Family and friends gathered recently in Moorhead to honor citizen Jimmy L. Douglas for his wide and varied contributions to the town. He received several plaques and proclamations that spelled out his philanthropic contributions.
The Sunflower County-Indianola Voter’s League under the leadership of Rosie King, PhD, sponsored the “Lifetime Achievement” event to pay tribute to Douglas who is said to have done a lot for the town and Sunflower County in general.
King said the impetus for having this achievement was simply to recognize Douglas for his accomplishments. “It’s really in our roots, we promote equality, social, economic, educational equality and his contributions, they reflect our values.” In reference to and review of his many life accomplishments, King said, “The common thread is Mr. Douglas has given.”
Moorhead’s current mayor, George Holland, said Douglas was the first African-American candidate for mayor of Moorhead in 1967. He presented Douglas with the key to the city and as he read from the proclamation presented from the city, Holland said, “The spirit that helped to build Moorhead, Mississippi into the community that it is today is alive and strong today in Jimmy Douglas.”
He said Douglas has spent his life contributing to the quality of life in the small Delta town including social and educational enrichment. Douglas reportedly personally purchased the first stand-alone head start building in the town.
He is credited with warmly and generously welcoming children of all ages to his horse ranch, guiding and instructing others in their entrepreneurial endeavors and launching and aiding the careers of numerous more. Holland said people will still be talking about Douglas’s accomplishments 50 years from now.
Douglas has donated his time and equipment to aid in the upkeep and repair of the town’s infrastructure. Holland said there were situations that developed within the city’s system that no one else was able to fix and before they could hold a meeting to vote to hire Douglas he arrived, fixed the issue and never sent the city a bill.
Douglas also received proclamations from civil rights veteran Charles McLaurin and Mississippi Conference of Black Mayors President Silbrina Wright. Among the gifts given to the avid equine enthusiast was a large collage of 12 horses.
The Rev. Otis Anthony gave the keynote address.
