2024 Black History Month: Norma Ellington
It’s time to spotlight one of our neighbors, presented to you by the Tennessee Lottery.
Each week in February, WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News will celebrate Black History Month by introducing you to a member of our community here in West Tennessee.
This week’s spotlight has been keeping her son’s legacy alive for over a decade by helping others.
Norma Ellington comes from a big family — her mom raised her and her 11 siblings in Rutherford.
She was in the first graduating class of Gibson County High School after the consolidation.
Later, she graduated from Jackson State, where she played basketball and married her husband of 40 years.
They were blessed with two children: Jerome and Demetria.
Norma still remembers growing up with segregation and the experience of freedom that was earned.
“I don’t take it for granted, you know, being able to walk into a public building like the courthouse, being able to drink from the water fountain,” Ellington said. “I remember years that we couldn’t do that. And when we were able to do that, to this day, I’d still go in that public place like a courthouse, and if I’m not thirsty, I still take me a drink.”
Norma’s strength is a reflection of her mom, who inspired her to never give up.
Norma also shared one way that she encourages people to keep moving forward with the sacrifices others gave for us.
“Definitely exercise your right to vote, because people lost their life for us to do that,” she said.
Her honoring of those who have passed doesn’t stop there. After her son was killed at the age of 19 in 2009, she and her family wanted to honor his memory.
“We lost someone that was very precious to us, and we love him dearly. Being the person that he was, he was definitely definitely an all around, loving, caring person, and we just want to try to carry his legacy on.”
Jerome loved education and was attending Lane College at the time of his death. So, his family created a scholarship fund to help other young students who have the same dream of continuing their education.
The fund started in 2012 with two recipients, and over the years, they have grown to 10 scholarship recipients a year, each receiving $500.
“We have awarded 63 Seniors scholarships since 2012, and we awarded over $30,000 in scholarships to seniors. So you know your donations are greatly appreciated.”
Information on Jerome Ellington Scholarship Fund donations:
- Any Regions bank: Jerome Ellington Perseverance Scholarship
- (731) 267-8511
- Norma Ellington, 532 North Parkway, Jackson, TN, 38305
- Cash app: $Norma Ellington
Remember to stay tuned next week to meet another neighbor as we continue to celebrate Black History Month.
SEE ALSO: 2024 Black History Month: Don McCorry
SEE ALSO: 2024 Black History Month: Danielle Jones
