Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Flora Wilson, a distinguished native of Batesville, Mississippi.

Mrs. Flora Wilson is a prominent Batesville, Mississippi, native who has resided in the City of Indianola since 1969. A respected member of her community, Mrs. Wilson is well known for her dedication, generosity, and service.

Mrs. Wilson is a proud mother of four, a grandmother of twelve, and a great-grandmother of four. She started working at a daycare at the age of 18, marking the beginning of her journey of dedication and service to people. After serving for twenty years at Stapleton-Staple Cotton Cooperative, she worked for nine years at Harvest Select Catfish Farm to wrap off her professional career. She retired in 2004 to take care of herself and her only daughter during a health difficulty.

After retiring, Mrs. Wilson has embraced an active and purposeful life. As the church mother at Mt. Zion Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, she has cornmitted herself to full-time church service and serves her congregation by offering spiritual support and advice. She also acts as a caretaker, lending her empathy and support to others in need.

Additionally, Mrs. Wilson has also continued to use her skills as a seamstress, repairing and altering clothing for residents. Her work not only meets a practical need but also fosters a sense of community and care among her neighbors. Moreover, she has been an unwavering supporter of her granddaughter's,

Marion, gospel music career. Traveling extensively to attend Marion's performances and offering her love and encouragement every step of the way.

Mrs. Wilson has constantly shown leadership and caring traits throughout her life, always volunteering to help her family and the community. Her employment as a seamstress and her nurturing obligations in her family and church are just two examples of the various ways her hands have been endowed.

The life of Mrs. Flora Wilson serves as an example of the strength of love, religion, and devotion. Her daily life will continue to inspire future generations, and her efforts have left a lasting impression on those who were lucky enough to know her.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Flora Wilson for her hard work and dedication to her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Alcorn State University Golden Class of 1974 for their golden diplomas to commemorate their 50th graduation anniversary.

The Golden Class of 1974 were the first class to have degrees conferred from Alcorn State University rather than Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College. The largest golden class in the history of the University, with 125 participants received golden diplomas to commemorate their 50th graduation anniversary. Dr. Marcus Ward, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, spotlighted the golden graduates as having the largest golden graduate's endowment with $375,000 presented to the University. The class also had the largest lifetime giving award with 1.5 million dollars donated to the university.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Alcorn State University Golden Class of 1974.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable church, The Anderson Street Community Church of Christ.

In 1958, men and women of the community of Marks came together under the instructions of God, to prepare a house of worship for the community. There were initially only 8 members who planted crops, sold the products of that crop to buy the property that the Church now sits on at 541 Anderson Street. After years of laboring, under the directions of then Pastor Nelson Burres, the Church grew into the Community House of Worship it now is.

The Anderson Street Community Church grew and became very instrumental in the establishment of other area churches in Water Valley, Cold Water, Como and Batesville, Mississippi during the 70s and 80s.

Pastor Burres passed away in 2006 when the present pastor, Stanley Lang, became the minister. He and his wife have labored since faithfully at Anderson Street.

Pastor Stanley and his wife started a campaign to build a new building for the church in 1998 and in 2006, that building was materialized. The membership had dwindled to 8 members when this undertaking started. Due to perseverance, the church grew to over 100 members prior to COVID-19.

The Anderson Street Community Church of Christ was birthed out of the heart of dedicated pastors like Pastor Stanley who allowed great preachers before him to mentor and mold him into the pastor for his home community.

Pastor Stanley Lang is Chair of the County Democratic Party. He is Vice-Chair of the Board of Commissioners of North Delta Regional Housing Authority (NDRHA). He is also Coahoma Community College's Industrial Training Coordinator.

Since the church's inception in 1958, and it's humble beginning, the church has grown and now aids as a pillar in the community for services to the community.

April 2024 marked the Community Church of Christ's 65th-year anniversary. The Community church has done much for the community by way of scholarships to community high school graduates and to graduating members of the church from surrounding towns. The Church has established an education scholarship in honor of Pastor Stanley's grandmother, Rosie Lang. She was a dedicated member who believed greatly in education. This scholarship has been a staple by which they honor and serve their members and community. The Church has provided transportation to education centers (Ged), voting precincts, doctors' offices, etc. for many community members seeking to improve their education, health, and overall life.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing The Anderson Street Church of Christ for its longevity and dedication to serving the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sunset View Cemetery.

