Charles Tillman (born 1932/1933)[1] is an American politician who served on the Jackson, Mississippi City council for twelve years and as acting mayor after the death of Chokwe Lumumba, becoming the 5th consecutive African-American mayor of the city.
Charles Tillman | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi | |
| In office February 25, 2014 – April 24, 2014 | |
| Preceded by | Chokwe Lumumba |
| Succeeded by | Tony Yarber |
| Member of the Jackson City Council | |
| In office July 1, 2005 – July 1, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Betty Dagner-Cook |
| Succeeded by | Vernon Hartley |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1932 or 1933 (age 90–91) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | B.A. Alcorn State University M.A. University of Southern California |
Biography edit
Tillman graduated with a B.A. in business education from Alcorn State University in 1958 and a M.A. in guidance and counseling from the University of Southern California in 1962.[2] He did additional coursework at Atlanta University and took post-graduate classes at the University of Notre Dame and at Jackson State University.[2] He began his career as a counselor at Rowan and Brinkley middle schools in Jackson before becoming a school principal[2] and later president of the Jackson Public Schools Board.[1] He was an active volunteer which led to his running for the Jackson City Council in 2005.[2] In May 2005, he narrowly defeated Betty Dagner-Cook, 903 votes to Dagner-Cook's 845 votes in the Democratic primary for Ward 5 councilmember.[1] On June 7, 2005, he defeated Independent candidate Joe Louis Sanders in the general election,[3][4] 2,586 votes to Sanders' 384 votes.[5]
After the death of mayor Chokwe Lumumba, Tillman was sworn in as acting mayor on February 25, 2014.[6] He served as mayor until April 24, 2014, when Tony Yarber was sworn in after a special election.[7]
In the 2021 election, seeking a 4th term on the City Council, he was defeated by Vernon Hartley, 936 votes to Tillman's 482.[8]
Awards edit
In 1982, Tillman received the Governor's Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Voluntary Community Service and the National Council of Negro Women's Appreciation Award for Outstanding and Dedicated Service.[2]
Personal life edit
He has two children.[2]
References edit
- ^ a b c Kanengiser, Andy (May 18, 2005). "Incumbents Defeated". The Clarion Ledger – via Newspapers.com.
Tillman, 72, former President of the Jackson Public Schools Board
- ^ a b c d e f Fuller, Jacob (August 29, 2012). "Charles Tillman: Speak Softly". Jackson Free Press.
- ^ "The Clarion Ledger and League of Women Voters Elections Guide". Clarion Ledger. June 5, 2005 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "City Council Has New Mandate". The Clarion Ledger. June 9, 2005.
- ^ "Ward 4, 5 newcomers Win Council Seats". Clarion Ledger. June 8, 2005 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "New acting mayor sworn in for city of Jackson". WBLT. February 26, 2014.
- ^ Barnes, Dustin (April 22, 2014). "Yarber New Jackson Mayor". Clarion-Ledger.
- ^ Vicory, Justin (April 27, 2021). "Jackson runoff election: Incumbent Tillman ousted, Ward 4 decided by slim margin". Clarion Ledger.