STATEMENT FROM MAYOR JOHN HORHN ON THE PASSING OF FORMER U.S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION DR. ROD PAIGE

Jackson, MS — Mayor John Horhn and the City of Jackson join the family, friends, and colleagues of Dr. Rod Paige in mourning the loss of a pioneering educator and public servant whose career began here in Mississippi and transformed lives across the nation.

Born in Monticello and educated at Jackson State University, Dr. Paige dedicated his life to opening doors of opportunity for generations of students. His historic appointment as the first African American U.S. Secretary of Education marked a defining moment in the pursuit of equity and excellence in American education.

Dr. Paige’s leadership, integrity, and belief in the power of learning left an lasting mark on every institution he touched, from the Houston Independent School District to the Department of Education, to his return home as interim president of Jackson State University.

The City of Jackson extends heartfelt condolences to his devoted wife, Stephanie, and to the Paige family. We are grateful for Dr. Paige’s legacy and for the example he set as a son of Mississippi.