Chicago Board of Elections Chief praises “Mother Jennings’’ 106th birthday

 

She saw the right for women to vote

By Chinta Strausberg

Chicago Board of Election Commissioners officials late Tuesday praised “Mother” Magnolia Jennings who will turn 106 on Thursday, August 15th, and praised her consistent voting record that included casting her ballots in the last presidential and special elections.

“We are so proud to count Magnolia Jennings among our most experienced — and most reliable — voters in Chicago,” said Langdon D. Neal, Chairman of the Chicago Board of Elections. “In Magnolia, or as we would call her out of respect and endearment, Mother Jennings, we have a woman who was there to see women first gain the right to vote, just three days after her 13th birthday back in 1920.”

“Mother Jennings continues to exercise the precious access to the electoral franchise, as recently as the 2012 presidential election and again during this year’s special elections. Mother Jennings is among the best examples of a dedicated voter, and a reason why Chicago leads the region in voter engagement and turnout,” said Neal.

The daughter of Mississippi farmers, Magnolia Jennings has spent most of her life being a housewife and mother of three, but on Thursday she will have one of her biggest birthday’s when she turns 106-years-old.

A resident at the Waterfront Terrace, 7750 South Shore, since 2005, Jennings is having a birthday party from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday in the lower level of the Waterfront Terrace, according to Ruby Morris, marketing director for the Waterfront Terrace.

Born to Maggie and Joseph Spencer in Tchula, Mississippi, Jennings is one of seven children. Her sister, Thelma Montgomery, is currently 88-years-old and resides in Las Vegas with her daughter, Elaine Ennols.

Jennings attended school in Tchula, Mississippi where she only went to the fourth grade. She returned to complete her education. 

In 1945, Jennings moved to Chicago’s South Side where she married Curtis Jennings. The couple had three children, Curtis Jennings, Jr., Myrtle Hatcher and Ella Mae, who died at the age of 3, all of whom preceded her in death. Her husband has also passed in 1997.

Asked if she can remember any racism in Mississippi, Jennings said she could not recall any instances of racism. A Christian, she remembers being very good with young adults and was very committed to her ministry.

When asked if she voted for Barack Obama, America’s first black president, Jennings said she was very happy to cast her vote for Obama.

For further information, call Ruby Morris, marketing director for Waterfront Terrace, at: 773.294.3818.

Chinta Strausberg is a Journalist of more than 33-years, a former political reporter and a current PCC Network talk show host. You can e-mail Strausberg at: Chintabernie@aol.com.