Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable newspaper, the Jackson Advocate. Established in

1938 by Mr. Percy Greene, the Jackson Advocate is a weekly newspaper covering issues affecting the African-American community.

Founder, Mr. Greene was a veteran of World War I and a Civil Rights leader in the 1940s and 1950s. Mr. Greene was determined to make a contribution to the struggle of African-American people in the South during a time when they were severely oppressed by legal segregation and Jim Crow.

In 1940 Mr. Greene and thirty other publishers formed a consortium of African American newspapers to bring relevant information to black readers in the United States of America. That consortium led to the Negro Newspaper Publishers Association, which promoted coverage of injustices against African Americans as well as their accomplishments. In 1978, Mr. Charles Tisdale became the owner and publisher of the Jackson Advocate and remained the owner and publisher until he passed in 2007.

The paper has received numerous awards and citations in its 68 years of service in reporting news and events relevant to the African- American community, including the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus Award for Excellence, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Journalism Award, and the National Black Chamber of Commerce Newspaper of the Year. In 1988 the magazine Newsday referred to the Advocate as a ``national treasure.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jackson Advocate for their dedication to serving and educating those in Mississippi and around the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a Librarian, Marilyn Rankin Felton, who was born on July 30, 1962 in Natchez, Mississippi to Mr. Judge Rankin and Mrs. Annie James Rankin of Fayette, Mississippi. Her father worked as a farmer planting and growing the food that would feed the family, while her mother was an active part of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, faithfully fighting to secure the civil rights so that her children and others would have the right to a prosperous life. As a child being reared by a father who spent most of his life as a sharecropper and a mother who believed in fighting for the rights of others, she knew that hard work and dedication would play a significant role in her life.

She graduated from Jefferson County High School in 1980, after which she attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Natchez, Mississippi for a short time. She set aside obtaining a college degree to work at a Wire Harness Plant in Fayette, Mississippi. She married Lee Felton in March 1984 and at the age of twenty-one, she realized the importance of the family. In doing so, she was blessed with three children to instill those same values in.

For the next six years, she would work at the Wire Harness, where she endured long hours of standing on concrete floors while working in a humid building that was sizzling hot during summer months and frigid cold during winter months. The Wire Harness Plant closed its door in 1990 and she used the fact that she was unemployed as an opportunity to continue her education.

Nevertheless, continuing her education was gradual because she worked at local stores as a cashier for the next few years; however, that did not fulfill her dream. In 1996 she returned to Copiah-Lincoln Community College to obtain a degree in Business Technology. In September 1997 her professional life provided her with an avenue to fulfill her dream of helping others when she was hired as a substitute Librarian with the Copiah-Jefferson Regional Library System (Fayette Branch). In September 1998, she was hired as the Branch Manager/Librarian.

In 1998, her mother, Mrs. Annie V. Rankin suddenly passed away and Marilyn knew she had to find a way to keep her mother's beliefs known, which she did by helping others. She successfully founded the Jefferson County Library Christmas Toy Drive in 2001 for underprivileged children of Jefferson Co. and surrounding areas. For ten years, the annual toy drive has been instrumental in providing an average of 200 children per year with toys for Christmas.

Her career as a Librarian has provided her an opportunity to visit libraries in the state of Mississippi, New Orleans, Louisiana, Lacrosse, Wisconsin and Rome, Italy. As a librarian, she has worked effortlessly to provide programs for children and adults at the Jefferson County Library as well as expose the patrons to various authors from Mississippi, Georgia, and Pennsylvania.

Marilyn cherishes the belief that learning is an ongoing process because she is presently a sophomore at Walden University, majoring in Child Development as she has maintained a 4.0 GPA since enrollment.

Nevertheless, the success of her life and career is to freely give of your wisdom and knowledge to those who need it and desire it.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a librarian, Marilyn Rankin Felton, for her dedication to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a minority-owned business, Double Dy Express of Tutwiler, Mississippi. Owned and operated by Ms. Diana Pimpton, this establishment has provided great services to the Tutwiler community for years.

