Larry Kenneth Alexander was a cultural theorist, attorney, community advocate, and founder of the Ida B. Wells Center on American Exceptionalism and Restorative Justice. For more than three decades, he devoted himself to researching the historical, legal, and political foundations of colonial slavery and systemic racial injustice in America.
Through his writings, lectures, and public advocacy, Larry challenged conventional interpretations of American history by examining slavery through the framework of Anglo-Saxon jurisprudence, British common law, and foundational constitutional principles. He authored numerous works on the subject, including Smoke, Mirrors and Chains: America’s First Continuing Criminal Enterprise, King’s Native Son: Lies, Lessons and Legacy, and Hidden in a Book: Forty Trillion and Keep the Mule.
In 2020, Larry founded the Ida B. Wells Center to advance research, public education, and restorative justice initiatives related to the unlawful enslavement of Black English subjects in colonial America. Under his leadership, the Center developed research projects, educational programming, public forums, and documentary initiatives intended to encourage serious historical inquiry and constructive public dialogue.
Beyond his scholarship, Larry dedicated much of his life to public service and civic engagement.
Throughout his career in Minnesota and Illinois, he worked in law, commercial real estate development, political organizing, and community advocacy. He served in numerous civic and political leadership roles, including participation on the Minnesota Supreme Court Task Force on Racial Bias and leadership within community development and public policy organizations.
Larry’s work reflected both intellectual rigor and a deep commitment to justice, historical truth, and civic responsibility. He believed that meaningful change begins with honest examination of history and thoughtful engagement with the principles of law and human dignity.
His final years were devoted to expanding the mission of the Wells Center and developing a documentary project intended to bring broader public attention to the historical issues that shaped his life’s work. That work will continue through the efforts of those who shared his vision and commitment.
Larry Kenneth Alexander passed away on May 4, 2026, at the age of 74. He is remembered with love and respect by his wife, Gina Alexander; his son, Andrew Alexander; his granddaughter, Karter Jones Alexander; his extended family; friends; colleagues; and all those whose lives were enriched by his scholarship, mentorship, and counsel.