Sunset View Cemetery was established in September 2011. It is independently owned and operated by Jimmy and Quartreate Ware, giving personal and professional services to families of the Mississippi- Louisiana and surrounding area in their time of need.

With hard work and dedication, they maintain 20 acres of land covered in beautiful pine trees and a pond, which is located at 1617 Dr. Martin Luther King Road in Natchez.

They offer quality services for burial and gravesite services. They are also a perpetual care cemetery, this means when you purchase your lot or niche, 15 percent of that sale goes into a trust in compliance with Mississippi state law. This longstanding trust will provide Sunset View Cemetery with the necessary resources for the lasting preservation of our memorial park.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sunset View Cemetery for their actions and achievements in the Natchez, MS community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Arian La'Pearl Alexandria Taylor, the first athletic swimmer within Jackson Public Schools to receive a swimming scholarship.

Arian signed to Meridian Community College (MCC) for swimming. She is the first Jackson Public Schools student athlete to earn a scholarship for swimming. She is also the first black female swimmer to sign to the MCC Eagles, where she plans to major in Nursing.

The 50- and 100-meter freestyle swimmer hopes to inspire others as she blazes a trail for JPS.

Currently, an International Baccalaureate (IB) scholar at Jim Hill High School, Arian has been an athlete of the JPS Swim Team since 7th grade.

While at Jim Hill High School, her achievements and extracurricular activities include choir, basketball, cheer, and the National High School Honor Society.

Despite her youth, the standout is the first to represent the sport of swimming at Jim Hill High School, the first to receive a swimming scholarship for the District, and the first African American athlete to receive this type of scholarship from MCC.

She learned the lifesaving skill at age 11 thanks to a free summer camp hosted by the 100 Black Men of Jackson.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing, Arian Taylor for her dedication and tenacity to serving her community and desire to be an example for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated leader, Dr. Fred Earl Kency, Jr. He has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a strong desire for change.

Dr. Kency is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. He attended Jackson Public Schools and graduated from Provine High School in 2003. He furthered his education at Alcorn State University, receiving a Bachelors of Science degree in biology. He then earned his Doctorate of Medicine at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in 2011. Dr. Kency used the Health Professions Scholarship to pay for medical school and was selected to complete an Internship in Transitional Medicine at the Naval Medical Center San Diego. After 4 years of honorable Navy service with deployments to Africa and Europe, he returned home to Jackson, MS, to complete his Emergency Medicine Residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

He currently serves as a Community Emergency Room physician at Baptist Hospital and an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at UMMC in Jackson, MS. He is also a credentialed staff member at multiple other hospitals in Mississippi.

Dr. Kency is active in the metro Jackson community through his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and other organizations such as the 100 Black Men of Jackson. He currently serves as a board member for the American Academy of Emergency Medicine and a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Dr. Kency owns Kency Medical Services PLLC, which provides medical consultations, medical-legal work, and community medical health advocacy. Recently, The Best of Mississippi Awards recognized and honored Dr. Kency as one of the Top 50 Men in Business in the State of Mississippi. Dr. Kency has fought tirelessly to make Mississippi a healthier and safer place for all its citizens, and his work has not gone unnoticed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Fred Earl Kency, Jr. for his dedication and service in the field of Medicine.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the oldest Black-owned bookstore in the Nation, Marshall's Music and Book Store.

Jackson, Mississippi, is home to the oldest Black-owned bookstore in North America. Marshall's Music and Book Store in the heart of downtown Jackson is a family business that opened in 1938.

The quaint store on the almost empty Farish Street has shelves stacked high with books, music, and everything in between. The walls are also plastered with photos of unsung African American heroes with roots in Mississippi.

Pastor Louis Wilcher of the Greater Pearlie Grove Missionary Baptist Church first opened the store 85 years ago on the corner of Farish and Oakley streets. Now, Primm is the third-generation owner of the store. She believes in teaching people about the past, saying that Black history didn't begin with slavery.

