Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable servant, Ja'Kyra Zyrielle Chapman.

Ja'Kyra Zyrielle Chapman is a 17-year-old visionary residing in Centreville, Mississippi--one of the smallest cities in the state. She is a dreamer with an abundance of ambition that reaches far beyond the horizon.

The youngest of four children, Ja'Kyra was raised in a family where love holds greater value than material possessions, and cherished memories are considered more precious than anything the world can offer. Humility has been the cornerstone of her upbringing and her approach to life.

Academically, Ja'Kyra has demonstrated excellence and dedication. She holds a 4.13 GPA, earned a 26 on the ACT, and has received numerous honors and awards. These accomplishments reflect her commitment to continuous improvement and her preparation for success in future academic and professional endeavors.

Aspiring to become a fashion designer, Ja'Kyra is also a trailblazer in her family as the first to attend college. She is eager to embrace new experiences and is determined to lead a life of purpose.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ja'Kyra Zyrielle Chapman for her outstanding achievements and contributions to the Centreville, Mississippi community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated leader and community servant, Mr. Alvin Stimage, for his 34 years of outstanding service at the Vicksburg YMCA.

Mr. Stimage has been a pillar of the Vicksburg community, promoting fitness, well-being, and mentorship through his work at the YMCA. When the facility first acquired exercise equipment, Mr. Stimage became instrumental in training members on how to use the machines effectively, demonstrating his commitment to health and wellness.

Throughout his career, Mr. Stimage has worn many hats, from helping run the YMCA's childcare program and working in maintenance to serving as one of the organization's first personal trainers at the Vicksburg location. He currently serves as a personal trainer and the facility's night supervisor, roles through which he continues to positively impact countless lives.

Mr. Stimage's contributions extend far beyond physical fitness. He has been a mentor to young people, offering guidance and instilling values of respect and resilience. One example of his impactful mentorship involved a young man who was able to calmly and effectively handle a tense situation, crediting Mr. Stimage's influence for his ability to de-escalate the incident.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Mr. Alvin Stimage for his exemplary dedication to the Vicksburg YMCA and his unwavering commitment to bettering his community. His legacy of leadership and service will inspire generations to come.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 881, the DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act seeks to help address the threat posed to U.S. colleges and universities by the People's Republic of China and Chinese Communist Party.

The People's Republic of China and the CCP have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into U.S. universities through Confucius Institutes and other programs. These programs have given China, a strategic competitor, a platform to potentially interfere with academic freedom and free speech as well as greater access to sensitive intellectual property and national security information.

To curtail these efforts, H.R. 881 requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that U.S. institutions of higher education that have relationships with Confucius Institutes, Thousand Talents Program, or vaguely defined Chinese entities of concern do not receive any funds from the Department of Homeland Security.

This funding prohibition is similar to those found for the Department of Defense in the 2019 and 2021 National Defense Authorization Acts and the National Science Foundation in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. However, the restrictions in those measures were limited to universities with Confucius Institutes only, and the ban was so successful there are only a handful of Confucius Institutes remaining on U.S. campuses.

That is why H.R. 881 includes a new category of banned relationships: those between U.S. institutions of higher education and so-called Chinese entities of concern. In the bill, a Chinese entity of concern is any university or college in the People's Republic of China that meets at least one of nine very broad criteria. As a result, H.R. 881 has the possibility to prohibit any DHS funding from going to any U.S. university that has any relationship with virtually any Chinese university.

That is why Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee have worked to bring H.R. 881 more in line with the funding bans found in previous legislation by including a waiver for the Secretary of Homeland Security like those the past legislation had for the Secretary of Defense and National Science Foundation Director.

Now, H.R. 881 contains a waiver provision that allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to permit Department funding to go to U.S. institutions of higher education that maintain a relationship with programs and entities in China if the relationship is either in the national security interests of the United States or has no bearing on the national security interests of the United States or its allies.

This is critical, as the bill's language could encompass all sorts of agreements between academic institutions in the United States and China, including student exchange programs and other cultural programs that benefit American students, and ultimately our country.

Along those same lines, the bill now also includes a provision that requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide outreach and, upon request, technical assistance to U.S. institutions of higher education relating to compliance with the bill.

I appreciate Representative Pfluger's willingness to work with us to improve his bill by including the waiver and technical assistance language.

Mr. Speaker, House Democrats share concerns that Chinese Communist Party interference with U.S. colleges and universities could lead to a wide variety of negative outcomes. That said, House Democrats do not want to see legitimate academic activity between the United States and China hindered.

