Jessie Ballenger Chosen African Mayor of the Day – 2/25/2011

Posted by Bob on February 25, 2011 under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment

The Naugatuck Cultural Council is honored to announce the appointment of Jessica “Jessie” O. Ballenger as the 2011 African-American Mayor of the Day.  As African-American History Month comes to a close, Ms. Ballenger will be honored at a short ceremony planned for this coming Monday, February 28, 2011, 11:00 AM, at Town Hall.  The ceremony will include the raising of the American Flag followed by the national flag of the African continent.  After a brief speaking portion, all attendees will return to the fourth (4th) floor of Town Hall for coffee and pictures.  The event is open to the public.

Ms. Ballenger has lived in Naugatuck since 1978.  She is the loving wife of Josephus Ballenger and the proud mother of three (3) daughters, Alicia, Michelle and Elizabeth; all graduates from Naugatuck High School.  Ms. Ballenger has been an integral part of our Naugatuck Family for many years as an active parishioner of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, past Chair of the Waterbury Chapter of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc., and a significant contributor to a the Borough’s “African American Committee”. A professional educator since 1971 and current assistant principal, Ms. Ballenger is a passionate advocate for quality education and the principles of lifelong learning.  In 2008, she was selected for an acting role playing herself in the weekly television production of “The Principals Office”.  We are privileged to bestow the title of African-American Mayor of the Day on Ms. Jessica “Jessie” O. Ballenger.

The mission of the Naugatuck Cultural Council is to recognize and celebrate the numerous heritages that strive in the Borough.   Monday’s (2/28/2011) recognition marks the start of an increased focus to supplant our existing Mayor of the Day ceremonies with those from additional cultures.  We welcome any suggestions which would support this endeavor.