Her newfound hope now lies in opening a school. Primm believes that the way to stop the surge of violent youth crime is to teach children about hope.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Marshall's Music and Book Store for its longevity and dedication to serving the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a pillar of the community, Greater Hinds Street Missionary Baptist Church. Greater Hinds Street Missionary Baptist Church has served as a catalyst for the African-American growth in Washington County and the State of Mississippi.

The history and purpose of the Greater Hinds Street Missionary Baptist Church is to participate and promote the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ in evangelism, discipleship, Christian education, missions, ministries, social service, and any other objective that the church may consider to be appropriate and desirable.

The Greater Hinds Street Missionary Baptist Church was established in 1911 when a group of members chose to leave First Baptist Church, located in Greenville, Mississippi, and start anew. Namely, Deacon John Gray, Deacon John Collins, Deacon Robert Moore, and his wife, Sister C.L. Bean, who were all members of Penthian Hall, begin to hold church meetings in the association's building, located on Cately and Nelson Streets. They eventually moved to 502 Nelson Street, currently known as Doe's Eat Place. In January 1926, ``Hinds Street'' was founded at its present site under the late Rev. Lynke Williams.

In 1954, Hinds Street underwent a new look with new restorations and 1955 became a new dawning for the Church. A new pastor was elected, Rev. E.D. Simpson, and a massive renovation took place. The renovation led to a desire to rename the church. Henceforth, it became known as the Greater Hinds Street Missionary Baptist Church.

In 1994, the Church committed to continuous improvement of the building. As improvements were made, the church also elected Youth Pastor, Rev. Cedric Reed. Sadly, the year brought the end of era. Rev. E.D. Simpson passed away in October 1994, thus bringing an end to the longest tenured Pastorate of the church,

In March 1995, Rev. Thomas Morris, Sr. became the Pastor. Then, Mr. Frank Seid and married couple, Napolean and Maurice Thomas, donated property to the church for expansion. Throughout the years, the Church purchased several portions of land in the surrounding neighborhood. In October, the Hinds Street Baptist Church Community Development Corporation was established.

In 1997, the church acquired additional property at 434 Hinds Street. In 1999, Mr. George Lynch generously donated property at the corner of Hinds and Alexander Streets to the church.

In March 2002, the church broke ground for the Greater Hinds Street Church Family Life Center.

In the fall of 2012, the church purchased a small 4-unit apartment complex and a vacant lot across the street, aiming to renew the building for future use and benefit to the church and community. A community garden has since been established on the vacant lot.

In 2013, renovations began to update both the Church and the Family Life Center. This effort, aimed at reinforcing the unity of the church and its facilities, supported spiritual growth and community service.

Countless individuals have been baptized and converted to Jesus Christ for the forgiveness and remission of sin. The church's history is storied with decades long service and contributions by numerous members and friends, who are God-fearing and God-loving, both named and unnamed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Greater Hinds Street Missionary Baptist Church for its rich heritage and dedication to serving others and giving back to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedicated efforts of JW Cleaning & Maintenance, owned, and operated by Jimmy Williams. A true entrepreneur, an enthusiastic and self-motivated business owner from Cleveland, Mississippi.

Jimmy Williams started JW Cleaning & Maintenance 20 years ago. The idea of this business on the side developed while working at Baxter Healthcare, where he retired after 31 years. He was also co-owner and operator of County Platter restaurant. After retirement he focused his attention on other ventures, including the cleaning service. He specializes in cleaning and maintaining the upkeep of several medical offices, banks, and businesses in the area. He does both commercial and residential maintenance and cleaning.

Mr. Williams embarked upon the cleaning and maintenance business specifically because he did so much of that while working at Baxter and supervised others doing that. He has a staff of five as well as others when needed. His daughter, Sheila Williams, also works for the business. She handles the books, paperwork, and the business side of the company. Mr. Williams states, ``we're thorough and efficient, we do a good job, and we take pride in our work. I check on my staff daily and often go into the offices we clean the mornings before their staff arrives to make sure everything was done properly if I didn't do the work myself.'' His slogan, ``Doing whatever needs to be done, wherever it is needed''. This is how his business has remained successful.

