Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mr. Willie Ashford of Jackson, Mississippi, for being named the 2026 National Waste and Recycling Association Residential Driver of the Year.

Mr. Ashford has distinguished himself by exceptional service professionalism, and dedication to the waste and recycling industry. His selection as the 2026 National Waste and Recycling Residential Driver of the Year is prestigious national honor that recognizes excellence among more than 100,000 drivers employed by waste and recycling companies across the United States.

Committed to serving the residents of Mississippi, Mr. Ashford provides essential waste collection services to approximately 6,000 homes each week in Jackson and the surrounding communities. His work plays a vital role in maintaining clean, safe, and healthy neighborhoods for thousands of Mississippi families.

In addition to his daily responsibilities, Mr. Ashford has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the workplace by serving as a top trainer for new drivers at his location. Through mentorship and hands-on instruction, he helps prepare the next generation of skilled and safety-conscious professionals, ensuring that high standards of service continue across the industry.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Ashford has invested in the lives of young people by coaching youth sports in his community. As a coach and role model, he has provided guidance, encouragement, and support to countless young athletics and their families.

Mr. Ashford's success has also been strengthened by the support of his wife, Chantry Ashford, whose partnership and a encouragement have contributed to his many achievements.

Mr. Speaker, today we honor Mr. Willie Ashford for his remarkable accomplishment and for being named the 2026 National Waste and Recycling Association Residential Driver of the Year.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing his outstanding service and congratulating him on this well-deserved national honor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Ms. Kristy Embry upon the occasion of her retirement after twenty-five years of distinguished service with Disability Determination Services.

Ms. Embry has dedicated her professional career to serving the citizens of Mississippi with excellence, integrity, and compassion. A graduate of Mississippi State University in 1998, she began her career with Disability Determination Services in 2001, embarking on a path of public service that would positively impact countless individuals and families across our state.

In 2004, Ms. Embry joined the Division of Legislative Relations, where she worked closely with Members of Congress and state legislators regarding Social Security disability cases. Through her professionalism, responsiveness, and deep knowledge of the disability determination process, she became a trusted resource for legislative offices and constituents seeking assistance.

Her dedication and leadership led to her promotion as Director of the Non-Vocational Legislative Relations Team in 2015. In this role, she has faithfully served for more than a decade, overseeing critical operations and helping ensure that Mississippians receive the attention and support they deserve. Her commitment to public service has earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, elected officials, and citizens alike.

Ms. Embry is the daughter of William ``Bill'' Norton and Jonnelle ``Jonnie'' Norton. In 2004, she married Scott Embry, and together they raised their daughter, Caroline Embry. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she enjoys cooking, baking, and traveling, passions that reflect her warm spirit and love for family and community.

On June 30, 2026, Ms. Embry will conclude a remarkable career marked by dedication, leadership, and faithful service to the people of Mississippi. Her contributions to Disability Determination Services and to the legislative community have left a lasting legacy that will be felt for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Kristy Embry for her outstanding career and unwavering commitment to public service. We congratulate her on her well-earned retirement and extend our sincere gratitude and best wishes for happiness, good health, and success in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Jouri Nichole Thornton, an outstanding student leader and scholar from Jackson, Mississippi, whose academic excellence, leadership, and service exemplify the very best of our Nation's young leaders.

Ms. Thornton is a graduating senior at Mississippi Valley State University, where she is pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. Throughout her academic career, she has distinguished herself as a dedicated scholar and an influential leader on campus.

She currently serves as President of the Student Government Association, where she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advocating for her fellow students and strengthening campus engagement. In addition, she serves as President of the National Society of Leadership and Success and President of Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business, further highlighting her dedication to academic achievement and leadership development.

In Spring 2026, Ms. Thornton was initiated into the Psi Gamma Chapter of Beta Sorority, Incorporated, continuing a proud tradition of service and scholarship. She has also served as a Thurgood Marshall College Fund Yard Ambassador, representing her institution while promoting educational opportunity and excellence.

