Fred L. Banks Jr. facts for kids

Fred Lee Banks Jr. (born September 1, 1942) is an American lawyer and former judge. He was a very important person in the fight for civil rights. He also served as a top judge on the Supreme Court of Mississippi.

Fred Banks Jr. worked as a judge for the state's Seventh Circuit District Court. He also served as a member of the state's House of Representatives. He spent many years working to make Mississippi a fairer place for everyone.

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.. He earned a degree in business. Later, he got his law degree from the Howard University School of Law in 1968. He was one of the top students in his class.

Fred Banks Jr. chose to study law to help African Americans gain equal rights. At that time, there were very few African-American lawyers in Mississippi. After becoming a lawyer, he started his own law firm in Jackson. His firm worked with the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. This group helped people fight for civil rights in court.

Public Service Career

Serving in the State Legislature

In 1975, Fred Banks Jr. decided to enter politics. He was elected to represent Hinds County. This meant he became a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives. He was re-elected two more times.

While in the House, Fred Banks Jr. led important committees. He chaired the House Ethics Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. He also led the Legislative Black Caucus. This group worked to make sure African-American voices were heard in the state government.

Fred Banks Jr. and other representatives worked hard to protect important records. These records were from the Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission. This commission had worked to support segregation. The records showed how state money was used to stop civil rights efforts. Banks and his colleagues fought to keep these records from being destroyed. They wanted people to know the truth about the past.

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter asked Fred Banks Jr. to join a special group. This group was called the National Advisory Council on the Education of Disadvantaged Children. It worked to improve education for children who needed extra help.

Becoming a Judge

In 1985, Fred Banks Jr. became a judge. He was appointed to the Seventh Circuit District Court. This court covered Hinds and Yazoo counties. He was re-elected to this position two times without anyone running against him.

In 1991, Governor Ray Mabus appointed Fred Banks Jr. to the Supreme Court of Mississippi. This is the highest court in the state. He was later elected by voters to serve a full term on the Supreme Court.

Fred Banks Jr. retired from the state court in 2001. After that, he became a senior partner at a law firm called Phelps Dunbar. He continued to use his legal knowledge and experience.