Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, Robert ``Bob'' Woodson, the eighth of nine children, was born in Carroll County, Mississippi, to the late Mamie Dixon Woodson and John Woodson.

During his infant years, Bob's family relocated to Yazoo County, Mississippi. His dad being a sharecropper, Bob was raised on a plantation.

Bob attended a one-room country school from first through eighth grade, then was bused more than 70 miles, one way, to attend high school in Yazoo City. Although a high school was closer to where he lived, busing was used to maintain segregation. After graduating from high school in 1956, Bob was ordered to report for induction into the United States Armed Forces. However, being the only son at home to assist his dad with farming, the plantation owner was able to secure a permanent deferment.

Because of Bob's father's failing health, the family gave up farming to relocate to Jackson in the late 50's. Migrating from an agricultural to an industrial society, his first work experience was a carpenter's helper. Being impatient and discontent, Bob shortly thereafter obtained a job with Swift & Company, where he got his first exposure to the labor movement when he joined the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workers, AFL-CIO.

Because of seasonal work, in July 1959, Bob became employed at Mississippi Products, a furniture manufacture facility, as a finish sprayer. At the time of employment, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners (UBCJ of A) of the AFL-CIO was in its initial stages of trying to implement a union organizing campaign. Due to the vicious anti-union climate, Bob became quietly involved trying to convince his fellow workers of the advantages of labor unions.

After 3 years of much agony and frustration to overcome racial hatred promoted by company management, and then Mississippi's Governor Ross Barnett and the entire business community to keep the work force divided; finally in 1963, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America won an election at Mississippi Products and was certified as bargaining agent for the plant by the National Labor Relations Board, NLRB.

After negotiating a contract, workers were afraid to become union members. Due to the lack of participation within the union by employees, in September of 1965, Bob became employed full-time for the Union for the sole purpose of recruiting workers to become union members. During the first year of his activity, door to door soliciting increased the membership from 20 percent to over 60 percent. For the next 17 years, Bob held the combined positions of vice-president and business agent; and president and business agent of the Local Union. This was the beginning of many firsts for Bob Woodson.

In 1966, Bob was the first black elected to the executive board of the Mississippi AFL-CIO. He participated in civil rights marches, ``not out front,'' but concentrating more on voter registration.

In 1968, Bob was a ``Loyalist'' delegate to the Democratic National Convention. In 1972, Bob organized the Mississippi A. Philip Randolph Institute, and was named chairman. In 1974, Bob was a delegate to the Historical National Democratic Charter Convention in Kansas City, Kansas. In 1975, Bob was the first black named to the ``Regular'' Hinds County Democratic Executive Committee. In May 1983, Bob continued his services as an International Representative traveling many thousands of miles on job assignments in several states, including: DC, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Illinois, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

During Bob's career of more than 30 years as a full-time Union Representative, he received many hours of specialized academic training provided by the National Labor Relations Board in the George Meany Center for Labor Studies, in the area of contract negotiations, grievance and arbitrations, handling unfair labor practice proceedings and many other labor management relations.

Some of Bob's experiences include: Head Negotiator, Administrator, Fiscal Officer, Labor Management Specialist, OIC Board Chairman, Director of Minority Affairs of Mississippi AFL-CIO for 12 years, president of Mississippi A. Philip Randolph Institute 1972-1979 Program and Evaluation Committee for Jackson Manpower Planning Council, and the list goes on.

Bob was very active and influential in many political campaigns; and has received certificates of appreciation and recognition and several awards for his outstanding services, leadership and contributions to help improve working conditions for all people.

Bob retired in May 1996, as a full-time Union Representative, after more than 30 years of service.

Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Merdis Anderson is a native of Amite County, Gloster, Mississippi, where she was reared by her maternal Grandmother, the late Mrs. Mary B. Spears. She is the devoted and caring wife of Mr. Samuel Charlie Anderson of Lexington, Mississippi, and the proud mother of 2 sons, Shawn Christopher Anderson and Kevin Keith Anderson. She is also the proud grandmother of 6 grandchildren. She is a member of Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church under the Pastorship of Reverend Walter Eskridge Jr., where she serves as Usher Board Leader.

