MS HR58

Dr. James A. Anderson, born March 7, 1936, in Jackson, Mississippi, passed away on February 18, 2019; the Mississippi House of Representatives adopted HR 58 to commend his life and legacy and express sympathy to his family.

Practiced medicine for over 50 years, graduated from Morehouse College in 1956 and Meharry Medical College in 1960, and served in the U.S. Army as Chief Medical Examiner at the recruiting station in Syracuse, New York, and Company Commander of the 624th Medical Dispensary in Jackson.

Became actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement through the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, provided medical care to civil rights icon Bob Moses and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and co-founded the Medical Committee for Human Rights.

Co-founded the Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center, helped bring the first statewide Head Start Program to Mississippi, served as Director of Student Health Services at Jackson State University for over 30 years, and fought to secure full hospital privileges for African-American physicians at St. Dominic's Memorial Hospital.

Encouraged and endorsed Alyce Griffin Clarke, who in 1984 became the first African-American woman elected to the Mississippi Legislature, representing House District 69.