Ackerman community unveils Governors Park tribute signs

ACKERMAN, Miss. (WCBI) – Ackerman is one of the few towns in Mississippi to be the home of more than one governor

Friday, the community honored the men with a “Governors Park.”

“You wouldn’t think that a town of 1,500 people in northeast Mississippi would produce two governors in 30 years! I mean, it wasn’t that long of time,” said honoree Ray Mabus.

Mabus was the 60th Governor of Mississippi, the 75th United States Secretary of the Navy, and the former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

At the unveiling of the new Governors Park in Ackerman, he spent a few moments reflecting on those achievements along with many others throughout his life.

“It means the world to me because this is where I got the foundation for whatever I’ve managed to achieve in my life. These are the people, these are the values that I learned,” said Mabus.

Former Governor J.P. Coleman was also honored at the event.

His grandson Josiah Coleman shared memories of his late grandfather.

“It’s amazing to see what he meant to the individuals that lived in this community. He wasn’t just a guy that held office who lived here. He was part of it. Emotionally, that means a lot to me. It’s something to emulate to try and copy,” said Coleman.

U.S. Senator Roger Wicker worked with both former governors during his career.

“I’ve always been proud that I was a young tike supporting him in 1963 and then when it comes to Ray Mabus, it happens that I was elected State Senator the same day he was elected Governor,” said Wicker.

The new park features a playground, a gazebo, and a platform for hopscotch.

However, the political legacy of the town is what many hope future generations will remember.

“I think when you see a town like Ackerman, that’s had two Governors come out of it, and there are other towns that share distinctions as well, you just want them to kind of see that as an example,” said Coleman.

“This is a salute to small-town America. When you talk about small-town America, you’re talking about Mississippi,” said Wicker.

“It’s not how much money you accumulate. It’s not how much stuff you get. It’s the service that you give. Do something that is going to outlive you. Do something that is bigger than you are. That’s what I hope people take away, and it doesn’t matter where you start,” said Mabus.

For more information on the new Governors Park in Ackerman, click here.