Upon graduating from Amite County Training School In Gloster, Mississippi, Mrs. Anderson attended Mississippi Valley State College, presently, Mississippi Valley State University, where she majored in Social Science with emphasis on Sociology.

After graduating from Mississippi Valley State College in 1970, she worked in the public schools of Amite County for one semester and one summer, where she taught Social Studies and English. In August of 1971, she moved to Detroit, Michigan and worked as a secretary/typist for Ford Motor Company.

Realizing that her calling was to teach, mold, and shape the minds of boys and girls to new heights in the field of education, Mrs. Anderson moved back to Mississippi in June of 1974, and was employed with the Holmes County School District as a full time teacher in September of 1975, at Mileston Elementary School. At Mileston Elementary School, she worked and served in numerous capacities for 15 years before being transferred to Lexington Elementary School, where she taught first grade, fourth grade, and in 1999, she became Lead Teacher where she dedicated her services until October of 2004 after which she left to work at the Holmes County Vocational-Technical Center.

Mrs. Anderson is presently employed at the Holmes County Vocational Technical Center, where she works diligently with the Staff Development Activities, serves as the Student Incentive Chairperson, Character Education Chairperson, Monthly Bulletin Board Chairperson, Black History Month Activities Chairperson, and Public Relations Coordinator for the center.

Realizing that she could do more to help the boys and girls in Holmes County reach new heights in education and become productive citizens in a global society, she was instrumental in being hired in 2009 by the aggressive, Mrs. Beulah Greer, Director of the Community Learning Center, and Mr. Leslie Greer, CEO of the center, as an English teacher, to work with students in the Summer Camp Program, where learning takes place on a daily

basis. Mrs. Anderson sees the Summer Camp Program as a program where the teachers instill in students that, they are somebody, they have a sense of pride, and they can become critical and logical thinkers as they grow into adulthood, facing the challenges that await them in a world of uncertainty. She has worked as a volunteer with the center for almost 2 years.

Mrs. Anderson has taught boys and girls for almost 38 years in the field of education, not for the money that the job brings, but because teaching has given her rewards that cannot be calculated on an adding machine, nor deposited in a bank, but it gives her tangible awards, such as the countenance on a child's face that has learned under her guidance, a pat on the shoulder, and the knowledge of knowing that those vibrant children are enjoying themselves and learning because of her efforts and carefully daily planning.

Her philosophy of teaching is that it takes a special group of people with special skills and dedication to focus on the strengths of children and not their weaknesses. She is a firm believer that all children can learn regardless of their background, and socio-economic status, whether it be by visual, auditory, kinesthetic, tactile, or some other means.

To her family, community and friends, she gives thanks for believing in her, understanding her, and encouraging her in her endeavors as an educator.

``To God be the glory for all that He has done.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Willie Steen Battle. Ms. Battle, born April 17, 1945 to the late Thomas and Virginia Ellis in Flora, Mississippi graduated from East Flora High School in 1964 and furthered her education with an Associate Degree from Hinds Community College.

She is an active member of Fearns Chapel Free Will Baptist Church where she serves on the Mother Board. She is President of Flora Community for Progress where she volunteers her time with organizing food drives to give baskets to the elderly and disabled during the

holidays. She also assists with giving benefit programs to people in the community whose homes have been destroyed by fire. Willie Steen is the mother of three: Tony, Erik and Michael.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the long and distinguished life of Mrs. Flora Bush Stigler. Born June 28, 1935, in Carroll County, Mississippi she was the 9th of 10 children born to the late Charlie and Susie Bush. She attended-Ware school in Carroll County and Knox High School in Winona, MS. Upon completing her studies she received a music scholarship in choir from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi. While at Rust College, she majored in education, with a concentration in history. She also did further studies at Mississippi State University. She taught one year in Pelahatchie, MS and twenty-nine years at J. Z. George High School. She retired in 1986. While at J. Z. George, she taught 7th grade history and later taught 11 grade history. Of course, she was known for her no- nonsense atmosphere in the classroom. She carefully cultivated her students' natural abilities while demanding and commanding discipline. She ensured and assured each child that education is and would be the key to success. She retired from education after 30 years of service.