The compromise language recognizes the spirit of the bill--the need to protect America's intellectual property and academic freedom--and takes steps to mitigate the risk of going too far and denying critical Homeland Security funding to U.S. universities for any relationship with virtually any Chinese university.

I do not support creating another pretext for the Trump administration to deny U.S. universities Federal funding, but I also do not want to see our greatest strategic competitor gain a greater foothold on college campuses that could put our national security at risk, either.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu).

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

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

Mr. Speaker, we must carefully balance potential risks to homeland security posed by the CCP with the benefits

of educational and cultural exchange programs.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the challenges and burdens placed on Black Americans during the first 100 days of the Trump Administration. Donald Trump is undoing the progress African Americans have fought for, threatening justice, equality, and our democracy. His administration has cut jobs, programs, and services that help Black professionals, students, and business owners thrive. Mississippi's public universities invested over $23 million in DEI programs that supported Black students, and now those programs are at risk. Donald Trump has also removed protections for minority-owned businesses, weakened civil rights enforcement, and cut funding for public health research, all while costs rise. More than 664,000 Mississippians are at risk of losing Medicaid. Black families, already facing chronic illness and poor healthcare access, will bear the full burden. Head Start, which serves nearly 20,000 children in Mississippi, is also in danger. Black children, who already face significant barriers to education, will be hit the hardest. These cuts cause actual harm and send the message that Black lives and futures don't matter. We deserve leadership that sees, hears, and fights for us. And we won't stop demanding it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an amazing employee of the Jefferson County School District, who is continuously nurturing futures daily.

Mrs. Yashica Suddeth has been recognized as one of the employees for the month of February 2025. Her unwavering dedication to the prekindergarten scholars at Jefferson County Early Learning Collaborative is profoundly shaping their educational journeys. From warmly greeting each child to meticulously planning engaging learning activities, Mrs. Suddeth is cultivating a deep appreciation for learning among the young learners.

The Early Learning Collaborative is one of many exemplary initiatives within the Jefferson County School District, designed to prepare children for future success by fostering essential social skills, self- control, and readiness for reading. Mrs. Suddeth's contributions are very vital in creating a strong foundation for these scholars and ensuring they not only meet but exceed academic standards.

Superintendent Adrian Hammitte expressed, ``Mrs. Suddeth's genuine love for children shines through in everything she does. Her commitment to nurturing the scholars not only enriches their lives but also strengthens our entire school community. We are immensely grateful for her dedication and passion.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Yashica Suddeth for her extraordinary contributions to our educational community and the Jefferson County School District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Huey Paul Williams, Sr., a devoted man of faith, a trailblazer in gospel music, and a proud native of Mississippi.

Born to the late Leon ``Pop'' Williams and Mrs. Amanda Williams in Smithdale, Mississippi, Huey was raised in a household where faith and music were intertwined. His parents instilled in him the values of worship, perseverance and dedication to spreading the Gospel through song. With their encouragement, Huey embarked on a journey that would make him a beloved figure in the gospel music community.

A dedicated family man, Huey was supported throughout his life by his loving wife, Mamie Williams, his son, Huey Paul Williams, II, and his daughters, Dee Dee, Wanda, Shononda, and Joy. Their unwavering support allowed him to pursue his calling in gospel music, ensuring that his message of faith and inspiration reached audiences across the nation and beyond.

Huey began his musical journey singing gospel alongside his brothers in their youth. Though he was the last remaining original member of the group founded by his late father, he carried forward its mission and propelled the Jackson Southernaires to national and international recognition. Under his leadership, the group became one of the most influential gospel recording artists in Mississippi and the United States. Their music resonated deeply with fans of all generations, securing them a place in gospel history.

The Jackson Southernaires, originally formed in 1940 and becoming active in recording in 1969, have released more than 34 albums. From 1969 to 2010, they released 28 albums that consistently ranked among the top in gospel music. Huey's songwriting, arranging, and powerful vocals contributed to the group's longevity and success, ensuring their music became a staple in gospel households. His contributions not only enriched the gospel music industry but also uplifted countless individuals through the power of song.

Beyond his musical achievements, Huey was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing in his spare time. Even when he was not on the road ministering through music, he found solace in these simple joys of life.