Her academic accomplishments are equally impressive. Ms. Thornton was named Outstanding Scholar for the Business Administration Department for the 2023 to 2024 academic year, a testament to her hard work, discipline, and pursuit of excellence. Beyond the classroom, she contributes to the cultural life of the university as an active member of the university choir.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jouri Nichole Thornton's achievements as they reflect a deep commitment to leadership, scholarship, and service. Her future is exceedingly bright, and there is no doubt she will continue to make meaningful contributions to her community and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mrs. Mary Smith-Blackmon of Canton, Mississippi, whose courage and perseverance helped shape the story of school desegregation in our State of Mississippi.

In 1965, Mary Smith-Blackmon made history by transferring from Rogers High School, an all-Black school, to Canton High School which had previously been all white. Her courage marked a significant turning point in the fight to desegregate public education in Mississippi and helped pave the way for greater education equity across the state.

From the moment she stepped onto campus at Canton High School, Mrs. Smith-Blackmon was met with open hostility. Alongside her peers, she faced harassment from the students, isolation within classrooms, and a school environment designed to make them feel unwelcome. Despite being targeted, ridiculed, and humiliated, she returned each day with strength and determination, refusing to let adversity stand in the way of her education.

Eventually, she became the only one of the three black students to remain at Canton High School, carrying the weight of integration largely on her own. In May 1966, she graduated with honors, becoming the first African American student to graduate from an all-white Canton High School.

Her accomplishment in Canton, Mississippi, was not only a personal victory, but a milestone in the long struggle for educational equity in our State. It reflected both the painful realities of integration and the extraordinary strength required of those who led it.

After graduation, Mrs. Smith-Blackmon continued her education at Tougaloo College and Jackson State University, where she studied education. She returned home to Canton, Mississippi, and devoted more than 30 years to teaching, mentoring, and uplifting generations of students in the very community where she once endured such hardship. Her story reminds us that progress in Mississippi did not come easily or without sacrifice. It came through resilience.

Mr. Speaker, today we honor Mrs. Mary Smith-Blackmon for her historic achievement, lifelong dedication to education, and her enduring legacy as a pioneer of school desegregation in our State of Mississippi.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing her remarkable life and contributions to Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Dr. Kia Monique Jones, an outstanding scholar, advocate, entrepreneur, and community leader whose work has positively impacted communities throughout the State of Mississippi.

Dr. Jones is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of For Brown Girls, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing issues related to poverty, health equity, education, women empowerment, and community development. Through her leadership, the organization has created opportunities for professional networking, financial literacy, leadership development, and educational advancement for underserved communities throughout Mississippi.

In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Dr. Jones has remained deeply engaged in civic and public health initiatives through her service with numerous organizations, including Leadership Greater Jackson, the Mississippi Black Leadership Institute, Planned Parenthood Southeast Advisory Council, the Mississippi Ending the HIV Epidemic Black Leadership Collaborative Task Force, and the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Program. Her commitment to social justice, equity, and public service continues to uplift communities across our state.

Dr. Jones' dedication and leadership have earned her numerous honors, including the Mississippi Business Journal's Top 50 Under 40 Award, Top CEOs in Mississippi recognition, the Women Economic Forum Exceptional Women of Excellence International Award, and several awards recognizing her humanitarianism and entrepreneurial success.

A proud three-time graduate of Jackson State University, Dr. Jones earned a Doctor of Public Health degree with a concentration in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, in addition to graduate and undergraduate degrees in Biology. She also earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Belhaven University.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Kia Monique Jones has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others through leadership, advocacy, and service. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing her outstanding contributions to the State of Mississippi and congratulating her on her continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary achievements of the Coahoma Community College Choir and its distinguished director, Dr. Kelvin Towers, as they represent the State of Mississippi and our Nation through their recent travel to India.

The Coahoma Community College Choir, based in Clarksdale, Mississippi, has long been a source of pride for the Mississippi Delta. Under the exceptional leadership of Dr. Towers, the choir has earned a reputation for musical excellence, discipline, and cultural enrichment. Their commitment to the arts has not only elevated their institution but has also served as a beacon of inspiration for students and communities throughout our region.

