JANS – Officials gathered in Jackson on Tuesday, Aug. 1 to designate a stretch of Interstate 220 north in Hinds County as the “Senator Douglas Anderson Memorial Highway.”
Commissioner Willie Simmons, Central Transportation District, was joined by Sen. Sollie Norwood along with other officials and family members of Sen. Douglas Anderson to dedicate the stretch of roadway in Anderson’s name. The event was held at the Mississippi State Capitol in Jackson.
“When talking about Interstate 220 and the number of individuals that travel it – both family, friends, and other individuals – this is a way to communicate to them that Sen. Doug Anderson contributed and gave so much in ways of public service,” said Commissioner Simmons. “It’s an honor to be here and recognize a friend and person like Sen. Anderson, and put his name in this section of highway in recognition of his work and legacy.”
In 1976, Anderson was elected to represent District 27 in the Mississippi State House of Representatives. In 1980, he was elected to the Mississippi State Senate, becoming the first African `American to serve in both the House of Representatives and the Senate since Reconstruction. In the Senate, he served on the State Budget, Constitution, Congressional Redistricting, Education, Legislative Reapportionment, Judiciary, and Appropriations committees, among others. He would also chair university, colleges, and municipality committees.
Anderson was appointed by Governor William Winter to the State Building Commission where he served as the Sub-Chair for Alcorn State University, Jackson State University, and Mississippi Valley State University. While in office, the former teacher was an active and outspoken advocate for Historically Black Colleges. In 1993, Anderson joined the Hinds County Board of Supervisors, where he served for 19 years. In all, he devoted more than 36 years of his life to public service.
“Senator Anderson gave so much to the state and the county,” said Simmons. “He was a builder, so it is an honor to dedicate this highway in his name and see his legacy continue to live on. It is quite appropriate.”
During the 2023 Session of the Mississippi Legislature, Senate Bill No. 2002 was signed into law, designating a section of Interstate 220 north located in Hinds County, beginning at the U.S. Highway 49 intersection in Jackson and extending north for one mile, shall be known as the “Senator Douglas Anderson Memorial Highway” in honor of former Mississippi Senator Douglas Anderson.