Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, 1965 will always be remembered in American History as a year of turmoil, unrest and great change. The Civil Rights Movement was in full swing, with marches, demonstrations and often dramatic confrontations by brave African Americans that were attacked, beaten and jailed as they struggled for equal rights. Their struggles shocked the world and made front page news and formented a change in the deep south.

Meanwhile as the war over civil rights raged, few noticed a sports revolution in the small city of Jackson, MS. They were seven skinny kids from Lanier High School and they dared to take on all corners. Under Principal Luther Buckley and Assistant Principal Will Anderson, legendary basketball coaches Harrison Barnes and Orsmond Jordan, this team honed their skills, speed and prowess and developed into an unstoppable force whose starters came to be known as the Lanier Magnificent Seven. Known for their quickness, scoring offense and devastatingly tough defenses, this team ran up an amazing in-state record of 43 and 0 and averaged over 100 points a game in eight minute quarters and this was before the three point shot had been instituted into the game. With each game their record and legend grew and they not only won the State championship, in March 1965 they were invited to compete in the National Invitation Interscholastic Basketball Tournament, the NIIBT at Alabama State College in Montgomery Alabama.

On March 6, 1965, those seven inner city kids from Jackson, MS took on the best in the Nation, the vaunted Bears from Booker T. Washington High School from Suffolk, Virginia. The Bears were a force to reckon with, with two fantastic guards and the team was described by some sportscasters as the ``team of the century.'' While both teams were known for their scoring prowess and dynamic offenses, the game was a defensive struggle from the very beginning. It featured heart-stopping action, amazing shots and stellar defense by both teams that dazzled the spectators and fans. The papers described it as an amazing game between two titans of high school basketball that featured great ball handling, tough perimeter defense and some of the best high school players and most electric shooting many had ever seen. At the buzzer the Lanier High School Bulldogs prevailed 58 to 55 and had done it. They beat the team of the century and won the coveted National High School Basketball Championship and were deemed

the best in the Nation. These proud, defiant and jubilant national champions rode a public bus back to Jackson, a bus also loaded with Freedom Riders determined to change the hearts and minds of a Nation. The Lanier Basketball Team came home winners but their triumph was swallowed up by the news of the day and the rabid turmoil of the civil rights movement.

These young men, heroes to their legion of fans at Lanier High School, the city of Jackson and the entire State of Mississippi never got their due. True champions, they held their heads high with their national championship trophy in their hands and placed it in the Lanier Trophy Case where it has sat for 48 years gathering dust and forgotten. But not anymore. Thanks to the efforts of Jackson businessman Johnny Morrow that has now changed. Morrow demanded that these men be recognized and put his name and clout behind the effort. He organized and brought together city, county and State government entities, local businesses and talented individuals to help with his cause. He energized schools and local and even national media and forced this recognition ceremony which he developed to right this long overdue wrong. And now due to his efforts they will be recognized.

Now is their time to be remembered and recognized. They have been called the best team you never heard of. Well now you have. Take pride Jackson. In 1965 seven inner city young men took on the best in the Nation and won. As we salute the accomplishments of African Americans during Black History Month, let us not forget our local heroes. Help us to remember, congratulate and salute the 1965 Lanier High School Basketball Team, the only Mississippi high school basketball team to ever win a NATIONAL championship.

We invite everyone to come out and show your love, support and admiration for what these men accomplished. On January 23rd at 6 p.m. at the Mississippi Sports Hall, the State will finally salute and give their due to the 1965 Lanier High School Basketball team. Come and meet the men who accomplished this amazing feat and learn of their daring, their courage and of their basketball dominance in 1965. Come and meet the only Mississippi High School Basketball Team to ever win a national championship. Come and meet the men who were and are the Lanier High School Basketball Team Bulldogs of 1965. The National Champions.

Joe Usry Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is sponsoring the National Championship Rings to be presented to the surviving team members. Please join us on January 23rd at 6 p.m. at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in Jackson, Miss. Come and meet the Magnificent Seven and the other members of the 1965 Lanier Basketball Team!