The Coahoma Community College Choir recently continued its tradition of excellence on a global stage through its participation in the 100 Days World Cultural Festival and World Religions Summit in Karnataka, India. From Clarksdale to India, these students represented Mississippi and the United States through their--original production, The African American Story, Sung in a Foreign Land, sharing a message of unity, culture, and faith with audiences from around the world.

This recognition celebrates more than a performance. It reflects a commitment to excellence, cultural exchange, and global impact. The choir's invitation to travel to India is a testament to its talent and to the global reach of its artistry. This opportunity allowed the choir to share the rich musical traditions of the Mississippi Delta while also embracing and learning from the diverse cultural heritage of India. Through their performances, they served as ambassadors of goodwill, fostering cultural exchange, unity, and mutual understanding across international borders.

Dr. Towers' dedication to mentoring and guiding his students cannot be overstated. His leadership has cultivated not only musical excellence, but also confidence, discipline, and a broader worldview among his students. By exposing them to international experiences, he has expanded their horizons and provided them with opportunities that will have a lasting impqct on their personal and professional lives.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the Coahoma Community College Choir and Dr. Kelvin Towers for exemplifying the power of education, the arts, and cultural exchange, and for representing Mississippi and the United States with excellence, dignity, and pride.

Mr. Speaker, I stand with my Democratic colleagues in strong opposition to this bill.

This bill is yet another attempt by MAGA-controlled Republicans to give billions of dollars to the violent, lawless, and unconstitutional Trump administration.

In last year's big, ugly bill, Republicans starved working families and stripped healthcare from millions of Americans to fund DHS' immigration crackdown without any guardrails.

DHS used these funds to break into homes without warrants, surveil and lock up nonviolent protesters, deport sick children with cancer, and kill two American citizens who were lawfully exercising their First Amendment and Second Amendment rights.

This bill, just like the last one, does not prohibit any agent from wearing a mask. It does not require officers to get judicial warrants. This bill does not prohibit racial profiling or surveilling databases of unlawful protesters. It does not stop raids at daycares, churches, or even hospitals.

This bill does not prevent the Justice Department from creating a slush fund to pay Donald Trump's insurrectionists who assaulted law enforcement.

Instead, this bill gives the Trump regime a blank check to execute more out-of-control, unaccountable crackdowns on migrants and the American citizens supporting them. Americans know the difference.

Americans know the difference between a government that works for them and one that works only for Donald Trump. We must oppose this awful bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend Elizabeth Ann Poulsen, also known to us as ``Liz,'' for her outstanding service to the Committee on Homeland Security during her tenure with the committee. After nearly a year with the Committee on Homeland Security, Liz will conclude her detail and will return to the Government Accountability Office.

Throughout her time on the committee, Liz has been an invaluable member of the staff, providing critical expertise and steadfast dedication across multiple core oversight areas. Liz's work has significantly strengthened the committee's efforts to ensure accountability within the Department of Homeland Security's counterterrorism grant programs and improve national preparedness for emergencies.

Liz played a key role in the committee's oversight of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Liz's abilities to issue spot and analyze complex material helped Members navigate questions regarding disaster preparedness and counterterrorism grant administration. Liz's work consistently reflected an understanding of the value of congressional oversight and a commitment to ensuring that Congress uses its oversight responsibilities thoughtfully.

In addition, Liz contributed meaningfully to the committee's oversight of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup--a large scale, multi jurisdictional event requiring extensive coordination across Federal, State, local, and international partners. Liz also advanced the committee's longstanding oversight of the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) and other counterterrorism grant programs and was instrumental in working on legislation to improve the administration of counterterrorism grants.

Through all these efforts, Liz demonstrated exceptional professionalism, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to public service. Liz's thoughtful contributions, proactive approach, and ability to quickly synthesize complicated policy issues strengthened the committee's oversight and legislative work and proved indispensable to both Members and staff.

We thank Liz for her service to the committee and to the American people, and we wish her continued success in the next chapter of her career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Trinity Weeks, an exceptional student at Humphreys County High School and a proud member of the Class of 2026, whose academic achievement, leadership, and service reflect the very best of her school and community.

Trinity has distinguished herself as a remarkable young scholar. She is graduating a full year early, demonstrating extraordinary discipline, focus, and determination. With an impressive 31 on the ACT, Trinity has shown outstanding academic ability while also balancing a full schedule of leadership and service commitments.