As a member of Helm Chapel Church, she serves diligently as Director of Christian Education and Music Director for both the adult and the youth choir. She also served many years as director of Prater Day Care Center of Helm Chapel CME Church, the first day care center in our area.

In April 2008, she received her Golden Degree from Rust College. She is politically active, serving as County Coordinator for Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, and treasurer of the Carroll County Voters' League. Currently at age 75, she is still working with people in the community by way of managing a state program known as ``Meals on Wheels'' for seven counties, (Attala, Carroll, Grenada, Holmes, Leflore, Montgomery and Yalobusha) through North Central Planning and Development District.

She is the mother of three daughters, a grandmother of 6, a great grandmother of 7 and a person who never meets a stranger. Today, as in past years, she is known for her community service. She is an ``active'' and vocal member of the PTO at J. Z. George High School.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant Mr. Vonnie Ware. Mr. Ware owns and operates his own cook syrup farm and has raised cattle for the past twenty years. His parents W.H. and Lovie Dier-Ware had nine children. His father was a Blacksmith who owned his own land.

His wife's father, Samuel Mallet, owned and operated his own farm in the Thomastown community where they could hear the bells ringing on the plantation two miles away. His father shoed horses for twenty-five cents (.25) a head. The children that lived on the plantation never went to school until it rained. He says, ``That's why I say we are just one step from the plantation, because I still meet the same men today who can't read or write.''

Out of all the injustice they endured, Vonnie's parents never taught them to hate anyone because of his skin color. His grandparents were Will and Lizer Griffin-Dier. He considered his grandfather his greatest hero and stayed with him when he was a small boy.

Vonnie's grandfather was a Deacon in his church and owned and operated his own farm. He was also a syrup cooker. His grandfather wasn't allowed any kind of benefits because he owned his own land. Vonnie followed in his grandfather's footsteps.

His Aunt Frances Dier taught school 40 years in Leake County. She walked for miles to school since she could not ride the bus because she was black. One day, the bus passed and splashed mud on her; she stepped in the ditch and prayed that one day her people would be able to ride the bus like the white people.

Today, Vonnie Ware is a past TAC (Thomastown Attendance Center) Booster club President of four years. He was also a trustee at Leake Memorial Hospital for two years. He is an active member of the Leake County Voters League.

Vonnie Ware speaks from his heart when he says: ``We are thankful for the old freedom fighters that humbled themselves and denied themselves of speaking like they were men or women. They knew what the blacks knew. It was difficult to see ``white only'' signs up everywhere you go. This hurts my soul to write anymore about it In order for a young man to succeed, he must do these three things: Believe in God, vote, and know how to spend his money. We have come a long way BUT we still have a long way to go. We must press on.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Willie Bunton, a very instrumental person in the Mayersville community.

Mr. Bunton, Jr. was born on April 29, 1935 to Bertha and Willie Bunton, Sr. He was the son of a sharecropper who left school at the age of 15 to take care of his family because of the death of his father. Mr. Bunton worked tirelessly during the Civil Rights Era to register citizens to vote. He was also instrumental in integrating the schools in Rolling Fork and Mayersville. He met Louise Matthews, who later became his wife, and to this union were born 14 children. He and his wife owned and operated 14 & 1 Quick Stop for several years.