On March 24, 2025, at the age of 87, Huey Williams passed away, leaving a remarkable legacy of faith, music, and perseverance. His voice and message will continue to inspire future generations of gospel artists and listeners alike.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and honoring the life and legacy of Huey Paul Williams, Sr. His impact on gospel music and his devotion to his faith and family will never be forgotten. We celebrate his contributions and extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones and the countless fans who cherished his music and ministry.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a torchbearer of the blues tradition, Mr. Eddie Cotton, Jr. Mr. Cotton exemplifies what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve success.

Bluesman Eddie Cotton, Jr.'s music is rooted in the church. His father was a Pentecostal minister, shepherding the Christ Chapel Church of God in Christ, which he founded in Clinton, Mississippi, just west of Jackson. While music was central to church services, both his family and his congregation shunned secular music. Still, Cotton reflects, ``The deepest of the blues I've ever played is in church. . . . The style they play on is nothing but blues.'' When he was six, his father bought him his first electric guitar, and by age eight, the younger Cotton was an official member of the church band, eventually becoming the lead guitarist. At 18, he earned a full scholarship to study music theory at Jackson State University, where he learned music theory and discovered that the basic structures of blues were ingrained in his playing. After college, he became the minister of music at the family church while simultaneously playing with Mississippi bluesman King Edward Antoine, known in Jackson as ``The Blues Picking King.''

Cotton is a master of a genre called soul blues. Emerging in the 1960s, soul blues fuses the gritty guitar sound central to blues with the smoother, gospel-influenced vocal style of soul and R&B music. Soul blues is music meant to move the body and spirit, which is why Cotton describes his sound as ``hard-driving blues'' or ``juke joint blues.'' Eddie's musical career remains focused on two things: regular gigs for enthusiastic soul blues audiences and a continuing commitment to his home church in Clinton, where he serves as both church administrator and minister of music. Whatever the venue, Cotton's goal is always to find what his church calls ``the pocket,'' a place of spiritual transcendence where ``the music just pulsates in everybody's mind and heart.''

Now in his 50's, Eddie Cotton, Jr. is a blues master with a growing international fan base. He has opened for legends like Ike Turner and B.B. King, and in 2015, he took top honors at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Eddie Cotton performed at the Richmond Folk Festival in 2017 and is among the favorites returning to celebrate the festival's 20th anniversary. He released his latest album, The Mirror, in March of 2024, just days after an electrifying set at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas. In July of 2024, he traveled to Las Vegas to perform at the National NAACP Convention, where he has frequently performed for the gathering's Mississippi Catfish and Blues Night over the past 15 years. Recently, Eddie received the 2025 Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Music. Among his awards and accolades, he has a Mississippi Blues Trail marker in his hometown of Clinton.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Eddie Cotton, Jr. for his passion and unwavering dedication to the art of music.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of a remarkable, professional and kind individual, Rosie Carter Ross, who for decades, has been a steadfast pillar of strength, compassion, and leadership.

Rosie Carter Ross was born on February 5, 1920, on a farm in Redwood, Mississippi. She is the daughter of Annie Jefferson and Green Carter. Her heritage is a rich blend of cultures--her mother's side has Jamaican and French Creole roots, while her father is of Choctaw and French Creole descent. Throughout her life, Rosie has witnessed the world change in ways few can imagine, yet her principles have remained steadfast, rooted in faith and a deep respect for her elders.

She attended Cherry Street Elementary School in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Her thirst for knowledge, love for education, and aptitude for learning led her to Louisiana, where she studied dance, and later to Rust College, continuing her academic journey. Her involvement in the church played a pivotal role in shaping her life. A lifelong Baptist, she has devoted herself to the Rock of Ages Church in Shaw, where she faithfully served as the choir director and a Sunday school teacher. She was instrumental in commissioning seven churches and served as the spokesperson for the Bolivar County Association, traveling across Bolivar, Washington, and Warren counties.

Rosie, affectionately called ``Grandma Love,'' has lived a life full of love, resilience, wisdom, and grace, inspiring all who have had the privilege of knowing her. Her unwavering dedication to her family, community, Christian faith, and friends has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who have been touched by her presence. Throughout her 105 years, Rosie has witnessed history unfold, contributed her talents, and remained a beacon of strength, compassion, and kindness. Her enduring vitality and positive spirit continue to inspire others to cherish the blessings of life, embrace each moment, and face every challenge with courage and optimism.

Her longevity is not merely the result of genetics or diet--it is a reflection of her obedience and wisdom. She credits the elders of her youth for instilling values that shaped her character. Rosie always preferred the company of older individuals, learning from them how to live and grow into the intelligent woman she is today. As her legacy continues through her family, she encourages them to live a Christian and spiritual life guided by God and to never forget the importance of the House of God.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and legacy of Mrs. Rosie Carter Ross for her dedication, unwavering commitment to service, and her contributions to local communities throughout the Mississippi Delta.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable contributions and enduring legacy of the Delta Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community development corporation dedicated to transforming the Mississippi Delta region.

