Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of Black History Month, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the many accomplishments of distinguished African Americans in Mississippi's Second Congressional District.

Unita Blackwell, a living legend who went from picking cotton to a leadership role in the civil rights movement. She was elected Mayor of Mayersville, a small town in the Mississippi Delta. She is the first African American female mayor in the State.

The 68-year-old former activist grew up in the Delta region of the state at a time when conditions there were desperate. She came from a family of sharecroppers and picked cotton into adulthood.

The year that changed her life was 1964--Mississippi Freedom Summer. She joined forces with the freedom riders and with activists working for the Student Nonviolent Coordination Committee (SNCC). The objective was to register African Americans fully 36 percent of the State's population--to vote. She also participated in the struggle to desegregate the delegations that Mississippi sent to the Democratic National Convention.

The effort failed in 1964, but succeeded 4 years later after the national Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts was passed ending legally mandated segregation in the state and throughout the South. For the first time since Reconstruction, Mississippi sent an integrated delegation to the 1968 Democratic Convention. It was the crowning achievement of Mississippi Freedom Summer.

She is a past national president of the U.S.-China People's Friendship Association and has visited the country a number of times. ``The same principles applies to international relations as to relations within countries. It's all about understanding and working together to forge solutions,'' she says. ``Everyone--all over the world--has two eyes, a nose and a mouth; we should get along and treat each other right.''

Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of Black History Month, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the many accomplishments of distinguished African Americans in Mississippi's Second Congressional District.

Today I rise to pay tribute to Mrs. Beverly W. Hogan. Mrs. Hogan is the current President of Tougaloo College. Mrs. Hogan has a bachelors of art degree in Psychology. Mrs. Hogan then received a Master's degree in public policy and administration from Jackson State University. She has done additional studies at the University of Southern Mississippi, University of Georgia and St. Mary College. Mrs. Hogan is presently pursuing a doctorate in organizational management and leadership at the University of Phoenix.

Before becoming President of Tougaloo College, Mrs. Hogan had twenty- five years of experience in executive management and leadership in which she has many accomplishments. In 1975, she established the first rape

crisis center and shelter for battered women. Mrs. Logan has held many prestigious positions within the government of Mississippi. A few of these positions include the Executive Assistant to the President and Vice President of Institutional Development, and a member of the Governors' Association Welfare Prevention Task Force.

One of Mrs. Logan's latest accomplishments includes completing a two- year assignment as a new scholar with the Kettering Foundation. Mrs. Hogan's dedication to her professional and civic contributions has received her recognition. She has received numerous honors, to cite a selected few; she was named the State Administrator of the year in 1986 by the American Society of Public Administration, A Toll Fellow by the Council of State Governments in 1987, and Woman of the Year by the Business and Professional Women Club in 1989.

Mrs. Hogan is also an active member of her community. She volunteers and serves on various boards, including the United Way, Mississippi Women's Political Network, Mississippi Infant Task Force and the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.

Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of Black History Month, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the many accomplishments of distinguished African Americans in Mississippi's Second Congressional District.

Today I rise to pay tribute to Representative Alyce Griffin Clarke. Representative Clarke was born and raised in the heart of the Mississippi Delta and attended school in Belzoni, Mississippi. Representative Clarke received her Bachelor of Science degree from Alcorn State University. She then went on to earn a Master's of Science degree from Tuskegee University.

Representative Clarke served as the as Director of Nutrition and WIC services for Jackson Hinds Comprehensive Health Care for sixteen years. She also is the founder of the ``Born-Free'' Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center for pregnant women.

In 1985, Representative Clarke made history when she became the first African American women elected to the Mississippi Legislature. She became chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Performance evaluation and expenditure Review. During the 1994-1995 legislative session, Representative Clarke was instrumental in winning approval of bills aimed at reducing youth crime and classroom violence.

Representative Clarke has received numerous honors which include the Women of the Year from Alcorn State University, National Alumni Association, and Meritorious Award from Alcorn State University.

Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of Black History Month, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the many accomplishments of distinguished African Americans in Mississippi's Second Congressional District.