Coach Harrison Barnes and Assistant Coach Orsmond Jordan

Team Members: Marvin Scott, Cornell Warner, Larry Hayes, Eddie Clanton, James Hudson, Elliot Guinn, Mitchell Johnson, George Amerson, Louis Tucker, Arthur Brown, James Garland, Charles Dalley, Robert Mayberry, Otha Mitchell, Henry Brown Jr.

Mr. Speaker, Marco Watson McMillian was born April 23, 1979, to the union of Airy McMillian, Jr., and Patricia Unger in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

Marco accepted Christ at an early age at the New Jerusalem M. B. Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Johnny B. Woods, Sr.

Marco was educated in the public schools of Clarksdale, Mississippi. He was an honor graduate of Clarksdale High School. He was a magna cum laude graduate of the W.E.B. DuBois Honors College at Jackson State University. Marco received his master's degree from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in the area of Philanthropy and Development. Marco also held a certificate in fundraising management and was a graduate of the Fundraising School at Indiana University. Additionally, he studied at Mississippi State University in the area of Public Policy and Administration and Boston University in the area of Financial Planning. Marco was a graduate of Huntsville/Madison County Leadership Connect Program, Youth Leadership Clarksdale, National Young Leaders Conference of Washington, DC, and the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals' Leadership Program in Bowie, Maryland.

Hailed by Ebony magazine in 2004 as one of the nation's 30 top leaders who are 30 and under, Marco was appointed as the Leadership Effectiveness Initiative Program Manager for New Leaders Memphis and had since been promoted to Director of Recruitment and Operations. Formerly, Marco served as the Executive Assistant to the President (Chief of Staff) at Alabama A & M University in Huntsville, Alabama. As a member of the President's cabinet, Marco was responsible for the day- to-day operations of the Office of the President. In addition, he was responsible for the university's strategic partnerships and legislative affairs in which he assisted the university in receiving its largest state appropriation ever--$38 million. During his tenure as Associate Director for Development at Jackson State, he was responsible for managing the university's fundraising operations and programs, which led to the institution securing more than $16 million in private support. Additionally, he assisted as one of the principals in the development of the $50 million campaign for Jackson State University.

Most recently, Marco served as International Executive Director for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, a role he officially assumed on July 16, 2007, and served until October 1, 2011. As the Chief Operating Officer of the organization, whose membership is more than 150,000 and headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia, Marco was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the almost 100-year- old men's fraternity. Of the organization's six COOs since its establishment in 1914, Marco was by far the youngest person to ever hold this top post in the fraternity. During his tenure, Marco secured a half-million dollars ($500,000) for the organization including a federal contract for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., a first for the organization. Additionally, he professionalized many of the organization's systems and procedures and introduced electronic voting for delegates at the organization's 2011 national convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Notably, Marco led the charge for the organization's first international service project in Nigeria, South Africa; and was the organization's first and only Executive Director to travel internationally to visit a chapter (Seoul, Korea).

Previously, Marco served as Assistant to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Jackson State University where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Division of Institutional Advancement.

Prior to Jackson State University, Marco served as a program coordinator and classroom instructor for Clarksdale Public School District and Noxubee County School District, respectively. As a program coordinator, he supervised 20 classroom teachers and revised the district's class-size reduction program.

Marco, who was honored by the Mississippi Business Journal as one of the ``Top 40 Leaders under 40,'' was a lifetime member of the NAACP, Coahoma County Branch; a former member of Arms of Love National Project; Community Bridge Builders, Incorporated; the Mississippi School for the Blind Community Health Council, and the Kiwanis Club International President's Advisory Council. He was also a former Student Government Association President for Jackson State University, a former International Second Vice President for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and past National Parliamentarian for the Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Incorporated.

Most recently, Marco, a certified grants specialist, registered meeting planner and certified event planner, served as secretary for March of Dimes, National Capital Area Chapter

Board of Directors; chair for the William E. Doar, Jr. Public Charter School for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC Board of Trustees; president for Pigtown Main Street, Inc. in Baltimore, Maryland Board of Directors and was a member of the 100 Black Men of Maryland, Inc., the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Rotary Club of Washington, DC. He was also a member of the Executive Committee for the National Pan Hellenic Council; a member of the Eunice Kennedy Shiver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development at NIH Community Ambassadors Council, and board member for the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation. Currently, Marco served as a member of the International Community Ambassadors Network (I! CAN).