As a lifelong resident of Tutwiler, Ms. Pimpton wanted to introduce something new to her community; therefore she combined the likes of a convenience store and soul food restaurant. Bringing Double Dy Express to Tutwiler not only provided the community with its first soul food eatery, but also helped bring new jobs to the area. Pimpton's restaurant provided jobs to residents as cooks, cashiers, and maintenance workers. In addition, she gave students within the community their first job experience.

Pimpton's will to give back and help her community is credited with inspiring other minorities in the area to open up their own businesses. Ms. Pimpton, credits her own family and friends to her survival as a business owner. She has said, ``This has not been an easy task but I am grateful and thank God for what I have already accomplished and continue to strive towards in future.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Double Dy Express for its contributions to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a thriving business in the Mayersville, Mississippi for more than fifty years, Tony's Grocery.

Founded by husband and wife duo, Saul ``Tony'' and Edie B. Williams, Tony's Grocery has served as the oldest and only store in the town of Mayersville. With more than five decades in business, Tony's Grocery has employed many citizens of the Mayersville community.

Presently, owned and operated by Mayor Linda Short, daughter of Saul and Edie B, and her husband Larry Short, Tony's Grocery is the classic example of a small business weathering the test of time and still managing to provide so much for the residents of its community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Tony's Grocery for its longevity and dedication to serving Mayersville, Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Serene Lodge #567 Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World (I.B.P.O.E. of the W.). The Serene Lodge #567, Greenville, Mississippi was organized on March 10, 1924 by Carlos C. Valle Grand Organizer.

The Elks is the oldest African American, fraternal organization, which reaches from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. The first Elks Home was at the Miller Home, corner of Nelson and Broadway Street. In later years the group moved to a number of places including 329 North Broadway, 346 Catley Street, 613 Nelson Street, 328 Theobald Street, 420 Muscadine Street, 727 Nelson Street, 349 Catley Street and thence to home at 1822 East Alexander Street. The mortgage was burned in 1974. During the years of hard work, some of the accomplishments were: Membership of 300, the largest in history; and annual donations of $100 for Christmas baskets for the aged and indent; and yearly donations of $1,000 to sick and distress Brothers; and donations to the Community Fund Drive; and donations to park and playground projects; and sponsored a Little League Baseball Team; and presented a flag pole and plaques to Coleman High School; and donated towards the purchase of curtains and piano for Lucy Webb School.

Levye Chapple, at the age of 23 was the youngest Exalted Ruler in the United States. He was the first to place strong emphasis upon attracting young people into the Elkdom and soared the membership far over 150 during his administration. It was during this period that the Daughter Elks Temple came into being with Daughter (Dtr.) Julia Thornton as the first Daughter Ruler whose emphasis upon young people was as equally strong.

Today, the Lodge continues to do work in the community and surrounding areas. Along with the Daughters, they have adopted a park and started a back to school supply give-a-way to over 300 children, this project was initiated approximately four years ago. Several of the Brothers have received their Past Grand Degree, which is the highest honor in Elkdom. The Lodge continues to initiate young men into the organization.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Serene Lodge #567 I.B.P.O. of the W. for their leadership and dedication to serving their community and surrounding areas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a remarkable small family owned business, United Management & Development Associates, Inc. It is a real estate development and property management firm. The company's portfolio consists of properties that are financed by the United States Department of Agriculture--Rural Development, Housing and Urban Development, and properties that receive low income housing tax credits. They provide their residential clients with a multitude of services like budget counseling, GED preparation through a partnership with Coahoma Community College, life skills, health and wellness activities, and home ownership preparation.

Jeffrey Gooden is the president. He was educated in the Clarksdale Public School System. He received a Bachelors of Business Administration Degree majoring in Banking and Finance and Managerial Finance from the University of Mississippi in 1992. He is a licensed real estate broker in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas. He holds several real estate designations including the following: Certified Manager, Certified Property Manager, Certified Commercial Investment Member, National Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors Green Resource Council, and Graduate of Realtor's Institute.

