Charles Tillman (politician)

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 byChokwe Lumumba
Succeeded byTony Yarber
Member of the Jackson City Council
In office
July 1, 2005 – July 1, 2021
Preceded byBetty Dagner-Cook
Succeeded byVernon Hartley
Personal details
Born1932 or 1933 (age 90–91)
Political partyDemocratic
EducationB.A. Alcorn State University
M.A. University of Southern California

Biography

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

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

He has two children.[2]

References
  1. Kanengiser, Andy (May 18, 2005). "Incumbents Defeated". The Clarion Ledger – via Newspapers.com. Tillman, 72, former President of the Jackson Public Schools Board
  2. Fuller, Jacob (August 29, 2012). "Charles Tillman: Speak Softly". Jackson Free Press.
  3. "The Clarion Ledger and League of Women Voters Elections Guide". Clarion Ledger. June 5, 2005 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. "City Council Has New Mandate". The Clarion Ledger. June 9, 2005.
  5. "Ward 4, 5 newcomers Win Council Seats". Clarion Ledger. June 8, 2005 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. "New acting mayor sworn in for city of Jackson". WBLT. February 26, 2014.
  7. Barnes, Dustin (April 22, 2014). "Yarber New Jackson Mayor". Clarion-Ledger.
  8. Vicory, Justin (April 27, 2021). "Jackson runoff election: Incumbent Tillman ousted, Ward 4 decided by slim margin". Clarion Ledger.
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