Arlene Robinson. Photo courtesy City of Jackson.
For her commitment and caring for her community, Jackson College will recognize Arlene Robinson, Jackson City Council member, with the 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Service Award. The award will be presented at the annual King Celebration Dinner in January.
“Arlene Robinson has been a tremendous blessing for the Jackson community. Young and old alike respect and esteem her,” said Lee Hampton, chief diversity officer at Jackson College. “Arlene has stepped up to follow several giants when a void was left. Many in the community are extremely grateful for the level of sacrifice that she has consistently displayed. She is a very worthy winner of this distinguished award.”
A lifelong resident of the City of Jackson, Robinson has represented the First Ward on the Jackson City Council since 2013. She served on the Jackson Housing Commission Board of Commissioners and the City of Jackson Income Tax Review Board before her election to the City Council. Robinson has served as branch president of the Jackson County NAACP since 2006 and served the group as vice president and treasurer. She worked for more than 40 years in the banking industry. In 1992, she received the Business Woman of the Year Award; in 1999, the Sadie and Ex Rhodes Barham Award; and in 2004, the Susan B. Anthony Award. She has served as treasurer of the Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club and is a lifetime member of the Second Missionary Baptist Church. She worked in the banking industry for more than 40 years.
Jackson native Khari Willis, Indianapolis Colts safety, will be the keynote speaker, sharing “From the King Center to the NFL.” Willis, the Colts’ four-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, was a standout football player for Michigan State University and Jackson Lumen Christi High School.
This year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18 in the Victor Cuiss Fieldhouse. Tickets are $25, $20 for senior citizens and students. To purchase tickets, please call 517.796.8600.