Prior to opening his own business, Mr. Bunton worked with the Delta Opportunity Corporation where he was a job developer and recruiter fulfilling the capacity of job placement for the unemployed. Around this time, Mr. Bunton gained an interest in politics, and then ran for Supervisor-at-Large of District 3 in Issaquena County unsuccessfully. He then

filed suit to bring the elections back to the district rather than at- large, and won. He then ran again in a special election in 1972 and won. Mr. Bunton was the 7th black supervisor elected in the state of Mississippi, Mr. Bunton served on the board for 12 years with WWISCAA, served on the board of MACE for 4 years, and was also a member of the Freedom Democratic Party, which was formed because black democrats were not accepted by the regular Democratic Party, which defeated the regular Democratic Party and was seated at the National Democratic Convention. Mr. Bunton also helped to get sufficient water and sewer for the Town of Mayersville, and also had involvement with the corporation of the town. Mr. Bunton was also seriously involved in the Issaquena County Backwater Project.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant Mrs. Ellen Williams Ragland. Mrs. Ragland got her start in 1929. She grew up in a small rural community in Humphreys County, MS, where she witnessed the implementation of the civil rights movement and watched it unfold victoriously.

Mrs. Ragland married Adam Ragland in 1947. They later moved to Silver City, MS, and had five children. They were black farmers and owners of Semicko's Record Shop.

Mrs. Ragland was hired as a nurse assistant for the black schools in Humphreys County before integration. She picked-up the sick children from school and took them to the doctor in Belzoni, MS. She also worked for Friends of Children of Mississippi as a teacher assistant in 1968.

After the schools were integrated, Mrs. Ragland was hired as a teacher assistant in Humphreys County Public School in 1970. She worked for Humphreys County School District until she retired in 1990.

In 1991, Mrs. Ragland began working as an Entitlement Aid for National Caucus for Black Age. She was very passionate about her job and the people she served, where she often went beyond the call of duty to service their needs. Mrs. Ragland is well respected in the community. She has a pleasant personality that makes people feel comfortable going to her for help.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Ellen Williams Ragland for her dedication to serving others in need.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Alfenette Robinson, born July 10, 1957, to Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Robinson, Jr., a lifelong Bolton, Mississippi, native. She graduated from Sumner Hill High School in 1975 and furthered her education by obtaining her Associate Degree in Education from Hinds Community College. Alfenette has been in education for the past 31 years. She served as an assistant teacher for the Trainable Mentally Retarded classroom in the Clinton Public School District for 20 years. She presently serves as Branch Supervisor at the Annie L. Thompson-Jeffers Branch of the Hinds County Public Library System, where she has been employed since 1987. People in general have been Ms. Robinson's life and passion. She helps all kinds of people on and off the job. She is Chairman of the Bolton Christmas Parade committee, Secretary of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church Sunday School, lifelong member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, active member of the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church Choir, active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP, and has dedicated her time towards many local campaign elections. She loves helping the elderly members of the community, no matter how big or small the task. She is known for running errands and assisting the elderly with understanding and completing important documents and forms. In addition to her love for the elderly, she is gifted in working with special-needs children and superbly knowledgeable and passionate in overseeing the operation and functionality of the Bolton community's only library. Alfenette has a twin sister and one brother, along with many community-adopted children.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Minnie B. Young. Mrs. Minnie B. Young was born on March 11, 1937, outside of Leland, Mississippi. She is the youngest of five children. Mrs. Young was married twice; both husbands are deceased. Mrs. Young is the proud mother of five children.

Mrs.Young attended elementary school in Dunleith, MS, then on to Abraham Lincoln Attendance Center in Leland, MS.

In 1965, Mrs. Young and others went on a strike for a pay increase from A.L. Andrew Plantation, located in what was then Tent City, MS. It was called Tent City because they lived in tents. However, there were no raises and the strikers eventually quit their jobs at the Plantation. The strikers then changed the name of the town from Tent City to what we now know as Strike City in 1966. Also, she was one of the marchers in Greenville, MS, during the Civil Rights Era in 1966.

Mrs. Young worked in the Head Start program from 1966-1980. She went from Head Start to Witte Memorial Hospital, in Leland, MS, from 1980- 1985.

