Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable funeral home, Woolf Funeral Home.

Woolf Funeral Home was established in 1940 by Henry Woolf in Tunica, Mississippi. After opening in Tunica and his determination and desire to offer outstanding service to the bereaved, he opened a funeral home in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

After the passing of Mr. Henry Woolf in 1958, Woolf Funeral Homes was purchased by Mr. Ben Brown who continued on the legacy of Mr. Woolf. In 1978 Mr. Brown passed and his son, Willie A. Brown, a retired United States Air Force veteran and licensed funeral director, became owner.

Mr. Willie Brown's vision to make sure every family they serviced was special and deserved the best hours of their bereavement. He has, throughout the years, continued the establishment in the community. Woolf Funeral Home contributes and participates in numerous community and charitable organizations.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Woolf Funeral Home for their dedication in being an outstanding establishment in the cities of Clarksdale and Tunica and the Counties of Coahoma and Tunica, Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a hardworking and self motivated black farmer, Mr. Jimmy Dixon, who was born on June 12, 1953 to the late Colie and Anna Mae Dixon.

Mr. Jimmy Dixon was the 6th child of 12 children, a native of Copiah County, Mississippi and was born and raised on the farm.

Mr. Jimmy Dixon is passionate about the farming industry. His heart for farming stems from his late father, Mr. Colic Dixon, Sr. Even during struggling times for farmers, he and several of his siblings helped their father to build the legacy to raise cattle and harvest hay and plant corn, watermelons, okra, peas, sweet potatoes and other produce. They worked hard to acquire land and equipment. Together they owned over 300 acres of land.

Mr. Dixon went to Brushy Creek Attendance Center, an all black school and attended Holtzclaw High School and graduated from Crystal Springs High School, the first year they segregated in 1971. He joined the U.S. Army in 1979 and became a Military Policeman. He went to the conflict in the Persian Gulf in 1990 until 1991 and served in the Gulf War, receiving an Accommodation Medal Award in 1991 and retired in 1992.

Mr. Dixon is married to Marlene and they have three boys and one girl along with four grandchildren. He and his family attends Temple of Yah Hebrew Israelite Assembly in Terry, Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Jimmy Dixon for his dedication and endurance of successful farming.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mrs. Maude L. Williams Ballou, who was born in Fairhope, Alabama, and raised in Mobile. She received a Bachelor of Science in business administration in 1947 from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After marrying music instructor, Leonard Ballou, she and her husband relocated to Montgomery, Alabama in 1952. Mrs. Ballou met Jo Ann Robinson before the start of the bus boycott and talked with her about how to obtain better conditions for blacks in Montogmery.

After Martin Luther King's election as president of the Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA) at the start of the Montgomery bus boycott, Maude Ballou became his personal secretary.

After becoming King's secretary at the MIA, Mrs. Ballou helped coordinate carpools during the boycott. She often responded on King's behalf to his correspondence. Mrs. Ballou accompanied Dr. King when he moved to Atlanta in 1960, staying with the King family and assisting him in establishing his office at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference

headquarters there. Mrs. Ballou left that summer to rejoin her family in Peterburg, Virginia, where her husband had accepted a position at Virginia State College.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Maude L. Ballou for her dedication to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a hardworking and self motivated 65 year old black farmer, John T. Hart, who just keeps on going.

Mr. John T. Hart, a native of Holmes County, Mississippi, has been a farmer most of his life, with the exception of some years that he lived in Chicago. He left Mississippi, a farmer and relocated back to Mississippi approximately four decades ago. If it was possible, one might say that farming is in his DNA. He is just that passionate about the farming industry. His heart for farming stems from his late father, Harrison B. (HB) Hart, who was one of the largest African-American farmers in Holmes County, even during struggling times for farmers. John Hart and several of his siblings helped their father to build the legacy.

Today, Mr. Hart still carries on his father's legacy through a successful farming business of his own. One of his brothers also has a thriving farming business. To work from before sun up to pitch black dark is the norm for this hill farmer, who has also farmed hundreds of acres in the Mississippi Delta. Cotton, corn and soybeans have mainly been his crops of choice over the years. This year, just for fun, he has added 20 acres of ``delicious'' watermelons that have become in popular demand by local and area consumers and grocery businesses.

Just like other industries, the farming business for Mr. Hart and others have had its share of blows. In a November 22, 2009 New York Times article by Shaila Dewan titled, ``In Mississippi Delta, a Promising Summer Washed Away by the Fall,'' Mr. Hart was one of the featured farmers interviewed for the article about continuous rain that had damaged farm crops that year for farmers in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, eastern Arkansas, and parts of Louisiana. ``You just keep going,'' Hart is quoted saying in the article.