Her hard work has opened the door to many exciting opportunities. Trinity has been accepted to more than 30 colleges and universities and has earned approximately $290,000 in school scholarship offers, along with $13,500 in outside scholarships. She is currently choosing between North Carolina A&T State University, where she has earned a Teaching Fellows Scholarship, and Alabama A&M University, where she has received a full-ride scholarship.

In addition to her academic excellence, Trinity has shown a deep commitment to public service and personal growth. She is an active member of the Mayor's Youth Council and Sisters of Sophistication, organizations that reflect her dedication to community, character, and empowerment. Trinity also earned distinction as the Second Place Winner of the 2025 Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World National Oratorical Competition in Las Vegas, Nevada, a testament to her poise, confidence, and powerful voice.

Trinity is the beloved daughter of Lakisha Hinnant and Zackery Weeks, Sr., and the proud granddaughter of Pastor Kevin and Laura Hinnant of Belzoni, Mississippi; Felicia Allen of Selma, North Carolina; and the late Bronica Lane. She is also celebrated by her younger siblings, Serenity and Victory Weeks, who look up to her with admiration and pride.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Trinity Weeks for her outstanding accomplishments. Her dedication to scholarship, leadership, and service is an inspiration to Humphrey's County and beyond. I am confident that Trinity's future is bright, and I look forward to seeing the many ways she will continue to make her family, her school, and her community proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Zackery Weeks, Jr., an outstanding member of the Humphreys County High School Class of 2026, whose academic excellence, leadership, and dedication have distinguished him as one of the brightest young scholars in his community.

Zackery has earned the title of Humphreys County Star Student, a recognition that reflects his exceptional academic achievement and commitment to excellence. With an impressive 32 on the ACT and 1400 on the SAT, Zackery stands among the top-performing students in the region. His accomplishments in the classroom demonstrate not only intellectual ability, but also discipline, perseverance, and a strong work ethic.

Beyond academics, Zackery has shown leadership and character through his service as Chess Captain, where he has led with strategy, poise, and critical thinking. These qualities will serve him well as he continues his educational journey.

Zackery's hard work has resulted in extraordinary opportunities. He has received more than $5.2 million in scholarship offers and more than 80 college acceptances. This fall, he will attend The University of Southern Mississippi on a full-ride scholarship, where he will continue building on his record of success while proudly representing Humphreys County.

Zackery is the beloved son of Lakisha Hinnant and Zackery Weeks, Sr., and the proud grandson of Pastor Kevin and Laura Hinnant of Belzoni, Mississippi; Felicia Allen of Selma, North Carolina; and the late Bronica Lane. He is also admired by his younger siblings, Serenity and Victory Weeks, who look up to him with pride and excitement.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Zackery Weeks, Jr. for his remarkable achievements. His dedication, faith, and determination are a source of pride to his family, his school, and the entire Humphreys County community. I look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor LaJuanda Williams-Griffin, a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, for her outstanding professional achievements and her recent selection as a member of the National Black Lawyers Top 100 in Mississippi, one of the organization's most prestigious honors recognizing excellence among African American attorneys.

The National Black Lawyers is an invitation-only professional development and networking organization composed of the Nation's top African American attorneys. Membership is earned through a rigorous, multi-phase selection process that includes peer nominations and independent research, making this recognition a significant distinction within the legal profession.

LaJuanda is the found and managing attorny of Williams-Griffin Law Group, PLLC, a hybrid legal and strategic advisory firm serving clients across Mississippi in the areas of family law, child welfare, and alternative dispute resolution. Through her practice, she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advocating for families and strengthening legal outcomes for vulnerable populations.

In addition to her private practice, LaJuanda represents the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services in Warren County through a state pilot program designed to imporve permanency outcomes, ensure complicance with federal standards, and enhance the effectiveness of CPS professionals in the courtroom.

