Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth I. Stokes organized the first annual observance of the Late Dr. Aaron Henry. Henry, a founding member of the Regional Council of Negro Leadership, was a civil rights leader and also served as head of the Mississippi NAACP.
Dr. Henry died in May of 1997.
Stokes, family and friends gathered at the Elmwood Cemetery in Jackson to commemorate the famed state legislator and community leaders’ birthday anniversary on Wednesday, July 2.
“Dr. Aaron Henry’s contribution to the progress of African Americans in the State of Mississippi must be remembered, especially to educate our young people,” said Stokes. “The city of Jackson must recognize those who have paved the way.”
Dr. Henry is most known for being the longest serving president of the Mississippi State NAACP.
On hand for the celebration were Henry’s grandsons, one of whom traveled all the way from Memphis, Tennessee to take part in the celebration.
“I heard about this event all the way in Memphis, and this is something that is very special to me and my family, because you never want to forget where you came from,” said Aaron McClinton, Henry’s oldest grandson. “Hopefully this would be something that gets bigger each year.”
McClinton’s brother, DeMon McClinton, added that he was thrilled to learn that Councilman Stokes had organized a birthday celebration in memory of his late grandfather.
“It’s just a blessing for me to just reap the benefits that he (Henry) was able to sow,” said DeMon McClinton. “He didn’t get a lot of notoriety for what he did, so this observation is just a blessing.”
The McClintons’ and other close friends shared fond memories of Henry during the observation of his would be 87th birthday.
The activities culminated with the First Annual Dr. Aaron Henry Birthday Observance dinner at 6:30 p.m. at Lumpkins Restaurant, 162 Raymond Road, Jackson.
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