Mr. Hart is also a cattle rancher. Yes, the man who has turned dirt for decades also raises cattle. He owns a herd of cattle from good stock. How does he do it all with only the help of two farm hands? Only God knows.

Although the Mississippi farming business has seen its share of ups and downs, Mr. Hart still remains steadfast to his passion even though at 65 he could be sitting on the beautiful front porch of their ranch house with his wife, Prince Ella Edwards Hart, of 44 years, looking out over the horizon of land God has blessed them with.

Mr. Hart is a graduate of Tchula Attendance Center (now, S.V. Marshall High School). He and his wife, a retiree in the medical arena, have three adult children and three grandchildren.

Will this be the year Mr. Hart brings all of his farm's heavy equipment out of the fields for good, recline in that chair beside his devoted wife and friends on that front porch? Who knows?

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. John T. Hart for his impeccable dedication and endurance of successful farming.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Collins Funeral Home, Inc. in Jackson, Mississippi. This is the funeral service business for African-Americans which began in the 1880's. The business was Lyman and Harvey Undertakers at the corner of Pearl and Farish Streets. Lyman came from Vicksburg, Mississippi where he had also started a funeral home. He and Jack Harvey sold their business to G. F. Frazier who operated from 406 North Farish Street beginning in 1903. Records from this year forward are maintained by Collins Funeral Home.

In the late 1880's, Malachi Collins and E.W. Hall established a funeral service business, Hall and Collins Funeral Home was in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. This was the first funeral home owned by African-Americans to service the African-American population.

In 1924, as G. F. Frazier prepared to move from Jackson to Cleveland, Ohio, he sold his business to Malachi Collins and his wife Mary A. Collins. For many years, although owned exclusively by Mr. and Mrs. Collins, the company was known as Frazier and Collins Funeral Home. The Collins Burial Insurance Company was established in 1925.

In April, 1939, Mr. and Mrs. Collins moved the business from 406 North Farish across the street to 415 North Farish Street, its present location. Mr. Collins died later that year, and Mrs. Collins, along with a dedicated staff continued to operate the business.

Clarie Collins Harvey, the only child of Mary and Malachi Collins, joined her mother in management of the business in 1950. The Frazier name was dropped and the business became known as Collins Funeral Home, Inc. Mary A. Collins remained president and CEO until her death in 1970 when her daughter assumed these responsibilities.

Since Clarie C. Harvey had no children or siblings, she developed a close relationship with some of her many cousins. Two of them joined her in the business: Ralph E. Collins in 1963, and his sister, Annette Collins Rollins in 1973. They have owned and operated the Collins Funeral Home and Insurance Companies since Mrs. Harvey's death in 1995.

Collins Insurance Company was formed to offer burial insurance to people of color in the community at a time when standard life insurance was not available. Mrs. Harvey took this service a step further by offering to Collins' patrons a funeral service for these limited amounts. In an effort to meet the needs of our changing society, Collins now offers life insurance in face amounts up to $5,000 and has continued the burial insurance allowing patrons the opportunity to upgrade. Prearrangements are also available for those who want to assure that their needs are met and to lighten the burden on loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Collins Funeral Home, Inc.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable Unsung Hero, Mrs. Iver Dell Adams. Mrs. Adams is affectionately known by most in her community as ``Mother Adams'' and is a resident of Bolivar County.

Mrs. Adams currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School Department, President of Christian Women Council, Church Mother and Evangelist at Saint Mark Church of God in Christ in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. She also volunteers with other church auxiliaries at Saint Mark.

Mrs. Adams is a faithful Christian servant whose ministry has led her to feed and clothe thousands in the State of Connecticut. She and her husband Lonzie would use their own money to purchase food, school products, and often housed new and used clothing which were donated to assist others. They also, opened their home to a diverse population who was temporary without shelter. Mrs. Adams and her husband shared everything they had without any reservations. After her husband passed she moved to the Great State of Mississippi where she continues her service to others by assisting in raising four children whom she calls her own. These children never desire to leave her residence. Her love to see others ``be all they can be'' has led her to work hard and diligently for all those she comes in contact with. In her community she and her neighbors', young and old alike, enjoy their conversations and her words of encouragement.

Mrs. Adams has received numerous accolades and awards for her service to others.

Mrs. Adams has six children: three daughters: Virginia, Mamie, Geri and Betty (deceased) and two sons: Lonzie Jr. and Vastie. She and her husband instilled in their children to work hard and smart, to be an asset to society, assist the less fortunate by giving a hand to those who are in need, and to know that they don't have anything they cannot share with someone else.