Jeffrey is a second generation real estate professional. His father, the late Bennie Stone Gooden, was a developer and manager of affordable housing properties, who started United Management & Development in the 1980's. His father's vision was to improve the quality of life in the Mississippi Delta. After his father's death, Jeffrey and his family continues the Gooden family's legacy.

Jeffrey works with his sister, Marian Gooden Miller, and his brother, James Norvell Gooden. The three of them have expanded the company's services and vision. Norvell is both a licensed real estate and insurance agent in Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas. Marian is a licensed real estate agent. United Management & Development Associates, Inc. provide full real estate brokerage services and insurance products.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing United Management & Development Associates, Inc. for providing decent and affordable housings for the Mississippi Delta.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a remarkable young woman, Lieutenant Vernella N. Wells of Clarksdale, Mississippi. Born to the proud parents of Troy and Arcola Holmes, Wells has dedicated her life to being a beacon of service to her community and country.

First Lieutenant Wells began her military career in August 2003 as a Private First Class in the Mississippi Army National Guard, assigned to the 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team in Tupelo, Mississippi. Immediately after graduating high school, she was sent to Basic Training followed by Advanced Individual Training in Fort Lee, Virginia, before serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom from September 2004-January 2006.

Upon returning from Iraq, she enrolled at the University of Mississippi and joined their Army ROTC program, where she received a Bachelor's of Science degree in Exercise Science.

In 2010, Wells was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Mississippi Army National Guard and is currently assigned to the Adjutant General's Branch, where she is the Strength Manager and Company Executive Officer for the 155th Brigade Combat Team of Tupelo, Mississippi.

She is responsible for the overall readiness of the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program in North Mississippi. Wells is also spearheading the development of a program that is designed to bring local community resources and volunteers in to help enrich the lives of the Citizen Soldiers on and off duty.

In addition to commitment towards her country, Wells is also very active in her community. Her humanitarian work has included; volunteering at the Veterans Administration Nursing Home, Baptist Memorial HealthPlex, Baptist Memorial Out-Patient Physical Therapy Clinic, United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County Food Pantry, the Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity fundraising, and just recently as team leader for the ``Big Event'' community wide volunteer project. In addition, Wells is currently pursuing a MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Administration.

Lieutenant Wells has also garnered multiple awards and decorations from her tireless efforts in the National Guard. Some of these honors include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with ``M'' Device Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Mississippi Medal of Efficiency, Mississippi War Medal, and the Mississippi Longevity Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster).

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 1st Lieutenant Vernella N. Wells for her dedication and commitment to this nation and her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Epsilon Kappa Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Chartered in 1994, the Epsilon Kappa Kappa Chapter has been committed to providing public service to Madison County, Mississippi and surrounding areas.

Epsilon Kappa Kappa Chapter has executed a number of ongoing service projects, including community picnics, providing school supplies to area schools, and working with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for families in need. In addition, the Epsilon Kappa Kappa Chapter has orchestrated an annual scholarship boat ride to benefit surrounding residents. Finally, this chapter has been a ray of hope for many low income families during the holiday season by providing aid to the residents.

Epsilon Kappa Kappa Chapter has been named the ``Chapter of the Year'' for two consecutive years by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, State of Mississippi Organization, for superior service to the fraternity and their communities.

In 2011, Omega Psi Phi fraternity celebrated 100 years of service at the local, national, and international levels. Epsilon Kappa Kappa Chapter are men of character and great faith. They envisioned a brotherhood founded upon Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Epsilon Kappa Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated for their continued dedication towards serving their community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a minority owned business of Vicksburg, Mississippi, W.H. Jefferson Funeral Home, Inc.

W.H. Jefferson Funeral Home, Inc., is the oldest funeral home in the state of Mississippi. Established in 1894 by William H. and Lucy C. Jefferson, W.H. Jefferson Funeral Home has served Vicksburg and surrounding communities for 118 years, under the direction and sole ownership of members of the Jefferson family.

