2024 Hall of Fame Inductee
Jack Alexander’s legacy in Topeka stretched from athletics to military, government, and public service. He lettered as a point guard on the Ramblers, Topeka High’s last segregated basketball team, and captained the team his senior year. He worked at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company after high school before serving in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1956 in communications positions aboard the USS President Jackson. Upon discharge he returned to Goodyear before election as the City of Topeka’s Water Commissioner, the first African American to serve on the city commission (1973-1985). Jack then worked for the State of Kansas until 1996. Jack served the NAACP Topeka Chapter, the Topeka United Way, Shawnee County Community Assistance and Action Agency, and the Kansas Historical Foundation. In 2004 he was appointed State Fire Marshal by Governor Kathleen Sebelius, retiring in 2007. Often recognized as spokesperson for the African American community, he was a tireless promoter of Topeka and organizations seeking to make the community a better place for all citizens.