Mrs. Adams is often invited to minister during various Christian events held throughout the county. She believes in prayer, and that all things are possible as long as you have God as your leader and choice.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an unsung hero, Mrs. Iver Dell Adams, for her dedication in serving mankind.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an ambitious and talented young woman, Ms. Kiara L. Walker. She has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to achieve greatness.

Ms. Walker, a native of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, made her embark on this journey of life January 9, 1990. She is the youngest of 6 children by Eldridge and Anne Walker and second oldest child of Delores Myles.

Ms. Walker graduated from South Delta High School in 2008 where she was the Valedictorian. During her 4 year matriculation of high school at South Delta, Kiara devoted herself not only to academic excellence, but also community involvement, mentorship, and other extracurricular activities. She was a section leader (trumpets) and member of the South Delta Marching Band for many years, inductee and board member of the SD Chapter National Honor Society, as well as, student council, peer counselor, and elected Vice-President of her senior class. In 2005, Kiara was a chosen ambassador and is now a reoccurring volunteer facilitator each summer at the Hugh O'Obrian Youth Leadership Conference (HOBY) at Millsaps College. She was also listed in Who's Who Among High School Students.

Ms. Walker is a founding member of the Mayor's Youth Council of Rolling Fork, an active member of local 4-H Club, and partner with local elected officials to host many community events throughout the year, such as, the local Easter Egg Hunt, Annual Children's Day Fest and Thanksgiving/Christmas dinners for the elderly. At an early age, she was instilled with the morality of always sharing her many gifts and talents; therefore, she tutors elementary students.

In May 2013 Ms. Walker earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with a minor in Healthcare Administration. Kiara was a recipient of the Valedictorian scholarship, a student of the WEB DuBois Honors College, and inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. She's a former member of Tiger P.R.I.D.E. Connection, Pre-Health Society, American Chemical Society, National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBECCHE), Interfaith Gospel Choir, and the JSU Concert Chorale. Also during her undergraduate progression, she has studied research in the areas of Molecular Biology and Computational Chemistry and has been a part of scientific publications in assistance with mentor professors.

Ms. Walker's philosophy on life can be drawn from Matthew 19:26 which states, ``With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'' This is a key verse that she understands.

Therefore, she honors her Christian values and strives daily to become a better servant leader. She is a faith member of Mt. Lula Baptist Church in Rolling Fork, MS where she serves in the choir.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Kiara L. Walker for her dedication to her community and mankind.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell the story of an unsung hero. Often times the neighbor next door goes unnoticed because of their ability to quietly go about life helping others without any nudge from the outside to do so, the only nudge they get is the one that is in their heart to do what needs to be done. Mr. Speaker her name is Linda Howard Johnson and she lives in my district, Mississippi Second Congressional District. People in the community calf her ``Mama or Grandma.''

Linda's start in life helped to shape the road she would travel later in life. As a young child, she was given away to be raised by a woman not related to her, Ms. Clara Tanzy. As a child she was constantly changing elementary schools and places to live. Her mother wanted change and a better life for them, so she chose Tutwiler, MS. Tutwiler was the answer they needed to end their roller coaster ride. Linda said it was the first time they were able to call an apartment home, just for the two of them. The stability gave her the grounding she needed to focus on school, being a child, being a little girl, making friends, and all those things important to a child.

Linda went on to attend Coahoma Junior College in 1978 and 1979, where she played basketball. The team won the regional level basketball competition among three states, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas and advanced to compete at the national level in Kansas City in 1979. In fact, she credits basketball for having taught her the importance of working together to achieve a common goal. As a mother, Linda instilled that same value in her children, Claretta, Lazerick, and Ramona and her grandchildren, Tashayla, Raileigh, Savannah, Diamond, and Courtney. All three of her children went to college and are successful in their careers. Linda's children are constantly trying to encourage their mother to move away but she reminds them, ``Tutwiler grounded me and contributed to who I am, so this is my home and extended family, so I'm here to stay and help someone else.'' I'm pleased that Linda has decided to stay in Tutwiler and help someone in need.

Linda is constantly giving back in many ways. She is a teacher's assistant in the local school district and a bus driver for the district as well. In addition, Linda serves as a basketball coach for both the West Tallahatchie School District and the Tutwiler Community Education Center. She say's what she does is not much but it is what she loves, ``helping family,'' because Tutwiler is her family.

