Isiah Fredericks

Isiah Fredericks was an African American state legislator in Mississippi representing the 119th district in the Mississippi [House of Representatives] from 1980 until his death in 1990.

Biography

Frederick was born on November 6, 1930. He was chief of the North Gulfport Fire Department.
Fredericks, a Democrat, was elected in 1979 to represent the 119th district in the Mississippi state House of Representatives, becoming the first black person from South Mississippi to serve in the House.

Fredericks died on April 30, 1990 from cancer. He was laid to rest in the Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Following his death, his wife, Frances L. Manning Fredericks ran for election to fill his vacant seat, winning with 59% of the vote. She was subsequently re-elected and served in the state house until retiring in 2012.
The Isiah Fredericks Community Center in Gulfport was named in his honor.