Both William H. and Lucy C. Jefferson were active in their community and served in various social and civic organizations. The Jefferson torch of service has been passed along for generations. The family's commitment to meeting the sovereign needs of its customers during their time of bereavement has been the business' anchor, even during some of the country's most trying economic times.

Today W.H. Jefferson Funeral Home, Inc. continues to carry on the tradition of dignity and compassion for its clients.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring, W.H. Jefferson Funeral Home, Inc. and their contributions to their community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a woman-owned minority business in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, Webb Diner. Owned and operated by Ms. Vera Williams since 1988, Webb Diner has become a true staple in the community.

Ms. Vera Williams is a native of Webb, where she has lived her entire life. Before starting her own business, Ms. Williams labored in the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta and thereafter worked countless hours in its factories. In the late 1980s, Ms. Williams transformed Webb Diner, once known for its segregation practices, into an establishment that was open and welcoming to the public.

Despite obstacles Ms. Williams has shown continued dedication and resilience in providing the people of Tallahatchie County with nothing less than great service and Southern hospitality.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Vera Williams and Webb Diner for their contributions to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a determined and self motivated business owner, Rev. Tommy Wheeler of Copiah County, Mississippi for his commitment in keeping Wheeler's Janitorial Supplies & Equipment, Inc. a vital part of the business community.

Rev. Wheeler was born on August 23, 1949, to James and Wilma Wheeler. He attended school at Shady Grove School and William H. Holtzclaw Memorial School in Copiah County, Mississippi. After graduating from high school he attended Hinds Community College. In 2004 he received a Certificate of Biblical Studies from Mississippi Baptist Seminary and later in 2010, attended Bethel Christian University, Hazlehurst Campus and he is presently enrolled at the Copiah County Ministerial Alliance in Hazlehurst, Mississippi.

Rev. Wheeler's entrepreneurial spirit was inspired early in life by his father, who instilled in the basic principle that, ``you can do anything you put your mind to'' this principle with his desire to be his own boss led him to his path of success, when in 1997, he and a friend selling janitorial supplies to customers throughout Copiah County.

A year later, Wheeler's Janitorial Supplies & Equipment was established. From the beginning Rev. Wheeler used every resource he had to ensure the success of his business, including utilizing his garage as storage for his supplies and cutting overhead by solely selling, ordering and delivering supplies.

In 2007 Wheeler's Janitorial Supplies & Equipment officially became certified as a Minority- Owned and Operated Business Enterprise and received Central Contractor Registration. The notion of hard work and striving to be your own boss is something that Rev. Wheeler continues to believe and it has led to great success. Currently, Rev. Wheeler has expanded his business that started as a team of one in his garage going from door to door to a team of six with dealings with multiple companies within the community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Rev. Tommy Wheeler, owner of Wheeler's Janitorial Supplies & Equipment, Inc. for his entrepreneurial spirit and dutiful service to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mr. Andrew Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins has worked as a field engineer, construction analyst, and planning director for several federal, state, and local agencies throughout his career. In addition, Mr. Jenkins served as president of three independent and four joint venture limited liability companies.

Throughout his years of service, Mr. Jenkins has connected with many supportive and influential people that have given him great advice for building successful and rewarding businesses that benefit the community. Having been born and raised on his family's farm in the Mississippi Delta, where hard work was a badge of honor and your word was your bond, Mr. Jenkins still subscribes to those basic undaunting principles of work and uncompromised integrity.

Mr. Jenkins is a graduate of Tennessee State University with a degree in Civil Engineering. He continued his thirst for knowledge when he received a second graduate degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Mississippi. Mr. Jenkins also has a wealth of knowledge and experience through Andrew Jenkins Associates, Inc. which specializes in Program and Construction Management, Quality Assurance Inspections, Minority Business Enterprise, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Outreach to name a few. In addition, he has also provided a variety of other professional services. The Mississippi State Board of Contractors with Certificate of Responsibility Number 12728 has duly registered Andrew Jenkins Associates, Inc. to practice Building Construction, Construction Management, Energy Management and Municipal and Public Works Construction.