Linda has helped raise eight children. She comes to their aide because she recognizes those same issues that occurred in her life rising in theirs. So, she steps in to try and curtail those circumstances or prevent them from occurring in their lives. Linda recalls the story of child who came from a family that hadn't had a female to graduate from high school in twenty years, well Linda got involved in the child's life from birth and nurtured her through high school until she graduated, thus breaking the chain. She invited a 17 year old young man struggling to get out of the 8th grade, who had no one to guide him, so she invited him to come live with her only if he promised to finish school. The young man got his GED and that was better than nothing. In fact, there have been situations in which Linda has taken in entire families consisting of the husband, wife, and children. She says her house is not the Hilton but it's a home and she's willing to share it with those in need at no charge.

Linda says ``I don't know, to me it seems like I need my community and my community needs me and that's why I tell my children I can't move away, I'm at home and a mother's place is at home.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an unsung hero of the Tutwiler Community for stepping up to the plate and influencing many lives, Ms. Linda Howard Johnson.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Maggie W. Forrest who is a remarkable Director and extraordinary public servant.

Mrs. Forrest was born in Winona, Mississippi, which is located in Montgomery County, on December 5, 1958 to Johnny and Birdie Woods. Mrs. Forrest is one of ten children.

Mrs. Forrest attended J.J. Knox School in 1965 and graduated from Winona High School in 1976 and completed some courses at Wood Jr. College. Mrs. Forrest worked at Winona Elementary School for sixteen years. Her first job was a first grade teacher's assistant. Later, she became an assistant for a third grade class and afterward an assistant for a kindergarten class. During her last three years in Winona School System, Mrs. Forrest served as a library assistant. She enjoyed working with all students. Reading to classes was her most favorite thing to do. After leaving the school system, Mrs. Forrest would see former students and some would tell her how much she inspired them to enjoy and appreciate reading.

February 5, 2001, Mrs. Forrest became the first African American Executive Director for Winona Housing Authority. She seized that opportunity to reach out compassionately and serve people in the community. As Executive Director, not only does Mrs. Forrest provide safe and sanitary housing for eligible low income families but she counsels and encourages her residents when needed and financially donates when someone falls on hard times.

Mrs. Forrest serves on the Zoning Board for the city of Winona. She serves as secretary for the United Methodist Women in her church and a substitute Sunday school teacher. She is the Vice President for Member Services for MAHRO, the Mississippi Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, and serves on the Member Services committee for SERC NAHRO, the Southeastern Regional Council National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials.

Mrs. Forrest is married to Pastor Nelson Forrest. They have two daughters and three grandchildren.

Mrs. Forrest loves God, her family, her church, her job and all people.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a Director Extraordinaire, Mrs. Maggie W. Forrest for her dedication to serving others and giving back to the African American community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay honor to Mr. Michael Lee Plez; a community advocate and unsung hero for the children on the west side of Tallahatchie County.

Michael is a minister by trade, but a father of many, not just his own but all children. His passion and love to help children comes from his own childhood story. He was raised in a single parent home, where his mother was also his father. He joined the West Tallahatchie Mentor Male Involvement organization to encourage children at an early age by reading to them and participating in educational and fun activities. His colleagues and community members saw this passion in him and voted him as President of the Board for the Tallahatchie County Headstart Center. There was a lack of male involvement in the lives of children in the county, so, Michael reached out to the men and fathers and got their commitment and support on his efforts to increase male involvement. And, now the word on the street is that he has been successful in doing so because he led the charge as the model. Michael got the men to donate their time, skills and money to this worthy cause. Male presence began to increase in activities during school, after school and even on weekends.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an unsung hero for the children on the west side of Tallahatchie County, Mr. Michael Lee Plez.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a champion, Mr. Clarence Hall, Jr. He has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to make life better for others.

Mr. Clarence Hall, Jr. was born in Issaquena County and attended school there. In 1941 he volunteered for the U.S. Army, three of his five years of service was spent in the European Theatre of Operation during World War II. After completing his military service, Mr. Hall attended Agricultural School for four years in Delta City, MS.

Mr. Hall is a faithful member of the St. John Missionary Baptist Church at Palmetto, MS. He has been married to Selvey Hall for 58 years. He has a son, Clarence Hall, III and a daughter, Ruth Ann Evans, 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

While Mr. Hall didn't have multiple degrees to attach to his name, he has many, many deeds to attach. He is well versed with common sense and a sense of humility. His love for God and Humanity was instrumental in his endeavors to ensure that all men were treated fairly, which is what lead him to becoming a Civil/Human Rights Activist.

In 1957, he was the first Black in Issaquena County to pay poll tax. Later, in 1964, he was one of the founding members of the Issaquena County Freedom Democratic Party, a political action organization that helped to organize black voters into a viable political force. Mr. Hall and others appeared before the United States Commission on Civil Rights on February 16-20, 1965 to testify about Blacks in Mississippi being denied the right to register to vote and abolish the literacy test. He was also fired from Akin Saw Co., when he went to Washington D.C. seeking funds for the Child Development Group of MS which is now called Headstart.

