Edna Jackson (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edna Jackson
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Jackson in 2012
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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 |
Edna Branch Jackson
September 18, 1944 Savannah, Georgia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residences | Savannah, Georgia, U.S. |
Edna Branch Jackson was born on September 18, 1944. She is an American politician from the state of Georgia. Ms. Jackson is a member of the Democratic Party.
She currently serves in the Georgia House of Representatives for District 165. Before this, she was the Mayor of Savannah from 2012 to 2015. She made history as the first African-American woman to hold the office of Mayor in Savannah.
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Early Life and Education
Edna Jackson was born in Savannah, Georgia. Her parents were Georgia Branch Dillard and Henry Reid.
When she was just nine years old, Edna Jackson started her community service. She met a community leader named Wesley Wallace Law. She then joined the NAACP Youth Council. With this group, she took part in peaceful protests for equal rights. These protests happened across North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
She finished high school in 1962 at Alfred E. Beach High School. She continued her work with the NAACP Youth Council while in college. Ms. Jackson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology in 1968. She later received a Master of Education degree in Political Science Education in 1972. Both degrees were from Savannah State University.
Career in Public Service
Edna Jackson began her career as a social worker. She worked for the Economic Opportunity Authority for Savannah-Chatham County Area, Inc.
Working at Savannah State University
From 1971 to 2001, Edna Jackson worked at her old college, Savannah State University. In 1971, the university president, Prince Jackson, Jr., hired her. She became the director of the university’s emergency school assistance program.
Later, Edna Jackson worked as the director of alumni affairs. She also coordinated the Elderhostel Program. She retired from Savannah State University in 2001.
Serving the City of Savannah
After her time at the university, Jackson continued her career in Savannah's city government. She served as an "alderman at large" on the City Council of Savannah for three terms. This means she represented the entire city. She was also the "mayor pro tempore" for two terms. This role means she could act as mayor when the mayor was away.
In 2012, Edna Jackson was elected as the Mayor of Savannah. She was the first African-American woman to become mayor of the city. She served one term as mayor.
Georgia House of Representatives
In 2021, a special election was held. Edna Jackson won the seat for State House District 165. She was re-elected in 2022. She continues to serve the people of Georgia in this role.
