Jackson City Councilman Ernest Brooks II
Presents Black History Month Program
J. Emmett Ballard and the Legal Fight for Justice and Equality
in Jackson-Madison County
JACKSON, TENNESSEE, February 23, 2017 —“Pioneer, freedom-fighter, author and community
activist” – these are the words used to describe J. Emmett Ballard, the first African-American
lawyer in Jackson-Madison County.
Jackson City Councilman Ernest Brooks II, District Three, will deliver a speech to the students at
North Parkway Middle School during his annual Black History Month Celebration entitled “J.
Emmett Ballard and the Legal Fight for Justice and Equality in Jackson-Madison County.”
Additionally, the Councilman will recognize the achievement and service to the community of
fifteen Black lawyers from the area.
This year, Councilman Brooks is partnering with the Ballard-Taylor Bar Association (BTBA), of
which he is a member, to sponsor the event. The BTBA, a chapter of the National Bar Association,
has been linking black lawyers to each other and the broader legal community for decades.
“This Black History Program is an opportunity to celebrate the culture, influence and progress of
African-American lawyers in Jackson-Madison County,” said Robert Thomas, President of the
BTBA.
According to Program Director, Mal Matthews, “We want to thank Councilman Brooks for having
his annual Black History Month program here at North Parkway. The students look forward to it
each year.”
The program is scheduled for February 24, 2017, at 1pm, in the North Parkway Middle School
gymnasium, located at 1341 North Parkway Avenue, Jackson, Tennessee 38301.
“It is important for our children to be exposed to positive role models of all professions. It shows
them that through education, hard work and perseverance they can also achieve success,” said
Brooks.
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