MS SC502

Commends and congratulates former Mississippi Representative Fred L. Banks, Jr., on receiving the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award from The Mississippi Bar.

Recognizes Banks' legal career including founding Anderson, Banks, Nichols and Leventhal, the first interracial law firm in Mississippi history, and his role in fighting segregation and integrating public schools and accommodations.

Honors Banks' service as Town Attorney of Fayette (1970-1975), member of the Mississippi House of Representatives (1975-1981, first African-American legislator since Reconstruction), and Chairman of the House Ethics and Judiciary committees.

Acknowledges Banks' judicial service as Judge of the Seventh Circuit Court District (1985-1991) and Mississippi Supreme Court Justice (1991-2001), and his continued civil rights advocacy at Phelps Dunbar law firm.

Recognizes Banks' community leadership including his role as Chairman of the Foundation for Mississippi History, membership on the National Board of Directors of the NAACP, and service on numerous state and national boards.