The genesis and vision for the Delta Foundation began in the late 1960's, during a time when many towns in the Delta, with memorable names such as Sledge, Alligator, Beulah, Nitta Yuma, Darling, Bobo, and Midnight, remained trapped in economic hardship. In these communities, the Great Depression's effects seemed never to have fully lifted. Tarpaper shanties and stick houses marked rural Hoovervilles, lacking indoor plumbing or paved roads. Open sewers, disease, and overcrowding were harsh realities faced daily.

In 1969, a coalition of local community organizations resolved to transform this persistent despair into hope. Their vision took shape through the creation of the Delta Foundation--a development vehicle dedicated to building real assets, generating income, and cultivating human capacity within minority and economically underprivileged communities. The Foundation was designed to establish a solid foundation for long-term economic growth in the region.

Through the representation of 14 civil rights and community organizations working in Mississippi, the Delta Foundation was formally chartered. Its core purpose was, and remains, the creation of businesses and jobs for its primary constituents: minority and economically disadvantaged residents of its target areas. Central to the Foundation's mission is the creation of for-profit enterprises aimed at increasing control and ownership of resources by the poor.

For over forty years, the Delta Foundation has faithfully honored the vision of its founders. It has persistently supported economic growth and development across the Mississippi Delta and extended its reach to incorporate community development directly or through strategic partnerships. By challenging the enduring poverty of the region, the Delta Foundation has replaced hopelessness with hope, idleness with productive jobs, and reliance on welfare with financial independence.

The impact of the Delta Foundation has been profound. Entire communities have been transformed, and the lives of thousands of individuals have been permanently changed. The Foundation has created ladders of opportunity where only poverty and dependency once existed.

Today, the mission of the Delta Foundation is to provide community, social, human, and economic development activities to underserved, predominantly minority families, businesses, and communities. This mission is pursued tirelessly to eliminate poverty and build a future of opportunity and prosperity for the people of the Delta region.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the extraordinary accomplishments of the Delta Foundation, Inc. and its unwavering dedication to uplifting the Mississippi Delta and its residents.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Dietrich D. Johnson.

Dietrich D. Johnson was born on October 26, 1963, in Como, Mississippi. He is the fifth child of Minnie B. Boyd and Moses L. Frazier, having one brother and three sisters.

He attended West Crenshaw Elementary School, West Crenshaw Junior High School, and North Panola High School in Sardis, Mississippi. He later pursued higher education at Mississippi State University, where he studied Industrial Psychology and Computer Science.

Dietrich served in the United States Air Force and is now a disabled veteran. He was employed with Bridgestone Tire Company for 15 years, during which he served as Chief Steward for United Steelworkers Union Local 1055. He also held the position of Vice President of the Nashville Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute. He is a graduate of the AFL-CIO Leadership Institute and served as a Trustee on the Nashville/Middle Tennessee Central Council Executive Board, as well as Supervisor of the Mississippi Delta Services Corporation. He is a member of the Community Census Redistricting Institute and the Southern Coalition for Social Justice. Mr. Johnson has participated as a panelist at the Good Jobs, Green Jobs National Conference and the ``Fighting Climate Change and Building the Clean Economy from the Bottom Up'' conference.

At the request of Julius Harris, Dietrich returned to Mississippi to contribute to his community. Upon returning, he joined the Panola County Democratic Party and was elected as a voting delegate to the 2012 National Democratic Convention and to the Mississippi Democratic Party Executive Board. Previously, he served as the Election Commissioner for District 2 and collaborated with the USDA and Alcorn State University to provide technical assistance for sustainable farming practices. Dietrich established a family farm and later transitioned it into a sustainable farming operation.

Dietrich is an active member of Shiloh C.M.E. Church, where he serves as both a Trustee and Treasurer.

Dietrich is a seasoned public servant with 15 years of dedicated service to labor advocacy and community engagement. A skilled strategist and organizer, he possesses a unique ability to build strong relationships, foster collaborative solutions, and mobilize teams toward shared goals.

Dietrich's commitment to public service is further evidenced by his involvement in initiatives such as the Community Census and Redistricting Institute and the Tennessee Immigration and Refugee Rights Coalition. He has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of community needs and a strong desire to empower individuals and create positive change.

