Ann Stamps Burton

Ann Stamps Burton is a native of the proud, small community of Utica, Mississippi. She grew up close to, and was deeply influenced by the rich tradition of “Utica Junior College” – an inspiration to African American self-assertion, education, and self-actualization. Her parents, Clifton and Beulah Stamps, nurtured a closely-nit, family oriented, hard working, religious home that raised ten children. Tougaloo College provided Ann an excellent liberal arts education as one of its graduates in 1976. In 2003, Jackson State University bestowed upon her its distinguished Master of Science Degree in Guidance and Counseling.

Ann was employed for many years with the Hinds County Human Resource Agency Project Head Start Program as a Family Community Services Specialist. Helping people help themselves to become productive, self-sustaining, family oriented individuals has always brought her personal satisfaction and accomplishment. Another passion is her commitment to the Mississippi Jazz Foundation, where she serves as President and founding member. Her work in this capacity, along with the Board of Directors, earned recognition from the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau as a “2009 Hometown Hero” for the support and advancement of tourism and entertainment in the Jackson Metropolitan Area.

Ann is married to Otha Burton, and her son, Michael Ahmad, daughter-in-law Razia, and grandbaby Layla Kia are the pride of her life. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, and person deeply involved in her community. Ann is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; a founding member of the Mississippi Mass Choir; a current or former member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women – Central Mississippi Chapter, the Mississippi Lions Club Community Action Program, and Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International; and is active as a Stewardess and Gospel Choir member at Pearl Street African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jackson, Mississippi. Ann’s living message is “life has been good to me, and I want to help make the lives of others rewarding and fulfilling.”