Today I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Arie Washington Sr. Mr. Washington is a veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Mr. Washington has devoted 23 years of service to our county's military. His dedication to his service has not gone unnoticed, he has received several honors. Some of these honors include a Silver Star Medal, two Bronze Stars, four Army Commendation Medals, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, American National Defense Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation.

Upon retiring from the military, Mr. Washington taught JROTC for 14 years.

Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of Black History Month, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the many accomplishments of distinguished African Americans in Mississippi's Second Congressional District.

Today I write to pay tribute to Claudine Ferguson. Mrs. Brown was born in Holmes County. After graduating from high school, despite being married and having children, Mrs. Brown finished the Manpower Development and Draughan's Business College in two years.

Mrs. Brown has always stressed the importance of education in her household. She became very involved with her children's school. Mrs. Brown was then elected to serve on the Leflore County School Board, where she served for twelve and one-half years. Mrs. Brown was so successful that she won the write-in seat for serving another term on the School Board.

Mrs. Brown is very active in her community. She is the organizer, founder, and president of the Browning Civic League.

Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of Black History Month, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the many accomplishments of distinguished African Americans in Mississippi's Second Congressional District.

Today I rise to pay tribute to Deloise Jones. Mrs. Jones is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. She earned a bachelor's degree in Economics from Tougaloo College. She then went on to earn a master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Jackson State University.

Mrs. Jones began her career as an economist with the Labor Department in Washington, D.C. In 1981, she became an elementary teacher in the Jackson Public School (JPS) District in Jackson, Mississippi where she has served since. In 1994, she served a four-year tenure as president of the Jackson Association of Educators.

Mrs. Jones has received numerous awards and recognitions for her commitment and service in the interest of public education and the teaching profession. These acknowledgments include the Silver Apple Award, which she was presented by JPS Board of Directors in 1983. In 1988, she was appointed as a teacher representative to the Paperwork Reduction Task Force by then Governor Ray Mabus. Most recently was selected as teacher of the year by her colleagues at the elementary school she currently works at.

Mrs. Jones is a valued member of the community and her contributions are greatly appreciated.

Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of Black History Month, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the many accomplishments of distinguished African-Americans in Mississippi's Second Congressional District.

Dr. Robert Maniece is presently serving as interim Superintendent for the Quitman County School District. In 1967, Robert Maniece led a number of black students over to then Marks Junior High, a predominately white school. That action led to the integration of the public school in 1971.

In the same year the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King visited Marks, he also visited Mississippi's Cotton Street, the street on which Robert and his family lived. This is the place where Dr. King witnessed families so victimized by poverty that he created the Poor People Campaign. Thereafter, Robert and his family members became heavily involved in this fight to rid the Nation of poverty and want. He has traveled to Washington, D.C. many times to participate in the protests and has continued to fight the fight for those in the greatest need.

In 1993, he became Director of Instruction and Professional Development Coordinator for Quitman Mississippi County Schools. In that position, he has led the District from academic probation to one of the best performing schools in all the Mississippi Delta and the State.

Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of Black History Month, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the many accomplishments of distinguished African-Americans in Mississippi's Second Congressional District.

Irvin Whittaker is a native of Carrollton County. Although many close to Mr. Whittaker felt that education should not be his primary focus, he had a strong desire to complete high school. With money that he saved from sharecropping, Mr. Whittaker moved to Jackson, Mississippi. It was here that he decided to enter Lanier High School. During High School, Mr. Whittaker became part of the active reserves and spent six months in the Army. In 1959, he re-entered high school at Marshall High School where he started to play basketball. While playing he was noticed by a coach and was offered a scholarship to Mississippi Industrial College.

Upon graduating, Mr. Whittaker's professional career in education began. In 1963, he was appointed as a teacher at Old Salem High School in Ashland, Mississippi. Mr. Whittaker was then appointed as principal of Marshal High School where he served until 1968. In 1968, Mr. Whittaker became assistant principal at Amanda Elzy High School. After serving for two years, Mr. Whittaker later became the principal. In 1983, he was asked by the Superintendent of Leflore County Schools to serve as Assistant Superintendent. In 1991, Mr. Whittaker was elected to the office of the County Superintendent, an office which he held until his retirement in 2000.

Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of Black History Month, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the many accomplishments of distinguished African-Americans in Mississippi's Second Congressional District.

Justice Graves began his distinguished career as the valedictorian of his high school graduating class. He then went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Millsaps College. Justice Graves then decided to enroll at Syracuse University where he earned his law degree. He also received a Master's of Public Administration from Syracuse University.

Upon finishing law school Justice Graves worked as a staff attorney at Central Mississippi Legal Services. Just prior to being appointed Circuit Justice Judge he was director of the Division of Child Support Enforcement for the Mississippi Department of Human Services. Justice Graves then engaged in private practice of law for more than three years.

His teaching experience includes serving as an instructor at Harvard Law School where he taught for four years. Justice Graves has also served as adjunct professor at Jackson State University where he taught both media law and civil rights law.

Justice Graves is also active in public school activities. He teaches the youth about the legal system as well as coaches mock trial teams which have reached state mock trial finals every year since 1991.

Justice Graves has been the recipient of numerous awards. Some of his recognitions include Humanized Education Award, Parent of the Year, Parent of the entire State of Mississippi, Innovation Award, Distinguished Jurist Award, and the Judge of the Year Award.

Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of Black History Month, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the many accomplishments of distinguished African-Americans in Mississippi's Second Congressional District.

Today I rise to pay tribute to Reverend Dr. Earnest Andrew Smith. Dr. Smith was born in Macon, Georgia on August 25, 1913. His family later moved to Birmingham where Dr. Smith began school. After finishing high school, Dr. Smith entered Rust College in Holy Springs, Mississippi where he graduated in 1937. Dr. Smith continued his education at Oberlin in Ohio and Hartford seminary Foundation in Hartford, Connecticut. Dr. Smith then began to take courses at Drew University and Gammon Seminary. He has received honorary degrees from Gammon Seminary and Lambuth College.

Dr. Smith has many accomplishments. He has been the pastor of three churches as the parish minister, was principal of two high schools and was executive secretary of three different conference programs of Christian education.

In 1957, Dr. Smith was appointed president of Rust College where he managed to keep the door open despite several efforts to close the school. Dr. Smith later served thirteen years as director of the human relations for the Board of church and Society. Upon retirement, Dr. Smith moved to Memphis, Tennessee until he and his wife moved to Benton, Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of Black History Month, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the many accomplishments of distinguished African-Americans in Mississippi's Second Congressional District.

Today I rise to pay tribute to Judge Tomie Green. Judge Green received her primary education from the Jackson public school system. Upon completing, she entered Tougaloo College where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree. She then earned a Master of Science degree from Jackson State. Judge Green then received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Mississippi College School of Law. In April of 1999 Judge Green then continued post-graduate training at the National Institute of Trail Advocacy and the National Judicial College, University of Nevada Reno.

Judge Green served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1992-1998. She served as Vice Chair of Ethics and a sub-chair of the Judiciary Committee. While serving in this position Judge Green aided in passing several monumental laws. Judge Green also participated in the creation of the laws that established the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Mississippi Court of Appeals, and the Mississippi Torts Claim Board.

Judge Green practiced law for fifteen years before taking the bench. On January 4, 1999, Judge Green took the oath of office to become the first woman elected to the Hinds County Circuit Court. She also continues to be an adjunct law professor as Mississippi College School of Law.

Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of Black History Month, I Would like to take this opportunity to recognize the many accomplishments of distinguished African-Americans in Mississippi's Second Congressional District.

Retired 1st Sergeant Landres Cheeks graduated from Madison County Training School in 1940. He received his Clerk Typist Certificate in 1946 and his NCO Certificate in 1947, from the United States Army NCO Academy.