Marco was featured as one of 27 interesting personalities in the Who's Who in Black Washington, D.C. inaugural publication and was the recipient of the 2009 Thurgood Marshall Prestige Award presented by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. He has also been featured in the Who's Who in Black Washington, D.C. second edition and Who's Who in Black Baltimore inaugural publication. The Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, The Honorable Steve Beshear, commissioned Marco as a Kentucky Colonel; the Mayor of Augusta, Georgia, The Honorable Deke Copenhaver, recognized him for his outstanding service to the community; the Mayor of Meridian, Mississippi, The Honorable Cheri Barry, declared September 26, 2010, as Marco McMillian Day and the Mayor of Huntsville, Alabama, The Honorable Tommy Battle, and City Council honored him for his contributions to the Tennessee Valley. Marco was also the recipient of President Barack Obama's Lifetime Volunteer Service Award.

Upon the former life member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc. and the NAACP was bestowed the honor of being the youngest member inducted into the Outstanding Sigmas of the Southern Region Chapter, the highest honor granted to a member of the fraternity by his region. He was the youngest person featured in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity's 100+ Most Influential Members publication, commemorating the organization's centennial celebration. Marco had received numerous other awards and accolades.

Marco leaves to cherish fond memories: his parents, Patricia (Amos) Unger and Airy McMillian, Jr., Clarksdale, MS; his brother, Darius Jones, Atlanta, GA; his grandmother, Louise Taylor, Clarksdale, MS; a surrogate mother, Bertha (Samuel) Blackburn, Clarksdale, MS; two godmothers, Daisy (John) Burnett, Clarksdale, MS and Bobby (Stanley) Morton, Lincoln, NE; godfather, Carter Womack, Columbus, OH; godson, Rustin Holt, Jackson, MS; two godsisters, Ermalecia Johnson, Fort Worth, TX and Augusta Morton, Lincoln, NE; stepsister, Pamela Unger, Clarksdale, MS; stepbrother, Eligha (Celika) Keaton, New Orleans, LA; three godbrothers, Emanuel, Stanley, Jr. and Le Quan Morton, Lincoln, NE; thirteen aunts, Mary (Jessie) Tate and Annie (Elvin) Todd, Clarksdale, MS; Shirley (Leon) Pettis, Oklahoma City, OK; Ouida Earl, Clarksdale, MS; Vivian Whaley, Goose Creek, SC; Beatrice (Arthur) Sanders, Evans, GA; Diane Marie Brewer, Stone Mountain, GA; Gloria Haynes, Chicago, IL; Bennie Thomas, Baltimore, MD; Shirley, Yvonne, Angela, and Michelle Unger, all of Jackson, MS; ten uncles, Rickey Minor, Clarksdale, MS; Dennis (Jeanea) Butler, Houston, TX; Robert (Gail) Wilkins, Atlanta, GA; Terry Taylor, Chicago, IL; Ernest Taylor, Jr., Seoul, Korea; Donald Taylor, LaPlace, LA; Ronald Taylor, Hattiesburg, MS; Michael Taylor, Atlanta, GA; James Unger, Clinton, MS; Charles Unger, Chicago, IL; a special friend, Tinnia Holt, Jackson, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1542, the WMD Intelligence and Information Sharing Act of 2013.

This bill would strengthen information-sharing at all levels of government regarding chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear terrorist threats.

Since the attacks of September 11, 2011, concerns about an attack on U.S. soil with a weapon of mass destruction or dirty bomb has come into sharp focus. The Director of National Intelligence has stated that the intelligence community remains concerned about the prospect that a terrorist organization or non-state actor could exploit a weapon of mass destruction and, with little or no warning, inflict significant damage to our Nation's citizens and economy.

The potentially devastating nature of WMD attacks has come into greater focus in recent months. In particular,

there's evidence that chemical weapons were used in the Syrian civil war. Worries persist that in the chaos of this war, dangerous chemical agents could fall into the hands of terrorists or other rogue operators. The prospect that biological and nuclear weapons could fall into the wrong hands is also very concerning.

Recognizing that effective information-sharing is essential to preventing a WMD attack, H.R. 1542 requires the Department of Homeland Security to support homeland security-focused analysis of terrorist actors and their plans to conduct attacks involving chemical, biological, and nuclear materials against the Nation.

