JACKSON, Miss. – Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s Executive Director Ronnie Agnew was recently named one of the Most Influential African Americans in Mississippi by Our Mississippi  Magazine.

Agnew along with 24 other individuals were chosen from dozens of public nominations in categories of business, education, politics, religion, media and servant leadership. They were selected by an independent panel of business and community leaders from across the state.

“Whenever honors such as this one come my way, I think of my parents, who worked hard to give me an opportunity that was not available to them,” Agnew said. “Through their hard work, they sacrificed everything to put me in a position to succeed. Anything I will ever do, any honor I will ever receive, belongs to them. Certainly, I am grateful to be included in this distinguished group.”   

Agnew has been elected to leadership positions on several national public broadcasting boards. He is chairman of the Board for America’s Public Television Stations, a Board member of American Public Television and a Board member of PBS Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Organization of State Broadcasting Executives.

A gala and reception for the 25 honorees will be held October 25 at the Westin Hotel in downtown Jackson. Six Legacy Award recipients will also be honored. They are Myrlie Evers-Williams, James Meredith, Constance Slaughter-Harvey, Reuben Anderson, Bennie Thompson and Robert Clark.