Dr. Robert E. James On Saturday, December 13, 2008, the Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Day Association, Inc., will present its 2009 Marshals' Reception at the King Frazier Student Center, Savannah State University, at 5:00 p.m. The Board of Directors of the Association cordially invites you, its sponsors, supporters, and friends to attend the reception as they pay tribute to the 2009 Honorees.

The 2009 Marshals are Senator Regina Thomas and Dr. Robert E. James, and the Civil Rights Activist is Mr. William B. Jackson, Sr.

Senator Regina Thomas of Savannah was elected to the Georgia State Senate in a special election on January 11, 2000. She also served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1995 to 1998, where her efforts were focused on education, children's issues and welfare reform. She served as Assistant Majority Whip in the House from 1997 through 1998. Senator Thomas chaired the Senate State Institutions and Property Committee during 2002-2004.

A native of Savannah, Senator Thomas is a 1970 graduate of A.E. Beach High School. She is married to Ervin J. Thomas, Sr., a retired policeman. They have three sons, a daughter and nine grandchildren. Senator Thomas also attended Savannah Tech, Community College of Baltimore, and H&R Block Tax Course. She is a member of the Liberty City Church of Christ in Savannah, and she attends area churches regularly.

Senator Regina Thomas Robert Earl James, a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, has been President of Carver State Bank of Savannah, Georgia, since December 1, 1971. Since he became President, the Bank has become generally recognized as one of the most significant Blackowned businesses in Georgia. Having served as President of Carver State Bank for almost 37 years, James holds the distinction of being the African- American with the longest tenure of service as President of a commercial bank in America.

During 1973, James revived "The Savannah Tribune" weekly newspaper, one of the oldest Blackowned newspapers in America. This newspaper was originally established in 1875. Currently, James' wife is the owner and publisher of

Mr. William B. Jackson, Sr. "The Savannah Tribune." Additionally, in February 1989, he became owner and publisher of the "Fort Valley

Herald" weekly newspaper in Fort Valley, Georgia.

James and his wife, Shirley, are parents of one adult son, Robert, II, and two adult daughters, Anne Camille and Rachelle James Gregory.

William B. Jackson, Jr., immediate past president of the Savannah Branch of the National Association of Colored People (NAACP), is a patriot, a family man, and a distinguished educator. Jackson has devoted his life to the educational development of young people.

A native Savannahian, Jackson received his elementary and secondary education in the Savannah-Chatham County public schools. He attended East Broad Elementary and is a graduate of Beach-Cuyler High School. He served in the United States Submarine Force during WWII; earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Georgia State College (now Savannah State University); and pursued advanced study at several other colleges and universities.

Jackson's marriage to Haselera R. Black (Morgan) lasted for forty-five years until her death. They have four children: Haselera, Victor, Carl and William, II; thirteen Grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Jackson is a member of St. Philip Monumental AME Church.

For additional information, call the Association's office at 912.234.5502 or the president's office at 912.341.0041.