Barbara Blackmon, a future candidate for Lieutenant Governor of
Mississippi, is coming to Mississippi State University for a
presentation on Thursday.
The presentation, entitled “Reflecting on the Past and Impacting
the Future: Constantly Making History Every Day,” will be held in
Swalm Auditorium at 7 p.m.
Blackmon has led a long public service career, beginning when
she was elected to the Mississippi State Senate in a March 1992
special election in which she defeated five opponents without going
into a run-off election.
Due to congressional redistricting, she had to run for
re-election against the president pro tempore of the Mississippi
State Senate and won. She represents District 21, which includes
Humphreys, Madison and Yazoo counties. She recently sponsored
legislation to provide a tax credit to employers who hire Aid to
Families with Dependent Children recipients to meaningful
employment.
In addition, Blackmon recently announced that she will run for
Lieutenant Governor, saying, “After much prayer and encouragement,
I wanted everyone to know that I am definitely running and that I
will run a very strong campaign based on Mississippi issues and
Mississippi values.”
Her decision was reportedly made due to “very encouraging
polling” that showed her name recognition was high and within close
range of Amy Tuck, the incumbent Lieutenant Governor.
While preparing to run for higher office, Blackmon serves as
chairman of the State Library committee and Vice Chairman of the
Insurance committee in the Legislature. She also serves on the
Constitution, Finance, Highways and Transportation, Judiciary and
the Public Health and Welfare committees.
Jasmine Martin, Blackmon’s niece and an MSU senior in biological
sciences, remarked on having her aunt as a state senators: “It is
an honorable and admirable position that anyone is blessed to hold.
I am very proud that my Aunt Barbara represents such a fine state
and constituents. As far as having a family member in a state
elected position, it feels just like any other family member with
gainful employment, but it also makes you feel good that you have
one of your own representing your family and making decisions to
make Mississippi a better place.”
In addition to congressional work, Blackmon also remains active
in her community as well as numerous professional associations,
receiving numerous awards for her community involvement as well as
professional recognitions.
Martin also had much to say regarding what helped her aunt be
successful both as a person and a civil servant.
“My Aunt Barbara is a strong Black Christian woman,” says
Martin. “She stands up for what she and others believe in. She is
goal-oriented, intellectual, a devoted Christian, a devoted wife,
and devoted mother … She is very self-motivated, unselfish and
knows where she came from. She also speaks and acts from her
heart.”
Blackmon, a native of Jackson, began attending college at
Jackson State University in 1975 at the age of 16. She received a
bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1975 at the age of
19, then entered the University of Alabama and graduated with a
master’s in business administration in 1976. Blackmon then began at
the University of Mississippi Law School in 1981. That same year
Blackmon entered New York University in New York City where she
received a master’s in Taxation in 1982.
Blackmon was admitted to the Mississippi State Bar in 1981 and
the New York State Bar in 1982. She has taught Business Law and
Accounting at Hinds Junior College, Raymond, MS in 1976-78.
Blackmon practiced law in New York City with Bristol-Meyers
Company as an Associated Tax Attorney, then later returned to
Jackson as an Associated Attorney for Bank & Nichols. She is
currently the Managing Partner of Blackmon & Blackmon,
Attorneys-At-Law in Canton, MS.
Blackmon’s visit to MSU is to be sponsored by the MSU Chapter of
the NAACP and Black Student Alliance on February 27, 2003, at 7:00
p.m. in Swalm Auditorium.
Martin, also a member of the NAACP Executive Board, said, “I
encourage all faculty, staff, students and the community to come
out and support our program as well as our speaker.”
For further information on the Honorable Barbara Martin
Blackmon, visit
“http://www.blackmonlawfirm.com/”>www.blackmonlawfirm.com.