19th Century Lobbyist

Lobbyists are here, affecting downtown traffic.
Suits, suits, and more suits.

This gentleman is Smith Robertson, for whom the city's first public school for African American children was named. Portrait of a fine 19th Century Lobbyist.

Born a slave in Alabama, he owned a barbershop in the Spangler Hotel at Capitol and State streets in Jackson. Now, you know he knew which of the Legislators sitting in his chair were the ones to tap and secure educational funding. First appointed to the Board of Aldermen in 1879.

The museum in which I spend part of my time is on the campus of the first public school for colored children. Named in his honor, opened in 1984, the Smith Robertson Museum & Cultural Center is his legacy and anchors the Farish Street Historic District.

Tales from Jackson