He is motivated to make positive impacts on his community by helping people in the community. He loves to cook and take meals to the elderly people in the area as a part of simply giving back to his hometown of Cleveland. This also keeps him active and gives him an opportunity to stay connected with the community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jimmy Williams for his dedication and initiative in continuing to offer his services to the community, surrounding areas and the MS Delta. His collective contributions are truly inspiring and reflect the best of our shared values as citizens and neighbors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exemplary service and dedication of an outstanding individual from Yazoo City, Mississippi, Joseph Thomas, Jr. This individual has made significant contributions to the betterment of the Yazoo County community, and it is fitting that we recognize his achievements.

Joseph Thomas, Jr., a native of Yazoo City, has recently been elected to the Board of Supervisors. This is a testament to his commitment to serving his community and his leadership qualities. Furthermore, Mr. Thomas has been appointed as President of the Board of Supervisors, showcasing the trust and confidence his colleagues have in his abilities.

Mr. Thomas is a proud graduate of Yazoo City High School, where he developed a passion for politics that has guided him throughout his career. His dedication to public service and his tireless advocacy for the residents of Yazoo County are truly commendable.

Additionally, Mr. Thomas worked alongside Davis Peyton, a fellow member of the Board of Supervisors, to organize the inaugural Yazoo County Day at the Mississippi Capitol. This event provided an invaluable opportunity to showcase the rich history and vibrant culture of Yazoo County to state officials and legislators.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Joseph Thomas, Jr. for his outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment to serving the people of Yazoo County. His contributions have made a lasting impact on our community, and they deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable servant, Jar'Kevious R. Edwards.

Jar'Kevious R. Edwards is a native of Charleston, Mississippi. He is a 2020 graduate of Charleston High School and a 2024 graduate of Mississippi Valley State University.

With aspirations of becoming a news and television personality, he obtained a bachelor's degree in Speech Communication and completed a summer internship at WLBT in Jackson, Mississippi.

Jar'Kevious' bright personality, elegance, oratory skills, and charm have gained him the victory in winning the title of Mr. Mississippi Valley State University in 2023. As a bright and prosperous future awaits, Jar'Kevious plans to branch out into the field of broadcast journalism as a news reporter and/or anchor.

Jar'Kevious' long-term goals include anchoring on Good Morning America, CNN, hosting Entertainment Tonight, and one day his own television talk show.

Jar'Kevious' life motto is, ``There is no passion to be found playing small--in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.''--Nelson Mandela,

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Jar'Kevious Edwards for his dedication and tenacity to serving his community and desire to be an example for all.

Mr. Speaker, with the introduction of H. Res. 1261, I join my colleagues on the House Committee on Homeland Security in commemorating the 100th anniversary of the creation of the United States Border Patrol. It is important that we honor the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol and their families, past and present.

Since the U.S. Border Patrol's creation on May 28, 1924, Border Patrol agents have shown commitment and dedication to safeguarding our Nation by securing and protecting our borders.

The U.S. Border Patrol has seen its mission expand greatly since its first stations opened in Detroit, Michigan, and El Paso, Texas, in 1924. Congress expanded its duties to patrolling the seacoast in 1925. U.S. Border Patrol's Air Operations officially commenced in 1941.

The tragic events of September 11, 2001, underscored the importance of homeland security and led to significant enhancements in U.S. Border Patrol operations.

With each new mission set, the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol have consistently risen to the challenge. As we mark the agency's centennial, we particularly remember the 156 Border Patrol agents who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

The United States Border Patrol has overcome significant challenges while protecting Americans and our national security. I take this opportunity to thank the nearly 20,000 agents currently protecting the 6,000 miles of international land borders and 2,000 miles of coastal waters. I also celebrate the agents who came before them and the families who endure great sacrifices and provide unwavering support to those who serve in the United States Border Patrol.

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I am one of those Members who represent a significant agricultural district which actually has its economy based on agriculture. I also represent the district that former Congressman Jamie Whitten represented. Ultimately, he framed the farm bill such that it did not pit rural America against urban America.

This bill pits rural America against urban America, and that is not the purpose of a farm bill. Let's talk a little bit about it.

