Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Yazoo City High School Boys Basketball team's Class 4A State Championship.

On Thursday, March 2, the Yazoo City Varsity Basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Raymond (MS) by a score of 53-43.

At the beginning of school when workouts began, all players had the number 27 on the back of their practice workout gear. They didn't understand why they all had the number 27. The number 27 represented how many years it had been since the school's last boys' basketball state championship. It was a reminder every day to work hard so it would not become 28 years. The team embraced the challenge all season and on March 2, 2023, the 27-year drought of a state championship was over. Yazoo City finished with a 30-5 record.

I would like to recognize Head Coach Anthony Carlyle, who led his alma mater to the second state title in program history in the Class 4A championship game 27 years later. It's Carlyle's 6th championship as a head coach in Mississippi. He's 6-0 in championship games.

I would also like to recognize the student-athletes: Daveon Henry, William Grayson, Damarion Winston, Dalon Henry, Jermon Baymon, Tamarion Hoover, Kortae Meadows, Travis Jones, Jacolby Little, Chris Gates, Demond Collum, Caleb Crozier, Xaquarius Thomas, Cheimion Banks, JaCorion Taylor, TJ Rials, Jr. and Jamarion Bryant.

And finally, I would like to recognize the assistant coaches: Richard Bass, Charles Gates and Vernon Morris, the managers, Josh Young, Laterrian Johnson and Jaylan Carlyle and the entire Yazoo City School District for their support in this historic win.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing the accomplishments and hard work of the student-athletes, coaches, and volunteers of Yazoo City High School's Varsity Boys Basketball program. I look forward to seeing their continued excellence on the court.

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

Pandora Redmond-Wills (born June 29, 1967) is the owner of Hearty Helpings Food Pantry. She is a native of Greenville, MS, and is married to Charles E. Wills, Sr., to whom God has given the same passion and ministry to help those in need.

Mrs. Redmond-Willis is a registered nurse, graduate from Baptist School of Nursing, Little Rock, Arkansas. Prior to becoming a registered nurse, she was a licensed Practical nurse for 10 years and a CNA from 1987 to 1988.

She has over 35 years of experience in nursing ranging from pediatrics to critical care, including five years each of working in the burn center and dialysis. She holds a special love for Geriatrics, helping the elderly and disabled.

In 2014, the soup kitchen was born. The primary goal of the soup kitchen was to offer a hot meal for supper while the Salvation Army was already providing daily lunches.

Considering the closure of the Salvation Army in 2018, Hearty Helpings Food Pantry & Soup Kitchen took on the challenge to continue the fight to eliminate hunger in Greenville, MS, Washington County. Numbers more than doubled but services continued. In 2019, Hearty Helpings Food Pantry moved into its current location, 749 Main St, a 60,000 sq.ft. warehouse. During the pandemic, numbers more than doubled and the pantry was serving up to 800 families a week and over 500 hot meals a week. Through a collaboration between MARS Food, Molina Healthcare & Kroger, the pantry was blessed with a 16ft. delivery truck that allows three times as much food to be brought into the community. In 2022, she was awarded: the Human Rights Award, presented by Church Women United, she was also named 2022 Delta Hot Tamale Queen, presented by Main Street Greenville, and the 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Award, presented by 100 Black Men of the Mississippi Delta.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pandora Redmond-Wills for her passion and dedication and tenacity to serving her community and desire to be an example for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor teacher and self-motivated leader, James McBride.

James has enjoyed a long career teaching and serving. James is a graduate of Mississippi Valley State University, where he received a Biology and Chemistry Degree. He took a job in Skokie, Illinois, at a cardiovascular research lab, then returned to Mississippi to work for the Department of Agriculture in Prentiss County to help eradicate boll weevils. After his time with the Department of Agriculture, James came back to Bolivar County and took a job teaching at Broadstreet High School in Shelby, MS, for nine and half years. He went to work for Trunkline Gas, where he picked up a lot of skills in communication and public relations by working directly with farmers from Washington, Sunflower, Bolivar, Quitman, and Tallahatchie Counties. Then, James moved to Cleveland and started working with the Cleveland Park Commission.

James had top-notch skills working with children because he was a track and assistant football coach at North Bolivar. Then, a position came open to run for alderman in Cleveland, MS. He ran and won and served for five years. When James was elected as a Bolivar County Supervisor in 1997, he was the first minority supervisor for District Four and the third minority supervisor ever in Bolivar County. This year will make 26 years that he has served the district. James' wife also taught school at Parks Elementary School.