He believes that every job is unique and represents a different set of opportunities for customizing Andrew Jenkins Associates, Inc.'s services to meet the needs of their various clients in the community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Andrew Jenkins for his entrepreneurial spirit and dutiful service to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a Mississippi Delta, minority-owned business, Cannon's Catering. Owned and operated by Bobby and Della Cannon, Cannon's Catering was started by Della Cannon when she was just a high school student.

Originally, she wanted to use her culinary expertise to earn extra money by baking cakes and preparing refreshments for small parties held by family and friends. What started as an after school job transcended into a lucrative catering business; preparing meals for family reunions, class reunions, weddings, office parties as well as a host of other functions.

Cannon's Catering primary goal is to meet the needs of its customers. As a result, they take incredible pride in their work by paying close attention to details, providing excellent customer service, and creating a menu suitable for the occasion. The secret to their longevity has been their undeniable commitment to customer service.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Cannon's Catering for their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellent customer service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the charitable, non-profit organization, Christian Volunteer Service.

Christian Volunteer Service, CVS, is an organization that has been active in Claiborne County, Mississippi, for 31 years. Founded in January 1981 by Don and Jeannette Mahoney, Christian Volunteer Service began their work in the community by providing practical aid for citizens that were sick and confined to their home. The services included home visits, preparation of meals and feeding, bathing and light household cleaning.

Later, they partnered with Meals on Wheels, a program that delivers meals free of charge to the elderly, to continue their philanthropic efforts; Christian Volunteer Service began providing roundtrip transportation for medical appointment for the elderly throughout the Port Gibson, Vicksburg and Jackson areas. Christian Volunteer Service has a stellar record for serving over 12,500 families, repairing over 1,600 homes and spending over $700,000 on the needy with the help of dedicated volunteers and supporters over the past years.

The volunteers of Christian Volunteer Service are dedicated to working with local churches and residents in the county to provide care

for the needy and the elderly. Due to the encouragement and financial support they receive from local churches, members of the community and the United Way, Christian Volunteer Services has been able to sustain their mission of strengthening and nurturing the community with a spirit of love and concern for its neighbors.

In 2006 Bishop Randal Burge became the Director of Christian Volunteer Service. Currently, they host teams of volunteers from all over the United States and Canada that are willing to come and service the area.

Christian Volunteer Services is the recipient of a number of Community Service Awards, including one from the State of Mississippi Governor's Office and an Excellence Award from the United Way Organization.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Christian Volunteer Service for its philanthropic work throughout Claiborne County, Mississippi, and surrounding areas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Indianola, Mississippi minority owned business, da' House of Khafre. Owned and operated by, Ms. C. Sade Turnipseed and Mr. Robert Terrell, Jr.

In 2010 da' House of Khafre opened to offer people from around the State of Mississippi and the world a place to gather and hear musicians play authentic blues and spiritual music while enjoying delicious teacakes and other delicacies. Prior to its grand opening legendary bluesman David ``Honey Boy'' Edwards of Shaw, Mississippi visited da' House of Khafre to bless its humble beginnings. Upon his visit, Edwards predicted that people were going to come from all over the world to see da' House of Khafre, honor its heritage and partake in the various activities and delicious food that is known throughout the Mississippi Delta.

da' House of Khafre is home to the historical Wall of Fame of Indianola, where visiting musicians from around the world, including Ghana, Norway, Japan, and France have signatures engraved in the wall which is held as a staple in the community.

Artists from these countries and many others have performed on da' House of Khafre's historical Front Porch stage where the music room door of legendary bluesman Sam Chatmon from Hollandale, Mississippi is gracefully hinged. The Chatmon's door, traditional quilts, African art, and the sweet smell of soul food provide a rural sophistication and ambiance that is reminiscent of the rich culture of the Mississippi Delta.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing da' House of Khafre and its owners, Ms. C. Sade Turnipseed and Mr. Robert Terrell, Jr. for their commitment to preserving the rich, history and heritage of the Mississippi Delta.