This bill requires DHS to coordinate with other components and the intelligence community and other Federal, State, local, and tribal authorities to provide recommendations on information-sharing mechanisms.

Robust partnership between DHS and local law enforcement is critical to enhancing situational awareness with respect to terrorism prevention, including prevention of a WMD attack.

I'm pleased to support this bipartisan bill and would like to acknowledge that the language under consideration today originated in comprehensive WMD legislation authored by my former committee colleague, Representative Bill Pascrell of New Jersey.

While I support this measure, I would hope that this Congress could move forward on more comprehensive WMD prevention legislation in the very near future.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, as I have no further speakers and I am prepared to close, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 1542 today. Enactment of this measure will strengthen the partnership between the Department of Homeland Security and our Nation's first preventers against one of the most vexing homeland security threats, weapons of mass destruction.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks in strong opposition to the farm bill rule and the underlying bill because it increases hunger not only in my congressional district but hunger in all congressional districts in America.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks in strong opposition to this bill. This bill makes millionaire farmers richer. It takes from the poor. It makes the poorest Americans suffer. This bill promotes hunger in the richest country in the world. We should not be about that. We are a better country. We should demonstrate that every day we're on this floor. What we're doing today will go down in history as one of the greatest misgivings and misguided laws in this country.

Mr. Speaker, I make a point of order that my comments should not be taken from Mr. Peterson's time.

Mr. Speaker, I appeal the ruling of the Chair.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable, well-rounded, and highly driven young man, Mr. Willie E. Robinson, Jr. (affectionately known as J.R.)

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Willie E. Robinson, Sr. and Vickie Robinson on February 3, 1988, J.R. was raised in the small, close-knit town of Bolton, Mississippi. As a child, he was an outstanding young man who was deeply involved in his community and church home. He regularly attended Hill of Zion Missionary Baptist Church and was active in Sunday school and various other auxiliaries.

J.R. was not only a well-mannered young man, but also exceptionally bright. His academic ambitions were accomplished and exceeded during his matriculation at Clinton High School, where he graduated in May 2006. He furthered his education at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, ultimately receiving his B.A. in Administration of Justice and a M.S. in Economic Development. During his time at USM, he was well known among his peers, faculty and administrators. He became Student Government Association President and also served as president of the Mississippi Student Government Board of President's Council. While serving on the council, he was instrumental in implementing a number of policies geared towards assisting the student body with their matriculation at USM, including reducing the cost of textbooks through a consorted effort with textbook manufacturers and USM campus officials.

While obtaining his Master's degree, J.R. served as a graduate assistant for the Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. His commitment to the USM campus earned him induction into the Centennial Student Hall of Fame.

In addition to his valuable contributions to USM, J.R.'s passion for helping others reaches far into the surrounding Hattiesburg community. He serves as Guide Right Director, which allows him to mentor over 20 young men. Many in the area attribute the economic growth of the area to J.R. because of his skillfulness in helping to coordinate the placement of a General Dynamics facility, which brought 250 jobs to the community. He also was instrumental in negotiations for fiscal expansion of an existing company in Hattiesburg, leading to the retention of 120 jobs and the addition to 10 within that company. As a result of his hard work and dedication, he was named ``2012 Up and Coming Black Professional'' in the Greater Hattiesburg area.

Currently, J.R. serves on the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Young Professionals, to which he was appointed by Governor Phil Bryant. He is also employed as the Business Development Director with Area Development Partnership in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He is an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and continues to dedicate time to help those in need in his growing community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Willie E. Robinson, Jr. for his remarkable contributions as a young adult to the Greater Hattiesburg area.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a student making a difference in her school West Tallahatchie High School, Ms. KaVonya Walker.