During his work history, although faced with some challenges, he made good friends across racial lines. In his position as supervisor, he always strived to bring respect, knowledge, and good work ethics. He worked hard to get along with everyone to do his job to the best of his ability.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing James McBride for his dedication to advocacy in education, public service and his selfless service to the Bolivar County and the Mississippi Delta Region.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the City of Marks Mayor, the Honorable Joe Shegog, Jr.

Through this revealing communique about his incredible life and his accomplished career, Joe Shegog, Jr. is very pensive as he shares the lessons he has seen and learned on how to live and work. The Crowder, Mississippi raised, Shegog has always felt an appreciation for leadership and management--simply leading by example and being an effective part of the team.

``I am actually standing on the shoulders of my folks,'' Shegog cheerfully declares. The down-to-earth city official grew up in a tight-knit and strong upbringing family alongside his parents, Joe and Elnora Shegog and seven siblings--Joretha, Celestine, Emmett, Magnolia, Joyce, Peggy, and David. However, the Quitman County native has lived in Marks, Mississippi most of his adult life.

Shegog graduated from the Quitman County High School in 1971. Thereafter, while studying at nearby Coahoma Community College, he found an interest in local voter registrations, county and state elections, and his true calling, city government as an alderman and finally mayor--all changed his life.

Shegog married his wife, Deloise Jackson (of 40 years), and is the father of 3 daughters--Tunya, Nicole, and Megan; the grandfather to 4; and the great-grandfather of 1.

Shegog began his career as a railroad employee and an appliance repairman before pivoting to a social worker and a politician. He prides himself on having an eye for what is important and what is likely to have a profound effect on success, survival, and well-being, whether he is managing city operations, examining proposed budgets, overseeing public service departments, presiding at meetings of the board/council, or attending church services.

Shegog, 69, has become one of the most admired and respected men in Marks and Quitman County. He is known for the principles instilled in him from his parents as much as his leadership qualities that have sharpened his aim and direction for the City of Marks, although this is his passion and his life's works.

During his life and career, Shegog always strives to leave things better than the way he found them. He has enjoyed success as mayor for three decades plus, and Marks has been bookended with a ``Shegog-lead City'' that will echo for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mayor Joe Shegog, Jr. for his

dedication to serving this great state and country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable musician, Dr. Roderick Little of Jackson, MS. He grew up in a musical family/background.

During his matriculation at Jackson State University (JSU), he participated in several ensembles including the famous ``Sonic Boom of the South'', where he played in the percussion section as a snare drummer, marched as part of the Jackson Five Drum major squad, and served as a student arranger for the Sonic Boom and student conductor of the Symphonic Band. Dr. Little studied percussion under Dr. Owen Rockwell, who is his predecessor at JSU.

After completing his undergraduate studies, he returned to his high school alma mater, Lanier High School. During his tenure at Lanier, his bands received excellent and superior ratings at marching/concert festivals. He also had students that made the Mississippi All-State Lions Band (top student honor band in MS)

In 2012, Dr. Little began as an Assistant Band Director and Instructor of Music at JSU. He was promoted to Associate Director of Bands in 2013, and later, the Marching Band Director in 2015. While Director of the Marching Band, he has maintained the rich traditions of the Sonic Boom while adding a unique twist with the use of technology and other innovative ideas. As director, Dr. Little started several outreach programs which include, but are not limited to, the Summer High School Band Camp and A Day With the Boom; both which act as major recruitment agents for the Department of Music/band program grossing over 400 to 600 students collectively annually. He started the public media relations of the Sonic Boom with the implementation of the Sonic Boom Media Team and strengthened social media platforms. Most importantly, he improved the inner workings of the overall operations of the entire JSU Band(s) program.

As the drill writer for the Sonic Boom of the South, having several monumental field shows adding to the band's lustrous history of band pageantry, in the spring of 2020, the Sonic Boom of the South's ``Saints Halftime Show- Salute to the Veterans'' was selected to be featured at the CBDNA-NBC Southern Division Conference, which was the first appearance in the school's history.

Dr. Little is an accomplished conductor, clinician, adjudicator, composer, arranger, drill writer, and instrumentalist. He has served as a guest clinician in numerous states across the country. He has also scored piano music for F & S Music KC Publishing Company. He performed with local groups around Jackson, MS, and momentarily in Houston, TX. He has professional affiliations with NAFME, PAS, MAE, MBA, HBCU-NBDC and CBDNA.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Roderick D. Little for his dedication to The Sonic Boom of The South, and impact internationally.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable servant, Audrianna Johnson.

