Fred L. Banks Jr. facts for kids

Fred Lee Banks Jr. (born September 1, 1942) is an American lawyer and a champion for civil rights. He was also a politician and a judge. He served as a top judge on the Supreme Court of Mississippi, which is the highest court in the state. He was on this court from 1991 to 2001. Before that, he was a judge for the state's Seventh Circuit District Court from 1985 to 1991. He also served in the state's House of Representatives from 1976 to 1985.

Early Life and Education

Fred Banks Jr. grew up in Jackson, Mississippi. His parents were Fred Lee Banks Sr. and Violet (Mabery) Banks. He finished high school at Lanier High School in 1960.

He then went to Howard University in Washington, D.C.. There, he earned a degree in business. After that, he went to Howard University School of Law and earned his law degree in 1968. He graduated with high honors, ranking second in his class.

Mr. Banks chose to become a lawyer because he wanted to help African Americans gain equal rights. At that time, there were very few African-American lawyers in Mississippi. After he was allowed to practice law in Mississippi, he started his own law practice in Jackson. He worked with other lawyers and helped the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. This group helps people fight for civil rights in court. He later formed a law firm with some of these lawyers, including Reuben Anderson.

Public Service Career

Serving in the State Legislature

In 1975, Fred Banks Jr. decided to enter politics. He was elected to represent Hinds County in the Mississippi House of Representatives. This is a part of the state government that makes laws. He was re-elected two more times.

While in the House, Mr. Banks led important committees. He chaired the House Ethics Committee, which deals with rules for lawmakers. He also chaired the House Judiciary Committee, which focuses on laws and the justice system. He also led the Legislative Black Caucus, a group of African-American lawmakers.

Mr. Banks, along with Representatives Horace L. Buckley and Douglas L. Anderson, worked hard to protect important records. These records were from the Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission, a group that supported segregation. They fought against a bill that would have destroyed these documents. The records showed how state money was used to harm civil rights activists. They documented police harassment, boycotts, and economic unfairness against people who supported civil rights.

During this time, in 1979, President Jimmy Carter also chose Mr. Banks to be part of the National Advisory Council on the Education of Disadvantaged Children. This council advised on how to help children who faced challenges in their education.

Becoming a Judge

While Mr. Banks was a state representative, his former law partner, Reuben Anderson, became a judge for the state's Seventh Circuit District Court. This court covers Hinds and Yazoo counties.

In 1985, Governor William Allain appointed Mr. Anderson to the Mississippi Supreme Court. Governor Allain then chose Fred Banks Jr. to take Mr. Anderson's place on the 7th Circuit District Court. Mr. Banks was re-elected to this court twice without anyone running against him.

In January 1991, Mr. Anderson left the Mississippi Supreme Court. Governor Ray Mabus then appointed Mr. Banks to serve on the Supreme Court until the next election. Mr. Banks was elected in November 1991 to finish that term. He was then re-elected for a full term in November 1996.

In 1993, Mr. Banks was considered for a position on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. This is a very important federal court. At that time, there were no African-American judges on this court. President Bill Clinton eventually appointed Carl E. Stewart as the first African-American judge to that court.

Mr. Banks retired from the state court in 2001. After retiring, he became a senior partner at a law firm called Phelps Dunbar.