The difference KaVonya is making in her school comes in the form of art. Her home town is Webb, MS. It's a small community of about five hundred citizens. Like many other small rural towns, it too has its challenges to meet the needs of its citizens in more ways than one. The one I am speaking of is recreational which is why she turned to art when it comes to KaVonya making a difference. Art

is an expression, it's a way to release, relax, communicate, and to beautify. And that is what KaVonya does, she's an artist. She turns eyesores into beautiful eye pieces to look at. Right now she has been given the charge to lead the effort at her school to paint murals to represent the school spirit. This meant presenting herself as a leader in a way that other students would follow and listen to. She had the task of all the preliminary planning, choosing fellow artists that could help her complete this awesome responsibility. This project is scheduled to be completed May 1, 2013. KaVonya has plans to attend college to study art. She says, ``Life is too short to not pursue your dreams. I dream of art, academic achievement, and completing my college degree . . .'' I wish her much success.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. KaVonya Walker for her current active role as a student making a difference as an artist.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable student, Victor Moore.

Victor is the son of Ms. Linda Moore and Mr. Vicky Ivy of Clarksdale, Mississippi.

Victor was raised by his loving grandmother, Ms. Reola Moore who he cherishes. She encouraged him to reach for the stars and become a success story in his own right. He excelled in elementary school and upon graduating he entered Coahoma County High School. During his freshmen year, he was sent to the Alternative School twice, failed and was retained. After making it to his sophomore year, he returned to the Alternative School and made it through his junior and senior year of high school without any disciplinary problems, and was a team member of the basketball and football teams.

Victor has successfully overcome his struggles, and in May 2013 will be the first to graduate high school in his family.

Victor has learned the importance of an education, and plans to further his education at Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, Mississippi to become a licensed barber. Upon completing his degree he desires to open his own barber shop where he will be able to give back to his community and assist his family.

Victor credits his teachers, Mr. John Howard, Ms. Tonja Taylor, Ms. Wilma Bays, Ms. Sonya Rockett and his school guidance counselor, Ms. LaTasha Stringer, for seeing what he can become and not giving up on him.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Victor Moore for his dedication in being an outstanding student.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a bright young lady, Miss Stephanie Michelle Collum.

Stephanie Michelle Collum, a lifelong resident of Bentonia, Mississippi, was born on September 22, 1994. She is a part of the 2013 Yazoo County High School graduating class.

Stephanie believes in the old adage, ``a mind is a terrible thing to waste,'' and for this reason she strives for excellence. She is active in both school and community activities. She is a member of the American Legion, National Honor Society, and both the volleyball and softball teams at school. Recently, Stephanie was selected to attend the Lock Heed Martin 5th Information Technology Day because of her academic achievements. Also she is a member of the JROTC where she was promoted to the leadership of 1st Sergeant and received the National Fitness Award.

Stephanie is a faithful member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Bentonia, MS where she sings in the choir. Recognizing that each day is a gift from God, she strives to live each day with purpose.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Miss Stephanie Michelle Collum for her hard work, dedication and a strong desire to achieve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Quin'Nita Cobbins who is a dedicated worker making changes to the Holmes County community.

Quin'Nita Cobbins is a native of Mississippi and has completed her primary and secondary education in the Holmes County School District. In 2010, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in history from Fisk University and completed a master's degree in history at the University of Georgia in 2012.

Ms. Cobbins has served Holmes County by working with the Community Students Learning Center in equipping students with tools needed to expand their worldview, enriching their knowledge on academic subjects, and encouraging college prep. Working with school age children and adults, she used her study abroad experience to construct a class that exposed students to the history, culture, and language found in Spain. Students learned the history of Spain's expansion and colonization in the supposedly ``New World'' and why we have a growing Spanish-speaking population. In addition, students, both young and old, learned how to form simple conversations in Spanish that will be beneficial to them as the U.S. demographics change. Students not only became new ``bilingual'' speakers but were able to think more globally.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Quin'Nita Cobbins for her sincere dedication and determination in bringing back knowledge to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a jovial and ambitious man, Mr. Nathaniel Williams. Nathaniel has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to serve others.

Nathaniel, a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi was born March 1, 1960 to Charles Williams and Martha M. Nash Williams. He graduated from the Vicksburg Warren School District and later attended Hinds Community College and Jackson State University.

Currently, Nathaniel is a Tax Field Representative for the Mississippi Department of Employment Security where he has worked for several years.

