Learn about William L. Mallory, Sr.
William Mallory is the longest-serving majority leader in Ohio’s history and the longest-serving Ohio representative from Hamilton County. Elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1966, leadership responsibilities expanded in 1974 with election as Majority Floor Leader, making history as the first African American to hold that position. Service in the Ohio Legislature continued for 28 years until retirement in 1994.
A native of Cincinnati’s West End, Mallory was the son of a casual laborer and a domestic worker. Political interests began at 12 years old through constant engagement with newspaper editorials. Involvement in youth organizations soon followed, setting the stage for future leadership.
Education included Bloom Junior High School, East Vocational High School, and Central State University, where graduation with honors was achieved with a major in elementary education. Teaching in Cincinnati Public Schools and working in government roles provided early career experience. Election as president of the West End Community Council in 1965 marked the beginning of public service leadership.
William Mallory’s Accomplishments
A partial list of William Mallory’s accomplishments during the time he represented Hamilton County is as follows:
- Establishing the first statewide drug prevention program
- Financing for the Riverfront Stadium and Fountain Square South
- Developing the home furlough program for non-violent prisoners upon their release
- Filing a lawsuit charging discrimination in the election of judges on a countywide basis resulted in 14 judicial districts being established and making it easier for African American candidates to win seats in the Hamilton County Municipal Court
- Playing a significant role in the creation of Metro and organizing a carpool to transport workers and students in the West End to their jobs and schools during a 36-day bus strike
- Creating the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission
- Locating the Queen City Vocational School in the West End
- Forming the first community housing development corporation
Related Article: The History of African Americans in Cincinnati
Legislation
Mallory sponsored or co-sponsored more than 600 pieces of legislation and was appointed to several political, gubernatorial, congressional, and presidential committees.
Over the years, Mallory has been recognized for supporting education, senior citizens, public transportation, mental health, and American Civil Liberties issues. In 1972, Central State University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws, the first given to an alumnus. The university has also inducted Mallory into the Hall of Fame and named a street in his honor.
Related Article: Why So Many African Americans Have Roots in the West End of Cincinnati
Later Life
Mallory married Fannie in 1955, and they had six children. A love for dance included the jitterbug, while interests in sports ranged from softball to track. At Bloom Junior High School, a record was held for the broad jump.
Teaching as an adjunct Political Science and African American Studies professor at the University of Cincinnati lasted 25 to 28 years. Service in the General Assembly further expanded contributions to public life. In 2008, the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber recognized these achievements by naming Mallory a Great Living Cincinnatian.
William Mallory passed away in 2013 at the age of 82. A life of prominence as an African American leader brought extraordinary accomplishments but was not without challenges. Mallory and family members received three death threats over the years.
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About The First 28
The First 28, graciously sponsored by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, celebrates Black Cincinnatians who were the first in their fields. Each day during Black History Month, we will celebrate athletes, artists, business leaders, civil rights activists, educators, physicians, and politicians.
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Images provided by the Herald and Cincinnati Museum Center
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