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.

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, DC. 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 4-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. And, most recently was selected as teacher of the year by her colleagues at the elementary school where she currently works.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Surenkumar S. Desai of Madison County, Mississippi. Mr. Desai was serving as the Ward 3 Alderman in Canton, Mississippi at the time of his passing.

Mr. Desai immigrated to the United States from India in 1981, and was proud to be an American while still embracing his Indian heritage. In 1982, Mr. Desai moved to Mississippi and worked at a local drive-in restaurant. Two years later, he was transferred to the City of Canton to serve as the manager of another drive-in restaurant within the same chain.

Mr. Desai became an American citizen in 1992, and developed a keen interest in local politics thereafter. Mr. Desai campaigned several times serve as an elected official in the capacity of Mayor of Canton and Madison County District 1 Supervisory to no avail. However, his persistence paid off and in December

of 2001, Mr. Desai was finally elected to serve as Ward 3 Alderman of the City of Canton, Mississippi.

Many referred to and knew Mr. Desai merely as S.K. Mr. Desai was known as a hard working man that loved his job. He was regarded as a person who took great pride in being an elected public servant. Mr. Desai made a point to be present at City Hall everyday and make himself accessible to the citizens of Canton.

Mr. Desai is survived by his wife, two sons, and his parents.