Dietrich has a strong passion for making a difference in the Panola County community. His ability to articulate a compelling vision and motivate others to action has made him an invaluable asset to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Dietrich D. Johnson for his dedication in serving his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished service and leadership of Mr. Dewayne Sims, Sr., who, after 23 years of dedicated service as Chief of Police for the Vicksburg Warren School District (VWSD), has officially retired. His tireless efforts to engine the safety and well-being of students, staff, and the broader community leave an enduring legacy.

A proud graduate of Alcorn State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in communication and broadcast journalism, Mr. Sims furthered his education by obtaining a master's degree in public administration and human resources from Jackson State University. He was first hired at VWSD by Dr. James Price and Dr. John Walls, and over the years, he rose to lead a team of six resource officers and oversaw the district's security contracts. His leadership and expertise were instrumental in creating a secure environment in which students could thrive.

Mr. Sims has also contributed to the community beyond his role with the school district. He served on the board of directors at the YMCA and worked with the Mississippi Department of Education for School Safety. These roles reflect his deep commitment to public service and his dedication to improving safety and security throughout our state.

In his own words, Mr. Sims noted that one of the most rewarding aspects of his job was the opportunity to cultivate meaningful relationships with students and coworkers.

He worked tirelessly to guide students, especially those facing difficulties, offering them hope and alternatives to negative decisions. His ability to connect with young people and serve as a mentor is a testament to his character and heart for service.

As Mr. Sims begins his well-deserved retirement, he looks forward to spending time with his children, Destiny and Dre, and enjoying his favorite pastimes, including running, working out, and hunting.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Dewayne Sims, Sr. for his remarkable career, his selfless service, and his lasting impact on the Vicksburg Warren School District and the community at large. His leadership and dedication will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a truly exceptional organization, the Theta Pi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., based in Itta Bena, Mississippi. Since its inception, the chapter has been a steadfast beacon of service, community involvement, and the embodiment of the principles upheld by Zeta Phi Beta.

Founded on November 10, 1976, with the leadership of then State Director Bertha Blackburn and co-founders Henri E. Lowe and Maxine P. Stewart, Theta Pi Zeta began its journey in a small yet significant way at the Western Sizzlin' Steak House in Greenwood, Mississippi. The chapter's roots are deeply intertwined with the spirit of dedication, as evidenced by the work of Henri E. Lowe and M'Elena Matthews, who signed the chapter's charter application, helping to ensure its establishment.

Throughout the years, 14 remarkable women have served as president, with the late Henri E. Lowe leading the charge during the formative years. Currently, under the leadership of Denise Pitchford, the chapter continues its dedication to service and community outreach, earning recognition at the state and regional levels. The chapter boasts 32 financial members and has been involved in countless community initiatives, such as hosting a State Round-Up for Zetas in Greenwood, Mississippi, and supporting local events like the March for Babies campaign.

The Itta Bena Amicae Auxiliary, established in 1986 and sponsored by Sister Shirley Burks, remains a vital part of the chapter's outreach efforts, and the chapter's youth auxiliaries--including the Archonette, Amicette, and Pearlette Clubs--engage in community service projects like adopting families for Thanksgiving and Christmas, ringing Salvation Army bells, and delivering care bags to local nursing homes.

The chapter's charter members, such as Riller Bennett, Thelma Collins, Laura Davis, Doroty Edwards, Amanda Elzy, Anna Hicks, Irene Howard, Zelma Howard, Jean Jennings, Henri E. Lowe, M'Elena Mathews, Betty Morris, Geneva Pickens, Henrine Stewart, Bobbie Wicks, Ann Wilson, and Malinda Winters laid the foundation for what has become a powerful and enduring force in the Mississippi Delta. Many of them have left lasting legacies, including the late Henri E. Lowe, and Florence Weathersby, who served for an impressive 70 years and remained an inspiration to many.

The chapter's commitment to service continues with a full slate of community activities for 2025, including events like hosting a Sisterhood Tea for Women's History Month, visiting nursing homes, organizing water hydration drives, and supporting the March of Dimes Campaign.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in taking a moment to acknowledge the Theta Pi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., for their unwavering dedication to service, leadership, and the betterment of their community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a trailblazer, the Honorable Robert George Clark, Jr. He dedicated his life to demonstrating what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance, and a strong desire for change.

Robert George Clark, Jr. was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives in 1967, becoming the first African American to serve in the Mississippi State Legislature since the Reconstruction era. He remained in office until 2003, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and progress.