Nathaniel is the President and Founder of the Mighty Train of Gospel Community Choir. Currently, he serves on the board for Make a Promise Coalition of Vicksburg, President of the Vicksburg Junior High PTO, Youth Choir Director for both Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and Mercy Seat Baptist Church, member of the Riverfest Board of Directors, mentor and sponsor for the United Way of West Central MS (TEEN HELP) and volunteer at the YMCA. He has served on several other boards as president and member.

Nathaniel is also the recipient of several awards such as the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 2010 Community Service Award, The Governor's Initiative for Volunteer Excellence 2008 Award and the Vicksburg Family Development 2007 Male Image Award to name a few.

Nathaniel is married to Esther Bell Williams and to that union they have five children: Nathaniel, Derrick, Roderick, Sederick and Jessica Reese.

Nathaniel lives by the motto: ``Whatever you do for the Master, do all you can while you can, but let it be real.'' He is a faithful member of Ebenezer Baptist Church where he is the Vice President of the choir.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Nathaniel Williams for his unwavering dedication to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Daneisha Dominique McGowan, a dedicated student, who is making the difference in her community.

Daneisha Dominique McGowan, a Georgetown, MS native. She is the granddaughter of Mr. W.C. and Lula Bickham. As an only child, Daneisha was raised in a household that placed education as a top priority. Daneisha has maintained the honor list since entering 9th grade and now she is 12th grade at Crystal Springs High School and still going strong on that list. She has scored exceptionally on all of her state test.

Daneisha strives hard in the classroom and also the community. She is a member of the Drama Club, S.A.D.D. (Students Against Drunk Driving), Mu Alpha Theta, and serves as president of the 2012-2013 Crystal Springs Mayor's Youth Council. As president of the Mayor's Youth Council, Daneisha has lead her peers in a City-wide voters registration campaign, Anti-Bullying Workshops for children, School Supply Drives, Breast Cancer Awareness Walk and Runs, Youth Summits, and much more.

To be only 18 years old, Daneisha has accomplished quite a bit. She is driven by a deep passion for helping others. After high school, Daneisha plans on obtaining a Master's Degree in Business and desires to create a business in the fashion industry.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a talented and dedicated student, Ms. Daneisha Dominique McGowan, for her determination in making a difference in her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding young man making a difference in his school, Charleston High School in Tallahatchie County, MS, Mr. Jamal Brock.

At the age of thirteen, Jamal started his own tutoring program right in his backyard called, ``Jamal's Backyard Tutoring.'' He had the help and support of Ms. Gerline Garvin a well respected mother and grandmother also in the community. He said it was tough but felt the biggest need of this community was to education the children, feeling it was their only hope to change the community and individual lives.

Jamal's tutoring program taught basic life skills, in addition to helping students with homework. The program operated year round that included summer and holidays. During the holidays he would work the students on community projects of giving back, sowing the seeds of community and support. While in school, Jamal is just as active as the Senior Class President. They plan and carryout fundraising activities to pay for planned projects and trips. Jamal is currently in the process of spear heading active participation in the community relations project for racial reconciliation with the William Winters Institute. I am proud to have Jamal Brock as a citizen of the Second Congressional District of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Jamal Brock for his current active role as a student making a difference.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Donovan Mitchell, a dedicated student, who is making the difference in his community.

Growing up in Holmes County, one does not usually hear many success stories involving education; however, there are some exceptions. Donovan Mitchell is one of them.

Education has always been one of the most important things in his life, mostly due to the fact that he was raised by a family of educators. His grandparents, mother, aunt, and uncle have all served as teachers in elementary and/or high schools. From a young age, they made sure that he understood the importance of obtaining a good education.

Throughout elementary and high school he received stellar grades. He even went so far as to score the highest mark on the ACT test out of his entire graduating class. At that time, his grandmother worked for the Community Students Learning Center. After noticing Donovan's constant educational success, she suggested that he volunteer as a tutor at the center. As a result, Donovan spent the majority of his senior year tutoring younger students in mathematics. Eventually, the center established a division where he specifically tutored students who were preparing to take the ACT test. The tutoring sessions were very beneficial by improving their ACT scores and positioned students to attend their colleges of choice. Also while volunteering, Donovan participated in various community service events. The most notable event was his portrayal of the former Rep. Robert Clark in a play about his life. He continued working with the center

until he graduated. Afterwards the Community Students Learning Center hired him to assist in teaching mathematics for their summer program. He spent the entire summer working with the center, and positioned himself to be the recipient of a scholarship from the Congressional Black Caucus.

