On this edition of In Black America, producer/host John L. Hanson Jr. speaks with the Honorable Ron Kirk, former U.S. Trade Ambassador and former Mayor of Dallas, TX.
Currently Ambassador Kirk is Senior Of Counsel in Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP. He is Co-Chair of both the International Trade and Sports Law practices, and a member of the Public Policy, Crisis Management and Private Equity practice groups.
Kirk served as the 16th U.S. Trade Representative and was a member of President Obama’s Cabinet, serving as the President’s principal trade advisor, negotiator and spokesperson on trade issues.
Kirk served two terms (1995 - 2002) as the first African American mayor of Dallas, TX. Prior to becoming mayor, he served as Texas Secretary of State under Governor Ann Richards. In addition, Kirk has practiced law as a partner in the international law firm Vinson & Elkins, LLP. The National Law Journal named him one of “The 50 Most Influential Minority Lawyers in America” in 2008.
Born and raised in Austin, TX, Kirk graduated from Austin College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and sociology and earned his law degree at the University of Texas School of Law in 1979.