Mr. Speaker, you can't penalize the needy for the greedy. What I am saying in that respect is, so many people in this country are in need of nutrition benefits. That is why we have a farm bill. A substantial majority of the farm bill is devoted to nutrition, and rightfully so.

Let's talk a little bit about where I am with it. This is my fourth farm bill. I have gone through all of it. I have seen everything that has been had with it, but the important part is that I serve as the chair of the Task Force on Agriculture and Nutrition in the 21st Century, appointed by Leader Jeffries.

We went all over the country. We heard from people saying, look, there are important things for the farm bill, but it is all about compromise and working together.

What did we hear people say? The first thing they said: Food is medicine. If you are worried about healthcare in this country, if people don't have nutrition, that is a problem.

Today, the cost of food is steadily rising, which means Americans cannot afford to purchase healthy and nutritious meals.

In going around the country, there were a number of things that we heard from east, west, north, and south. People said that we must eliminate the hot

food ban for SNAP recipients. SNAP recipients should have the benefit of hot meals. We must address the hunger among college students. We should protect SNAP against harmful cuts to eligibility requirements.

Talking about eligibility requirements, most people don't know that if you are on Social Security and Medicare, that counts against seniors' eligibility for SNAP benefits. By doing that, veterans are also penalized in the qualification for SNAP benefits.

We also have those individuals who have made a mistake. They have come out, but they are ineligible for SNAP benefits. We always talk about second-chance people, so why shouldn't formerly incarcerated people be eligible for food stamps?

Those are the things that we heard.

More importantly, this $30 billion cut is totally unreasonable. It makes no sense, and again, it penalizes people by putting politics over people. I hope when this issue is taken up tomorrow, Democrats will stand firm in their opposition against it.

If Republicans are genuinely interested in making this work, we can do that, but from the nutritional standpoint, don't penalize people who need help. The demonstration of their help is already here.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to, after this issue is defeated, coming back together, pulling people together, working through all the logistics, and not being cute about how we fund certain programs and defund other programs.

Mr. Speaker, today marks a significant milestone in our Nation's history as we gather to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education. This historic Supreme Court decision was the first step towards ending segregation in our education system, opening doors long closed to Black Americans.

In my hometown of Bolton, Mississippi, I witnessed firsthand the transformative Impact of desegregation. Yet, our journey toward equality did not end there. Cases like Norwood v. Harrison in 1973 highlighted the ongoing struggle for equal access to quality education, underscoring the disparities that persisted even after legal segregation was supposedly outlawed.

As we reflect on this anniversary, let us not forget the continuing effort towards true integration and equality. Despite the Court's ruling, many southern schools stubbornly resisted desegregation. To push for change, we had to push for changes in the law, and legal battles still had to be fought. I will never forget the courageous acts around the country, like from the students of Leland High School in Leland, Mississippi.

Even today, the fight for equal education continues. In 2017, the battle for equality in Mississippi was exemplified by the struggles of East Side High School, formally known as Cleveland Colored Consolidated High and Cleveland Central High School, illustrating that the journey toward educational equity is far from over.

Mr. Speaker, as we reflect on the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, let us recommit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and equality in education Let's work together to build a future where every child, regardless of race or background, has the opportunity to fulfill their potential through education.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated leader, Nasya Shaffer. Nasya Shaffer has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve success.

Shaffer, a Yazoo County High School senior and resident of Yazoo County, serves as the vice president of both the Student Government Association and Beta Club. Along with her academics, she is also a member of the school's tennis team and cheer squad, where she serves as captain.

Shaffer currently has a 3.95 GPA and scored a 22 on her ACT. Nasya's favorite subjects are math and science, particularly physical science, and human anatomy. She recently accepted a $25,000 scholarship to Houston Christian University in Houston, Texas.

Shaffer has been around the family funeral home business for her entire life, soaking in the work ethic of her grandfather, father, and uncles.

For the future, Shaffer would like to open her own branch of the family's funeral home business. She is the daughter of Averial and Dr. Shundria Shaffer. She is a member of the Word of Life Church in Ridgeland, MS. In her free time, she enjoys drawing and painting.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Nasya Shaffer for her passion and dedication to serve others and carry on the family business.