation a priority as mayor, died early Monday in a local hospital. He was 88.
Richmond Times-Dispatch, January 28, 2019
“Over an 18-year career of council service to his fellow citizens, Kenney broke down barriers and trailblazed a new way for us to build a more just and equitable city, and government,” Stoney said. “We are grateful for his leadership during this important era of change, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family today.”
Levar Stoney, Mayor of Richmond, Virginia
Kenney is survived by daughters Wilma Kenney Battle and Marvette Kenney, and a son, Walter T. Kenney, Jr.. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mamie Mallory Kenney.
He was a fine elegant man who exuded class. My condolences to his family.
Rob Strunk, former Clerk Division Director, APWU