Ackerman holds a unique place in the State of Mississippi, in that it is the hometown of two former governors, J.P. Coleman and Ray Mabus. Not many small towns, if any, can make such a claim. In honor of these esteemed favorite sons, this past Friday at Governors Park, the Town of Ackerman unveiled historic markers dedicated to the former governors and to their lives of public service.
Ackerman Mayor Tim Cutts opened the ceremony by greeting the honored guests and members of the community. The National Anthem was presented by the CCHS Chamber Singers, followed by a welcome from Ackerman Alderwoman Felicia Baber.
Ray Mabus grew up in Ackerman, but even as a youngster had the opportunity to travel and see much of the world. He graduated from Choctaw County High School. He attended the University of Mississippi where he graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in English and political science. He earned a Master of Arts in political science from Johns Hopkins University and a Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School.
Mabus began his professional career working in Washington, D.C., as legal counsel to the United States House Committee on Agriculture. Following the election of Governor William Winter, he returned to Mississippi to work in the governor's office, and in 1983, Mabus was elected state auditor and served from 1984 to 1988. At 39 years of age, he defeated Tupelo businessman, Jack Reed, in the gubernatorial race and served as the 60th governor of the State from 1988 to 1992.
Mabus was appointed by President Bill Clinton to be the United States Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and served from 1994 to 1996, and on March 27, 2009, Mabus was nominated by President Obama as Secretary of the Department of the Navy.
Mabus stated that even though he has traveled the world and seen many incredible things he still calls Choctaw County his home.
James Plemon "J.P." Coleman, the 52nd governor of the State, was born in Ackerman, on January 9, 1914; he also served as a Circuit Judge on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Coleman received a Bachelor of Laws in 1939 from the George Washington University Law School and was in private practice in Ackerman from 1939 to 1946. Coleman served as governor from 1956 to 1960.
Mabus, and Coleman’s grandson, Justice Josiah Coleman, recounted personal memories, experiences and stories, each followed by history and remarks by Ackerman Alderman Billy Ganann, and remarks by U.S. Senator Roger Wicker.
Governors Park is a centerpiece and showplace for the Town of Ackerman, with the new historic markers as reminders of the town’s heritage and history.