Clark was born on October 3, 1928, to the late Mr. Robert and Mrs. Julia Anne Clark of Ebenezer, Mississippi, as the youngest of three children. He attended Holmes County Training School in Durant, Mississippi, and later earned his B.A. from Jackson State University in 1952. In 1959, he obtained a Master's Degree in Administration and Educational Services from Michigan State University. In 1979, while serving in the Mississippi State Legislature, Clark further honed his expertise as a teaching fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

After earning his B.A. degree, Clark worked as a teacher in Holmes County. His first experience in politics came in 1966 when he ran for and won an elected board position with the Holmes County Community Action Program (CAP). The following year, he ran for state legislator on Holmes County's Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP) ticket. His victory made history, as he became the first Black person elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives since Reconstruction.

Clark's election signaled the emergence of Black electoral politics in Mississippi. As late as 1964, only ten Black people were registered to vote in Holmes County, despite African Americans comprising roughly 75 percent of the population. By 1967, however, the Black community had built one of the strongest and most sophisticated political organizations in the state.

Ten years after his historic election, Clark became the first Black committee chairman in the Mississippi House of Representatives when he was appointed to lead the Education Committee. Under his leadership, the legislature passed landmark education reforms, including the 1982 Education Reform Act and the 1984 Vocational Education Reform Act. The 1982 act significantly improved Mississippi's educational system by modernizing classrooms and other facilities, replacing outdated textbooks, and securing new school buses.

In January 1992, Clark was elected Speaker Pro Tempore, a position he held until 2000. By the time he retired from the Mississippi House of Representatives in December 2003, he was the longest-serving member in continuous House service. I stand on the shoulders of men like him, drawing inspiration from his tireless efforts to make Mississippi a better place for all its citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the late Robert George Clark, Jr. for his unwavering dedication to civil rights and racial equality.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of a remarkable, professional and kind individual, Hayes Cooper, who the current Hayes Cooper Math and Science School is named for.

Hayes Cooper married Alice Cooper, and they had two children, Leola and Cornelius. Mr. Cooper was a significant figure in the history of education in Merigold, Mississippi, best known for his contributions to the local educational system in the mid-20th century. He first started work for the Merigold School System in 1937 at the old Merigold School. Back then, all the grades were in one building which was located on the east side of Old Highway 61. Mr. Cooper worked as an assistant for a year and then in 1938, he became the lead janitor. He was a true professional and a kind man. He was dearly loved by everyone, and children looked to him as a dear grandfather figure. Mr. Cooper was very dedicated to his work at the school. During World War II when gasoline was hard to come by, Mr. Cooper rode his bicycle to work over two miles each day from Mound Bayou in the Delta heat and winter ice.

After the original Merigold School burned down in 1950, Mr. Cooper decided to retire. When a new school was built in 1960 at the site where the Hayes Cooper Center for Math, Science, and Technology now stands, it was fittingly named in honor of the man who had played such a vital role in the lives of so many Merigold children. His spirit of hard work and dedication continues to resonate through the school and the community. His legacy lives on in the institution's name, reflecting his commitment to education and the lasting impact he had on the children of Merigold.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and legacy of Mr. Hayes Cooper for his dedication and contributions to the local community's educational system that began at Hayes Cooper School.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Mickie Parker for her exemplary service and dedication as the Executive Director of Human Resources at Jackson State University (JSU). Her unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive, and empowering work environment has made a profound impact on the university's faculty, staff, and administration.

With an extensive background in Human Resources leadership spanning the public, private, and non-profit sectors, Ms. Parker has strategically aligned HR functions with institutional goals, ensuring operational success and organizational excellence. Her leadership has been instrumental in fostering a culture of inclusivity, professional growth, and innovation within the JSU community.

Since joining JSU in October 2020, Ms. Parker has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing the institution's mission. Prior to her tenure at JSU, she served as the Director of Human Resources for the Hinds County Board of Supervisors, where she led key initiatives in performance management, compliance, and employee relations. Her dedication to enhancing workplace standards and policies has been widely recognized throughout her career.

A proud native of Carthage, Mississippi, Ms. Parker is a distinguished alumna of Alcorn State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in educational psychology. She remains actively engaged in professional development through her membership in the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) and the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). Her involvement in these organizations reflects her commitment to advancing human resources practices and promoting professional excellence in higher education.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Mickie Parker for her outstanding contributions to Jackson State University and her dedication to shaping a diverse, inclusive, and thriving educational community.