Mrs. Young enjoys writing poems. She considers this a hobby, which she has been doing since she was a little girl. Both she and her daughter, Maxine Johnson, call themselves ``Strike City's Finest Poets.'' They published a book of poems called Real Talk. Mrs. Young considers herself a religious poet. Today, she still writes poems, mostly for her church, Greater St. Matthew M.B. Church, located in Strike City, MS.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Mr. Wilford Norton, Sr., and Mrs. Marie Norton of Rolling Fork, MS, who were instrumental in the Civil Rights Movement during the origin of civil rights in Mississippi. Both Mr. and Mrs. Norton played significant roles in the success of voter registration and equality for local citizens in Sharkey County and surrounding counties. In 1965-66, Mr. Wilford and Marie Norton worked hand in hand with the late Mr. Sidney Alexander, Sr. (who was a strong advocate for civil rights) and other brave and resilient citizens to ensure all eligible and those that were of age were registered to vote. They spent many hours traveling throughout the counties visiting families to encourage them; this was during an era when many families were afraid of consequences and feared their safety. With much persuasion and long hours of labor, voters were registered.

In 1964, Marie and Wilford Norton also assisted in housing white students who traveled from Massachusetts and Ohio to assist the community in organizing the Head Start Program and other community programs. During this time the Nortons resided at 507 Magnolia Street, a small house with only three bedrooms. The Norton children sacrificed their beds for the comfort of their guests.

Shortly after the Massachusetts and Ohio visitors departed Rolling Fork, the Ku Klux Klan burned a cross in the center of the field that stood across the street from 507 Magnolia Street. During this time (1964 or 1965) the field was vacant with no houses. The burning cross was center field directly in front of the Norton's home and center to the newly organized Head Start Center (Ms. Francis Alexander's home until her passing) adjacent to Magnolia Street on Poplar Street. This did not deter the Nortons or the Alexanders in the cause for justice and equality; their will to end bigotry and injustice continued strong in both families.

This was a time when some in the community were making it known that they wanted an end to inequality and made a stand as they formed Picket Groups; the Norton and Alexander children 10 years of age and above were taken out of school to assist in a week-long of picketing all local merchants in Rolling Fork; they were joined by a few other Rolling Fork families and families from surrounding counties. In 1966, two of the Norton girls were amongst the first to integrate the former Fielding L. Wright School (currently Rolling Fork High School) in Rolling Fork. Though this was not an easy transition for the participating Norton children and others, it was a sacrifice that families made to end segregation in the public school system.

In 1963, Mr. Wilford Norton, Sr., joined Mr. Sydney Alexander, Sr., and a few other men of Rolling Fork, MS, with much support from their wives to participate in the March on Washington with Martin Luther King, Jr., that occurred on August 28, 1963, to rally for freedom, jobs, justice and equality for all at the Lincoln Memorial where Dr. King gave his awesome ``I Have a Dream'' speech. Mr. Norton could not have been any prouder when he returned to his family; he told of how this was one of the most incredible events and days of his life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Robert L. Cotton of Sallis, Mississippi. Mr. Cotton has always

stood out as a community leader. In 1987 Mr. Cotton helped to build New Bethel M.B. Church. He established the Beat 4 Community Club and served as president for several years. Mr. Cotton has raised funds for different organizations. He is a strong supporter of the McAdams High School Football team.

Under the leadership of Mr. Jerry Lewis, President of the NAACP Attala County Chapter, Mr. Cotton is the leader in soliciting memberships for the chapter. Mr. Cotton has worked diligently in the political arena, helping his community stay abreast of political issues. He has served as a Trustee of New Bethel M.B. Church for the past 30 years, where he has helped to secure needed funds for the Church's many programs. Mr. Robert Cotton is a World War II Veteran and served 3 years and 8 months overseas. On November 10, 2010, Mr. Cotton celebrated his 91st birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Minnie Carter. Ms. Carter grew up in Tunica County, Mississippi and is extremely proud to continue her work in her community. She is a graduate of Rosa Fort High School and Jackson State University. She is a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

In 1987, Minnie was hired by the Tunica County Department of Human Services in Tunica, Mississippi. Her responsibilities included determining the initial and continuing eligibility of applicants and recipients for welfare assistance and provide other services related to the programs of the county offices.

