Edna Jackson (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edna Jackson
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| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives from the 165th district |
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| Assumed office November 10, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Mickey Stephens |
| 65th Mayor of Savannah | |
| In office January 1, 2012 – January 1, 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Otis Johnson |
| Succeeded by | Eddie DeLoach |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 18, 1944 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residences | Savannah, Georgia, U.S. |
Edna Branch Jackson, born on September 18, 1944, is an American politician from Georgia. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Currently, she serves in the Georgia House of Representatives. Before this, she was the Mayor of Savannah from 2012 to 2015. She made history as the first African-American woman to be mayor of Savannah.
About Edna Jackson
Early Life and Education
Edna Jackson was born in Savannah, Georgia, to Georgia Branch Dillard and Henry Reid. When she was just nine years old, she started helping her community. She met a person named Wesley Wallace Law, who inspired her.
Edna joined the NAACP Youth Council. This group worked for fairness and equal rights for all people. With them, she took part in peaceful protests across North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
She finished high school in 1962 at Alfred E. Beach High School. She continued to be involved with the NAACP Youth Council during her college years. Edna Jackson graduated from Savannah State University in 1968 with a degree in Sociology. Later, in 1972, she earned a master's degree in Political Science Education.
Her Career in Public Service
Edna Jackson began her career helping people as a social worker. She worked for the Economic Opportunity Authority in Savannah-Chatham County. This group helps people in need.
From 1971 to 2001, Edna Jackson worked at her old college, SSU. She started as a director for a special school program. Later, she became the director of alumni affairs. This role involved connecting with former students. She retired from SSU in 2001.
After her time at the university, Jackson continued her career in Savannah's city government. She served on the City Council of Savannah as an "alderman at large" for three terms. This means she represented the whole city. She was also the "mayor pro tempore" for two terms. This role means she could act as mayor if the mayor was away.
In 2012, Edna Jackson became the first African-American woman to be elected as the Mayor of Savannah. She served one term as mayor.
In 2021, she won a special election to become a member of the State House for District 165. She was re-elected to this position in 2022.