Ret. 1st Sergeant Cheeks was a 1st Sergeant for 23 of the 30 years in the U. S. Army. He was a personnel sergeant major, medical Intelligence non-commissioned officer, postal clerk during WWII, facilitated driving testing station for non-commissioned officers, served one tour of duty in Vietnam, served four tours of duty in Germany, and served one tour in France. Cheeks was the first black staff non-commissioned officer of the 69th artillery division in Fort Dix, New Jersey. He was the first black 1st Sergeant of the 33rd station hospital in Bremen haven, Germany and the first black 1st Sergeant of the 54th truck company in Hanau, Germany. Cheeks assisted soldiers in absentee ballot voting from 1951-1974.

During 1974-1992 Sergeant Cheeks was owner of Wynn & Cheeks Grocery Store where he managed accounts payable, accounts receivable, ordered stock, supervised daily operation of the business. Cheeks also registered people to vote in the grocery store.

Retired 1st Sergeant Landres Cheeks was the first black appointed layman to become a Member of the Board of Trustee of Madison General Hospital in Canton, Mississippi during 1985-1988. He also was Chairman of the board of the Madison County Voters League which would organize campaign fundraisers, voter registration, absentee ballot, and provide transportation to polls during 1988-1998.

At the present time, Cheeks juggles being Commander of the Boy Scout and Cub Scout of America, fundraiser for Madison County Women for Progress, and Utility Commissioner, City of Canton.

Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of Black History Month, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the many accomplishments of distinguished African-Americans in Mississippi's Second Congressional District.

Today I rise to pay tribute to Ms. Oprah Winfrey. Ms. Winfrey was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi in 1954. Due to her father being in the service, Ms. Winfrey was raised by her grandmother.

Ms. Winfrey began her public career while in college, where she became a co-anchor. In the years of 1977-1984 Ms. Winfrey was the co- host of ``Baltimore is Talking''. In 1984, she took over ABC's ``AM Chicago'' where her ratings surpassed the top performer Phil Donahue. Ms. Winfrey then became the performer of her own show where she has become a role model for many. The Oprah Winfrey Show is different from all others because it continues to reinvent itself and continues to make a difference in people's lives. In 1986 the show became syndicated.

Ms. Winfrey later founded Harpo which is her own production company. Her acclaimed performance in the Color Purple in 1985 earned Ms. Winfrey an Academy Award nomination. Ms. Winfrey continues to make endeavors that she believes in.

Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of Black History Month, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the many accomplishments of distinguished African-Americans in Mississippi's Second Congressional District.

Today, I rise to pay tribute to Senator David Jordan. Senator Jordan earned a BS degree from Mississippi Valley State University. He went on to earn a MS degree in Chemistry from the University of Wyoming. Senator Jordan then went on to become a teacher.

Senator Jordan has also been very active in fighting for civil rights and politics. He has participated in many boycotts, marches, and class- action suits. Senator Jordan require more time and services in teaching people how to use voting machines. Senator Jordan also fought on behalf of the Second Congressional District during recent redistricting.

Senator Jordan has also served as President of the Greenwood Voter's League and President of the Greenwood City council. He was first elected to the state Senate in 1983. Senator Jordan has had a great deal of success during his time in office.

Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of Black History Month, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the many accomplishments of distinguished African-Americans in Mississippi's Second Congressional District.

Today I rise to pay tribute to Shirley Hall Nichols. Mrs. Nichols is a native of Leake County in Mississippi. After earning a bachelor's degree from Alcorn State University in 1979, she began working as a paraprofessional at Carthage Elementary School. Later that year she began teaching secondary math at Velma Jackson High School.

In 1997, Mrs. Nichols was given the opportunity to earn a masters degree from Mississippi State University. Mrs. Nichols earned her masters in School Administration in 1999, where she went on to serve as principal of Amanda Elzy Elementary School and later East Elementary/ Middle School.

Mrs. Nichols became the first Afro-American to hold the position of Asst. Superintendent of Education in Leake County. She is still active in many educational and community organizations. Mrs. Nichols is currently working towards a doctorate degree at Mississippi State University in school administration.