When not busy at work Minnie has volunteered at community pride fairs, community health fairs, schools and churches. She has served several years as a member of various community and civic groups such as the Tunica County United Voters League, Tunica County PUSH, Concerned Citizens of Tunica, Leaders of Tomorrow, and African-Americans for A Better Tunica County and Tunica County NAACP. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, reading, walking and working out.

Minnie has been recognized and honored for her work. She has received numerous awards and accolades. She has been a recipient of the Community Service Award, Woman of the Year Award, and the Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award.

Minnie has over 24 years experience in community organizing, program implementation and nonprofit management. She is presently the Executive Director of Tunica County Housing Project, Inc. Since its beginning Tunica County Housing Project, Inc. (TCHP) has had as its goal, ``to provide decent affordable housing for families with low incomes living in Tunica County, Mississippi.'' For 19 years, Tunica County Housing Project, Inc. has been a leader in promoting affordable housing in Tunica County. ``Minnie Carter believes that homeownership contributes to the Tunica County economy, builds strong communities and is a powerful tool for building economic stability and self-esteem for families.'' Tunica County Housing Project, Inc. is especially committed to improving the quality of life for the people of Tunica County.

One of TCHP greatest accomplishments has been the creation of a subdivision, Nellie Johnson Village in Tunica County. This subdivision consists of sixty-one affordable houses owned by families with low and very low incomes.

In 2004 TCHP assumed the Tunica County Housing Rehabilitation Program. This program is designed to bring a person's house up to compliance with the Standard Housing Code published by International Residential Code as adopted by Tunica County and all other relevant codes adopted by the local governing bodies. TCHP has repaired and rehabilitated 146 homes for families with low incomes. It has provided replacement mobile homes for 23 families whose homes were beyond repair.

In 2007 TCHP received a Housing Preservation Grant in the amount of $117,921.71. This program is designed to assist homeowners with low and very low incomes with the repair and rehabilitation of their homes to bring their dwellings up to development standards. The HPG funds were used to complement the funds committed by Tunica County. TCHP has repaired and rehabilitated an additional 24 homes for families with low and very low incomes utilizing these funds.

In 2008 TCHP assumed the Tunica County Mortgage Assistance Program (TMAP) which provides up to $25,000 to first time homebuyers purchasing a home in Tunica County. The grant may be used for down payment and/or closing costs.

Since 2010 Minnie has been a mentor for the Tunica County Mentoring Program. She plans to help mentees make positive connections between the world of work, school and the community. She believes this will help mentees develop personal skills and career awareness in order to make better life-long decisions.

Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Ria Judge was born on January 23, 1968 in Vicksburg to Ms. Lucinda Williams and reared by her grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Williams.

Mrs. Judge graduated from Vicksburg High in 1986 and furthered her education by obtaining a Bachelor in Elementary Education from the University of Southern Mississippi, followed by a double Masters in Administration and Education from Alcorn State University.

Mrs. Judge has been teaching in the Vicksburg-Warren Public School system for the last 17 years and presently serves as Assistant Principal at Beechwood Elementary School.

Children and the elderly have always been Mrs. Judge's passion. She has been the assistant troop leader for Girl Scout Troop #5119 since 2005, dedicated Sunday School teacher, served on Mountain of Faith Restoration Shelter for Homeless Women and Children Board, volunteers at local nursing homes and has worked in many local campaign elections because of the concern she has for her community.

Mrs. Judge is married to Terry Judge and they have two children, Tavarius and Isla.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Marion Leroy Hayes, Mississippi's Second Black Superintendent of Education and Jefferson County's First Black Superintendent of Education. He was married to the late Mrs. Louise B. Hayes who was a Jefferson County Elementary Retired School Teacher during 1976-1977.

Mr. Marion Leroy Hayes is the son of Mrs. Irene Hayes and the late L.J. Hayes, born and reared in Jefferson County, Mississippi where he attended public schools in Jefferson, Claiborne and Warren counties. He received his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree from Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi; Master's Degree from Southern University Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He furthered his studies at Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi, University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia and The University of Mississippi.