Donovan attends Jackson State University where he is a senior political science major. While in college he has continued his educational success. He has received numerous awards such as Most Outstanding Student in Political Science both his sophomore and junior year, and being recognized on the Dean's List every year. Last summer, Donovan was accepted to study public policy at Princeton University in the Public Policy and International Affairs program. Upon completion of this program, he received many scholarships to Ivy League schools such as Harvard and Princeton. Donovan is currently finishing his last semester and will be obtaining his B.A. in Political Science. He has also received a scholarship to attend the University of Mississippi School of Law. After graduation, he will be pursuing a career as an attorney.

Donovan owes all of his success to how his journey began. Coming from a small town, and being humbled through his volunteer service has made him the person he is today. He loves to tell his story in hope that it will motivate other young people traveling down a similar path.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Donovan Mitchell, for his humble dedication and determination in making a difference in his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Brenda Lashay Turner-Buck, a remarkable worker, who is changing her community.

Brenda Lashay Turner-Buck was born September 30, 1966 to Rev. and Mrs. Percy Turner. She is the second of three children. Brenda does have an older brother, Vincent, and a younger sister, Tammie. Brenda learned the importance of independence since she was a middle child.

Brenda graduated from Jefferson High School as Salutatorian of her class in 1984. She enrolled at Alcorn State University in Agriculture Economics and received her B.S. in 1987, followed by her Master's in 1992.

Throughout Brenda's entire life, she has truly lived and breathed the importance of ``community.'' Being a ``Preacher's Kid,'' it was hard not to be surrounded by people with so many needs and the opportunity to gain extended family. During high school she took on the role of President of the FFA and helped to coordinate many outreach projects. College was not different because it was an opportunity to spread her wings and learn more to bring back to the community.

For over a span of 18 years, Brenda worked at Alcorn State University in different capacities. She started as a recruiter for the university in 1988 and served as Director of the Center for Rural Life and Economic Development until 2006. She feels that God led her to her alma mater to serve as a beacon of light for many young people and families. During her tenure at the university, she was able to recruit hundreds of students and become one of the founders of AG-HOPE (Agriculture-- Helps Our People Earn). The program allowed over 275 young people from rural America the opportunity to see the other side of Agriculture, Food Science, and Technology.

Today, many of them are outstanding employees of Fortune 500 companies and the USDA. In 2000, the late President Clinton Bristow, Jr., made an administrative appointment and named Ms. Buck as Director of the Center for Rural Life and Economic Development and Executive Director of Traceway Community Development Corporation. This appointment took her to another stepping stone in her career. Being a part of the Institutional Advancement, Planning and Research under the leadership of Dr. Franklin Jackson, Brenda was part of writing over 3 million dollars in grants for outreach in Southwest Mississippi. Many of the dollars provided better living conditions for families and spurred economic growth through small business development.

For years, Brenda prayed that God would show her true calling and purpose. Little did she know that she was already living it every day by making a difference in the lives of those that were less fortunate.

After six years of traveling through Southwest Mississippi, Brenda saw the need to return to her home and roll up her sleeves. October 2, 2006, Brenda returned to Jefferson County as Administrator. The six year journey has been a goal of hers to bring opportunities to the communities. Being a part of over 4 million dollars in funded grants, the community now has a new walking track, funds for a new library, and many other community services. Modest in her doing, Brenda always believes that it was God who placed her to serve the public and she's going to do just that.

Brenda didn't stop in Jefferson County. In October 2012, she was selected as the County Administrator of Claiborne County, Mississippi. She has always considered it as a second home.

Brenda is the mother of four wonderful children--Vincent Delon, Brittany, Brandy, and Tyrese.

She is a dedicated member of the Greenleaf Baptist Church, where she serves in the choir and as president of the Youth Department. She believes in the order of God first, then family and third, her career. Brenda is a team player and encourages everyone around her to reach their greatest given potential because they are unique creations of God. At the end of the day, it's not about the title she wears, but the ability to know that someone in the community is living just a little bit better because of her efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Brenda Lashay Turner-Buck for her dedication and determination to take on the challenges of her community.