Jackson's Kenneth Stokes uses sexist slur for woman, derails meeting
Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes defended a proposed ordinance to repeal the city’s data center moratorium, arguing that data center investment could bring money to struggling neighborhoods. Residents opposed lifting the moratorium before regulations were completed, while a meeting on the issue was disrupted and later postponed after Stokes used an offensive slur against a woman.
Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes urged the city to accept data center investment and supported an ordinance to repeal Jackson’s moratorium on data center development. Opponents argued that the moratorium should remain in place until regulations addressing issues such as noise and neighborhood impacts were completed. The city has seen data center activity expand across the metropolitan area, while Saxum Investment Group’s proposed Forest Avenue project remains stalled after its rezoning hearing was postponed.
The council meeting was derailed after Stokes insulted a woman during an exchange with residents, prompting chants calling for his removal and a 4-3 vote to recess. The meeting was later rescheduled. Residents also criticized the proposed repeal and questioned the economic benefits and potential community effects of data centers.