Barbara Blackmon facts for kids

Barbara Anita Blackmon (born December 7, 1955) is an American lawyer and politician. She served in the Mississippi State Senate, representing the 21st district. Her terms were from 1992 to 2004 and again from 2016 to 2024. She was also the Democratic Party's candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 2003.

Early Life and Education

Barbara Martin was born on December 7, 1955, in Jackson, Mississippi. She was one of nine children. Her father was a farmer and lumber mill worker. Her mother was a homemaker who later earned her high school equivalency (G.E.D.) at age 50.

Growing Up in Mississippi

During summers, Barbara and her siblings worked on their grandparents' farm. They spent time "pruning, picking, planting, everything." These experiences made her determined to get a good education.

College and Law School

Barbara graduated from Wingfield High School at 16. She then attended Jackson State University, earning her Bachelor of Science degree at 19. At 20, she received her M.B.A. from the University of Alabama. She taught at Hinds Community College for two years.

In 1978, she enrolled at the Santa Clara University School of Law in California. She faced unfair treatment when trying to rent an apartment. She found the subtle unfairness in California harder than the more open unfairness in Mississippi. She later said, "Give me Mississippi. At least there I know what I'm dealing with."

After a year, she moved back to Mississippi in 1979. She attended the University of Mississippi School of Law. There, she became the President of the Black American Law Student Association. One of her professors encouraged her to study at New York University. She moved to New York City and graduated in 1982. She earned a Master of Laws (L. L. M.) degree in Taxation.

Political Career

Barbara Blackmon is a member of the Mississippi State Bar and the New York State Bar. After graduating, she worked in New York City for a year. She worked in the tax department of a pharmaceutical company. This experience gave her confidence that she could succeed anywhere.

In 1983, she returned to Mississippi. She started a tax practice at the Banks & Nichols law firm. In 1984, she met Edward Blackmon Jr., a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives. They married in 1986.

First Term in the Senate (1992-2004)

In 1992, her husband Edward encouraged her to run for the Mississippi State Senate. She wanted to change government spending. She supported an "activist government" to help people who needed more opportunities. She won a special election on March 10, 1992. She replaced Senator Bob Montgomery, who had resigned.

Barbara campaigned hard, especially in areas with many Black voters. She also went door-to-door in areas with many white voters. She answered their questions and concerns. She was sworn into the State Senate on March 16, 1992. She and Edward became the first husband-and-wife team to serve in the Legislature at the same time since 1951.

Later in 1992, the districts were changed. Her home was moved to District 21. This district included Humphreys, Yazoo, and Madison Counties. She ran against Ollie Mohamed, a long-serving senator. Barbara outspent Mohamed in the campaign. She won the Democratic primary election. In the general election, she defeated Republican Cecil Cartwright.

She was sworn in again in January 1993. She became the vice-chairwoman of the Senate's Finance Committee. She helped direct money to support minority businesses, historically Black colleges, and small businesses. She was the first woman to hold this position. She was also the first woman appointed to the powerful Legislative Budget Committee.

Re-election and Key Votes (1995-1999)

In November 1995, Blackmon ran for re-election. She faced Cecil Cartwright again. She won the election with 57.2 percent of the votes.

After her term began in 1996, Blackmon was the Vice Chairman of the Constitution Committee. She also served on many other committees. The new lieutenant governor recognized her skills. He appointed her as a subcommittee chair in Appropriations. She was the first woman to hold such a position.

In 1997, she voted for the Adequate Education Act. This law aimed to give public schools resources to educate every student well. In 1998, she supported increasing teacher salaries. She also wanted more money for Mississippi's colleges and universities.

Unopposed Re-election and Challenges (1999-2003)

In 1999, Blackmon ran for re-election and had no opponents. After her term began in 2000, she became the Chairman of the State Library Committee. She was also the Vice Chairman of the Insurance Committee.

In 2000, Blackmon and other senators protested. They wanted the Legislature to review bills about removing the Confederate emblem from the state flag. They tried to delay budget bills by having them read aloud. When the Lieutenant Governor refused, Blackmon and six other senators sued. A court ruled in their favor, but the Supreme Court of Mississippi overturned the decision.

In 2002, Mississippi legislative districts were being redrawn. Blackmon wanted the public to be involved in this process. She proposed amendments to budget bills to give citizens access to state data. This would allow them to create their own redistricting plans. However, these amendments were not passed.

In 2003, Blackmon announced she would not run for re-election to the Senate. She wanted to seek a different office. The Senate passed a resolution honoring her service.

Running for Lieutenant Governor (2003)

On February 21, 2003, Blackmon announced she would run for Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi. Her main goal was economic development and creating jobs. She campaigned across Mississippi for months.

On August 5, 2003, Blackmon faced two opponents in the Democratic primary. She had raised a lot of money for her campaign. She won the primary election with 57 percent of the vote. She became the first Black person to win the Democratic Party nomination for a statewide office in Mississippi.

In the general election on November 4, Blackmon lost to Amy Tuck. Blackmon received 37 percent of the vote. Blackmon believed her race was a factor in her loss. A comment she made during the campaign was also seen as a factor.

Between Terms (2004-2015)

Blackmon's Senate term ended in January 2004. She continued practicing law at her and her husband's law firm.

Return to the Senate (2015-2024)

In 2015, Blackmon ran again for District 21 in the Senate. On August 4, 2015, she competed against the incumbent, Kenneth Wayne Jones. Blackmon won by a very close margin of 34 votes. Since no Republicans were running, her primary victory meant she would take office in January 2016.

From 2016 to 2020, Blackmon was the vice chair of the Enrolled Bills committee. She also served on several other committees.

In 2019, Blackmon ran unopposed and was re-elected for the 2020-2024 term. During this term, she chaired the Housing Committee. She was also the vice chair of the Judiciary B Committee and later Highways and Transportation. In June 2020, Blackmon voted yes on the bill to change the Mississippi state flag.

In 2023, Blackmon initially filed for re-election. However, she later dropped out. This allowed her son, Bradford Blackmon, to run unopposed for the primary. He was elected to take her seat in the 2024 Mississippi Legislature.

Personal Life

Barbara Blackmon is a Baptist. She is a member of the Mississippi State Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association. She is also a Life Member of the NAACP. Since 1986, she has been married to state representative Edward Blackmon Jr.. One of their sons, Bradford Blackmon, was elected to the Mississippi Legislature in 2024.