Mr. Marion Leroy Hayes served in the United States Air Force and Army for seven and one-half years during the Korean Conflict where he received an honorable discharge. During that time he served overseas in Guam, North Africa and Germany.

Mr. Marion Leroy Hayes believes in the Lord and is a member of the East Mount Olive M.B. Church. He is also a member of the Prince Hall Masons, Board of Trustees of Copiah-Lincoln Junior College; Chairman of the American Red Cross Fund Raising Advisory Committee; Boy Scouts of America; Jefferson County Board of Directors; Chamber of Commerce; Advisory Committee, National Youth Sports Program, Alcorn State University, State Advisory Committee of Teacher Certification; Director of Title III ESEA; American Association of Administrators, Mississippi Association of Schools Superintendents; and Mississippi Association of School Administrators.

Mr. Marion Leroy Hayes is listed in Who's Who Biographical Records-- School District Officials 1976, 1st Edition; Who's Who in Educational Administration, 1976-1977; and Who's Who Among Black Americans, 1977- 1978.

Mr. Marion Leroy Hayes has been given many awards in his lifetime. He has received such notable awards as Star Teacher in 1970,

1971, 1972, Presidential Citation--National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education in 1984, Service to the Community Directory of Distinguished Americans in 1981, District Award of Merit-- Natchez Trace District for the Boy Scouts of America in 1987, For Service to Scouting as Vice Chairman of Natchez Trace District in 1976 and Certificate of Appreciation--Co-Lin Junior College Board of Trustees in 1987.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Oscar Price Jr. Mr. Price who was born in Robinsonville, MS on July 24, 1953 to the late Oscar, Sr. and Dora. Encouraged by his parents, Oscar Jr., learned the value of education at an early age. Oscar attended school at Christian Spring Church where he was taught by the late Edna Pullam Carpenter. Soon after, Oscar attended school at Shallow Baptist Church and later transferred to Rosa Fort Elementary during the early 60s. Price furthered his education, attended grade school, middle school, and completed his coursework in 1972. He worked on farms and returned to school to graduate from Rosa Fort High School, Class of 73. Oscar completed various technical courses and educational training to advance in a competitive job market.

Oscar, at an early age, confessed Christ at Good Hope #1 Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend R. Douglas. Price participated in various church activities that taught good morals, sound values, and respect for others. Price earned the role of becoming a junior deacon at his church. He served his church family and community through volunteering and participating in events. Later, Price became a Deacon at Good Hope where he continues to worship. In addition, to this spiritualistic accomplishment, Price has now served as the Chairman of the Deacon Board for over twenty years.

Oscar's employment career began on local farms. Later, he became a student bus driver. Leaving high school in December 1972, Oscar was employed as a laborer at Amax Aluminum in Hernando, MS. Price was promoted to the maintenance department. Shortly after that promotion, Price's hard work paid off. He was promoted to one of the few tool and die repairmen. Price later ended his employment journey at Amax and began employment at Texas Gas Transmission in 1978. Oscar continued his work at Texas Gas Transmission as a maintenance man and plant operator. Price recently retired after 32 years of employment at Texas Gas Transmission.

Oscar married Mary Ann Camper on May 20, 1975. He is the proud father of four children: Markuette, Oscar III, Gureka, Toynga. Price is also the proud grandfather of Oscar IV and Taunta Price.

From 1981 to 1983 Oscar served as the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) President for Tunica County School District. Later, he was elected to the Tunica County School Board where he served as Secretary for many years, and later became President of the School Board. Oscar served a total of eighteen years on the School Board of Tunica County. One of his most prize honors is when he worked with families, his community, and Tunica County's faculty, staff, and administrators to remove their students from corrective action. Price received numerous awards for being a proactive band parent, athletic booster, and community volunteer and representative. He also worked with community leaders

and other board members to build two of Tunica's new schools: Robinsonville Elementary and Tunica Middle School.

In addition to his service, Price joined the NAACP and was elected as the President of the Robinsonville Chapter. Also, Price served as Jr. Warden at Lake Cormorant Masonic Lodge.