In 1969 Mr. Hall was one of the founding members of Delta Foundation, Inc. and is a current board member. Also, he founded the Issaquena County Federal Credit Union in Mayersville, where he has been the Manager, CEO/Chairman for the past 36 years.

He filed a redistricting lawsuit in Issaquena County which resulted in the election of the first black supervisor. He was also active in getting the Mississippi Congressional Districts redrawn to make it possible for Blacks to be elected into the U.S. House of Representatives. Mr. Clarence Hall, Jr. has served in several capacities in Sharkey and Issaquena County to improve life for others. He has worked at Delta Opportunities Corporation, MS Delta Council for Farm Workers, elected to Western Line School Board, member of Issaquena County Executive Committee, member of the Sharkey/Issaquena Hospital Board of Trustees, member of the Issaquena County Levee Board Commission and founding member of the Lake Jackson Water Association among other things.

Clarence has also received several awards throughout his life. In 1968 he received the Rural Service Award from the Office of Economic Opportunity in Washington, D.C. and awards for services to the Issaquena County Federal Credit Union, Western Line School Board and the Delta Area School Board Association.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Clarence Hall, Jr. for his dedication to serving others and giving back to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I --rise today to honor two historic sites in the Second ---Congressional District of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a historic and family legacy, W. H. Jefferson Funeral Home.

W. H. Jefferson Funeral Home was founded in 1894 by William Henry and Lucy Jefferson. Mr. Jefferson was the first African-American funeral director in the State of Mississippi, while Mrs. Jefferson was a leader in education. Both fought hard to make Vicksburg and Warren County a wonderful place for all its citizens.

The Jeffersons' values for service, integrity, excellence and putting people first are honored by the facility that carries their name. The new facility, completed in 2002, provides large visitation rooms, a chapel that seats over 300, a spacious break room, and unlimited parking.

The business has grown with Vicksburg through the leadership of the family from generation to generation. Currently, W. H. Jefferson Funeral Home is co-owned by James E. Jefferson, Jr. and his uncle, Robert, Sr.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the W. H. Jefferson Funeral Home for its legacy and strong history in the Vicksburg and Warren County, Mississippi, area.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a landmark establishment within the Bolton community, the Bolton Funeral Home.

The Bolton Funeral Home came into existence with a vision and endearing motivation to provide burial services for African Americans living within rural areas of Hinds County, Mississippi. On August 15, 1946, Mr. Walter Robinson, Sr. and Mr. Wren Walton purchased a parcel of land within the city limits of Bolton, Mississippi from Jennie Klingman. The purchasing price was $450.00, which was paid in cash. The funeral home was constructed and opened for business in November 1946. During that time, the average cost for burial services through the Bolton funeral home was approximately $300.00.

During the time of legalized segregation, the Bolton Funeral Home became an essential business for many in the African American community seeking to bury their loved ones. At the time, the nearest African American owned funeral homes were located in Jackson, Mississippi. With the establishment of the Bolton Funeral Home, those living within the rural communities surrounding the town of Bolton were granted closer access to a very important and much needed service.

Upon the passing of the Mr. Wren Walton and Mr. Walter Robinson, Sr., the Bolton Funeral Home was inherited by Mr. Lewis Kinney (nephew of Mr. Wren Walton) and Mrs. Ruth J. Robinson (wife of Mr. Walter Robinson, Sr.). Today, the business is operated by Mr. Willie Earl Robinson, Walter L. Robinson, Jr., Yvonne Robinson, and Minnie P. Robinson.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Bolton Funeral Home for providing burial services for African Americans during a period of legal segregation and, often times, isolation from such services.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable and historical church, Green Grove M.B. Church.

Green Grove M.B. Church is one of the oldest churches in Belzoni, Mississippi. The 11th Mississippi Freedom Trail marker was unveiled at the church because of Rev. George Lee. Rev. Lee was an early participant in the Civil Rights Movement. Also, Rev. Lee was a vice president of the Regional Council of Negro Leadership, a co-founder of the Belzoni branch of the NAACP, and a powerful public speaker.

In 1955, Rev. Lee addressed a crowd of 10,000 people that gathered for a voter registration rally in Mound Bayou, Mississippi.

Two weeks later, Lee was assassinated and no one was ever charged for his murder. Rev. Lee's funeral was held at Green Grove M.B. Church where the marker is erected. This was the 11th Mississippi Freedom Trail marker to be unveiled.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Green Grove M.B. Church their determination and dedication to serving others and giving back to its community.