She is also the founder of Stability Intelligence Group (SIG), PLLC, where she provides strategic guidance to organizations navigating employee life disruptions, including divorce, custody matters, and family instability. Her innovative approach reflects a broader commitment to integrating legal insight with organizational strategy. Beyond her legal and advisory work, LaJuanda is an entrepreneur and small business owner. She owns D'Cracked Egg, a family-friendly diner located in Tupelo, Mississippi, which was featured on America's Best Restaurants in 2023.

LaJuanda is a proud United States Army veteran and a graduate of the Mississippi College School of Law. She is a Mississippi Supreme Court- qualified mediator, a FINRA arbitrator, and a published author. Her professional accomplishments include recognition among Mississippi's Top 50 Businesswomen, admission to the United States Supreme Court Bar, and certification as an AI consultant by the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights.

Her leadership extends to service on the boards of the Academy of Court-Appointed Neutrals and the Mississippi Women Lawyers Association, and she is a graduate of the 2022 to 2023 Mississippi Bar Leadership Class.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing LaJuanda Williams-Griffin for excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to service. Her accomplishments bring pride to the State of Mississippi and serve as an inspiration to aspiring professionals across the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Annette Tillman Hill, a native of Copiah County who is known for being a distinguished educator, counselor, civic leader, and community advocate.

Mrs. Hill began her educational journey at Center Hill Elementary School, attended Piney Woods for junior high school, and graduated from Utica Institute High School. She entered Tougaloo College in the fall of 1952 at just fourteen years old and graduated in 1956 at the age of eighteen. While attending Tougaloo, she was initiated into the Gamma Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Mrs Hill was inducted in the Tougaloo College Hall of Fame in 2015. She also served as Regional Chairperson for the Bush Challenge National Alumni Giving Fund and remains an active member of the Tougaloo National Alumni Association.

Following graduation, Mrs. Hill began her career as a Science and Mathematics teacher at Parrish High School in Hazlehurst, where she taught for four years. She later relocated to Chicago and continued her work in education at Wendell Phillips High School, serving both as a Science and Mathematics teacher and later as a school counselor. During this time, she earned a Master of Education degree in Guidance and Counseling from Chicago State University.

In 1971, Mrs. Hill returned to Mississippi to serve as a counselor at Jackson State University. While at Jackson State University, she served on numerous committees and boards,

including the Committee for Health Professions and Recruitment and the Advisory Board for St. Dominic Mental Health Center's Task Force for Children, where she helped assess community needs and recommend services for undeserved youth and families.

In 1982, Mrs. Hill returned to the Hazlehurst City School District as a high school counselor, a position she held until retirement. During her tenure at Hazlehurst High School, she played a pivotal role in establishing the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program, which remains an important and successful component of the school today. She also served on the ROTC Scholarship Committee, helping students access educational and leadership opportunities.

Beyond education, Mrs. Hill has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to civic engagement and community improvement. She is a devoted member of NAACP and previously served as secretary and vice president of the Hazlehurst branch. She represented Copiah County on the Central Mississippi Red Cross Board and served as Copiah County FEMA Chairperson. Her civic leadership also includes service on the Copiah County Board of Economic Development, the Hazlehurst Zoning Board as secretary, and the Board of Directors of the Hazlehurst Unit of the Boys and Girls Club.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Annette Tillman Hill, for her steadfast commitment to education, mentorship, faith, and public service. She stands as an exemplary leader whose legacy of service and compassion merits recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. James Brewer of Leflore County, Mississippi, for his outstanding dedication to agriculture, community development, and the advancement of small farmers throughout the Mississippi Delta.

Mr. Brewer, a respected vegetable farmer and longtime advocate for local agriculture, is launching the Brewer Processing and Knowledge Center in Greenwood, Mississippi. Through this initiative, he hopes to create opportunities for farmers to work together through educational programming, produce storage, and cooperative sales efforts that will strengthen local agricultural and support economic growth throughout the region.

For years, Mr. Brewer has cultivated cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, watermelons, purple-hull peas, okra, and greens on his farm just north of Greenwood. Known throughout the community as a trusted grower and vendor at the Downtown Greenwood Farmers Market, he has consistently shared his knowledge and experience with fellow farmers seeking guidance and encouragement.

