Lester Jackson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lester Jackson
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| Member of the Georgia State Senate from the 2nd district |
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| In office January 12, 2009 – January 9, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Regina Thomas |
| Succeeded by | Derek Mallow |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Lester George Jackson III
July 26, 1959 Savannah, Georgia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Lorna Chatman |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater | Paine College, Meharry Medical College |
Lester George Jackson III (born July 26, 1959) is an American politician. He used to be a state senator for Chatham County, Georgia. In 2009, he was chosen to join the Democratic National Committee. This was a big deal because he was the first person from Georgia's coast to get this role in over 19 years.
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About Lester Jackson
Lester Jackson grew up in Savannah, Georgia. He went to public schools in Chatham County. Later, he studied at Paine College. In 1985, he earned his degree in dental surgery from Meharry Medical College. He became a family dentist in Savannah.
He also teaches at the Medical College of Georgia and Armstrong Atlantic State University.
His Time in Politics
Before becoming a senator, Lester Jackson served in the House of Representatives for 10 years. In 2008, he was elected to the State Senate. He served as a senator until 2023.
As a legislator, he received many awards. In 1999, he was named Georgia's Freshman Legislator of the Year. The Georgia Dental Association honored him as Legislator of the Year in 2000 and 2002. He also received a Distinguished Service Award from the National Dental Association in 2001.
Jackson was a delegate at the Democratic National Convention in 2000 and 2008. The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus named him Legislator of the Year in 2008 and 2010.
What He Did as a Senator
As a state senator, Lester Jackson worked on several important committees. These committees help make decisions about different areas. For example, he was part of committees for:
- Agriculture and Consumer Affairs
- Economic Development
- Health and Human Services
- Higher Education
- Urban Affairs
These roles allowed him to help shape laws that affect many parts of people's lives in Georgia.
Community Involvement
Lester Jackson is a U.S. Navy veteran. He is also a lifelong member of the NAACP, an organization that works for civil rights. He is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and the American Legion. He helped start the Savannah Chapter of the 100 Black Men.
In 2009, he received the Savannah Community Service Award. He also got the Legislator of the Year Award from the Savannah State University Alumni Association that same year.
His Family
Lester Jackson is married to Dr. Lorna Jackson. They have four children: Charity, Lester IV, Leah, and Johnathan. He is also the uncle of Tracey Watts Valencia.
See also
- List of state government committees (Georgia)