Throughout the Brewer Processing and Knowledge Center, Mr. Brewer plans to partner with organizations such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Farm Service Agency, the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service, and Alcorn State University to host conferences, demonstrations, and educational events aimed at helping small farmers improve production and sustainability. He also hopes to encourage young people to pursue agriculture and gain a deeper appreciation for farming and food production.

In addition, Mr. Brewer's vision includes creating cooperative opportunities for local growers by coordination produce sales and establishing cooler storage facilities that will allow farmers to better meet the demands of grocery stores and restaurants. His goal is to help keep locally grown produce within the Mississippi Delta while creating new opportunities throughout the Delta.

Mr. Brewer currently serves as President of the North Delta Produce Growers Association, continuing his longstanding commitment to supporting and uplifting agricultural communities throughout the Delta.

Mr. Speaker, James Brewer's leadership, vision, and commitment to service reflect the very best of Mississippi agriculture. His dedication to helping others, strengthening rural communities, and promoting local farming deserves recognition and praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. James Brewer for his many contributions to Leflore County and the State of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a truly exceptional organization, Delta Lambda Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.

The Delta Lambda Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, was chartered on April 5, 1974. It became the first alumnae chapter chartered outside the metropolitan Jackson, Mississippi, area and the second alumnae chapter in the State of Mississippi to become part of the Sorority's Southeastern Region.

Five charter members, known as ``The Magnificent Five,'' spearheaded the creation of this new chapter and I include in the Record their names:

Vera Davis Ballard;

Johnie Ruth Johnson Brown;

Leola Doss Dickey;

Earlean Marshall Jones; and

Annette Carter Dean Pierce:

The Magnificent Five shared two distinct and noteworthy qualities: all were graduates of Alcorn State University, and all embraced the mission of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority's seven courageous and determined founders: ``to enhanced the quality of life for women and their families in the United States and globally through community service, civil, and social action.'' This mission is reflected in the Sorority's motto, ``Greater Service, Greater Progress.''

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, was founded on November 12, 1922, on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is the only Divine Nine organization founded at a predominantly white public institution of higher learning. For decades, Delta Lambda Sigma has served as a beacon of light in the Claiborne, Jefferson, and Natchez-Adams communities.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Delta Lambda Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, for its continued dedication, service, and commitment to uplifting communities across Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of Manuel Killebrew, Jr., a devoted son, brother, friend, and public servant from Marks, Mississippi.

Manuel Killebrew, Jr. was born on August 9, 1978 to Manuel and Jewel (Phipps) Killebrew. A proud native of Marks, he was raised in a close- knit community that shaped his character and his commitment to service. At a young age Manuel accepted Christ on August 26, 1987, at Greenhill M.B. Church under the leadership of Reverend L.C. Tyler, Sr., a faith that sustained throughout his life.

Manuel was a graduate of Quitman County High School, where he was an active and spirited member of the Quitman County Marching Band--playing the drums with the steady rhythm and dependable heart that would come to define him. His first job was at Brown's Grocery Store in Marks, where he learned the value of hard work and community ties. He later worked at Quitman County Hospital as a floorman and at Super Valu Grocery Store, always performing his duties with humility and diligence.

On June 1, 2007, Manuel answered another call to serve by joining the Mississippi National Guard. He served with honor and dedication and was discharged September 28, 2011, having been ranked as a Specialist in Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 198th Armor. His service reflected the same steady, reliable character he showed in civilian life--a readiness to help, to protect, and to stand beside his neighbors.

Manuel enjoyed helping others in practical ways--assisting car dealers by picking up vehicles from auctions and lending a hand wherever needed. He was known for his warm sense of humor; he loved joking with family and friends, especially when he was with his beloved niece, Kaleigh (Chance). Those simple joys--work, laughter, family, faith--were the threads of a life lived for others.

Today we honor Manuel's memory: a life marked by service, loyalty, and love. We remember his devotion to family and community, his steady presence in times of need, and the many small, generous acts that endeared him to so many. Though he is no longer with us, his example endures in the hearts of those who knew him and in the community he helped to build.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that the condolences of the House be conveyed to the family and friends of Manuel Killebrew, Jr. May they find comfort in their memories of him and in the knowledge that his life made a meaningful difference.