Audrianna Johnson, also known as Audri Star, was born July 28, 1994, to Mr. and Mrs. Stephen and Sandra Johnson. She was raised in Grenada, MS, where she attended Grenada High School. While attending Grenada High School, Audri was a member of the well-known Grenada Marching Band.

Influenced by gospel and being raised in church, she began to write, produce, and record music at the age of 11. After graduating high school, Audri initially enrolled at Delta State University as a Nursing major, but later decided to major in Delta Music Institute (DMI). As a DMI student, she worked as a Mobile Music Lab assistant, leading group sessions with adolescents and teenagers as a mentor, songwriter, artist, producer, and engineer.

Audri graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Entertainment Industry Studies with a concentration of Entrepreneurship. After graduating from Delta State University, Audri joined the DMI staff as an administrative assistant and studio manager. She continues to perform across the states of Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, and Oklahoma.

Audri has received multiple nominations and awards including SEA Awards as Best Performance of the Year Nominee in 2020 and Best Female Rap Artist of the Year of 2020 at the Memphis Hip Hop Awards. In 2021, Audri joined Tymple as an Executive and Head of A&R. She engineered Tennessee State University's Aristocrat of Bands', recent Grammy Award winning album ``The Urban Hymnal'' for the Best Roots Gospel Album of the Year (2023 ). This album was produced and written by Sir the Baptist, Prof. Larry Jenkins, and Dubba-AA.

Audri plans to release new music as an artist and continue to be a part of changing the culture in the most positive way. Audri's motto: ``You have to be what you want to see.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Audrianna Johnson 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, Robert Erves. Robert Erves has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve.

Erves coached Vicksburg's football, track, and powerlifting teams at levels ranging from eighth grade to varsity for nearly 30 years. He had an undefeated season with Vicksburg's eighth-grade football team and led the school's powerlifting team to the MHSAA Class 5A championship in 2003.

Erves also had a standout football career as a student in the VWSD. He played at Temple High School, then Warren Central from 1969 to 1972, before starring at Mississippi Valley State.

Erves was inducted into the 2022 Vicksburg Warren School District Athletic Hall of Fame.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Robert Erves for his passion and dedication to the Vicksburg Warren School District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Fire Chief Richard Buford of Jefferson County, Mississippi, for his love, compassion, and service.

Richard Buford was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1966. He is the first-born son of Horace Mac ``Shorty'' Buford and Ella Mae Henderson Buford. His grandparents moved him to Stampley, MS, 12 minutes from Fayette, MS, at the age of 2.

Richard is a 1984 graduate of the Jefferson County School District and the former football team captain and student government president. He is a retired Career Recruiter of the United States Marine Corps; a Desert Storm Combat Sargeant; with an Associated Degree in Supervisory Leadership from Hawaii Pacific University (Honolulu, HI) with further Leadership Development from Chicago State University (Chicago, IL).

In 2001, Richard returned to Jefferson County, MS, and became a small farm lobbyist while still desiring to serve. He became a: 1) Volunteer Firefighter and now Chief; 2) Minister in church and serve the elderly and shut-in the county; 3) Fire Coordinator and Fire Consultant (Jefferson & Claiborne )--established new Fire Grading Districts; Earned Class 8 and 9 Ratings and enlisted over 100 volunteers in each county.

Richard is married to Carla Robinson Buford, who is a special education teacher in the Jefferson County Elementary School District. They are the proud parents of three adult children--Marilyn, Richard Jr. and Ella.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Richard Buford, the 2022 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year, for his outstanding service and commitment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart as the people of the Mississippi Delta recover from the violent tornadoes that ripped through the 2nd Congressional District last Friday night.

Whereas, the communities in Rolling Fork, Silver City, and Winona were devastated by violent tornadoes on Friday, March 24, 2023; and

Whereas, the Mississippi Delta region is one of the most disadvantaged regions in the United States; and

Whereas, we mourn those who lost their lives, and I am praying for their loved ones in this difficult time; and

Whereas, President Joseph R. Biden, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell acted swiftly to initiate a federal response for the disaster relief effort in Mississippi; and

Whereas, the state of Mississippi has neglected to expand Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act, costing Mississippi over $14 billion that could have helped communities recover across the 2nd Congressional District; and now, therefore be it

Resolved, That the United States Congress sends its thoughts and prayers to the people of Mississippi as they pick up the pieces and emerge stronger than ever.

Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. Chair, last Friday night, a lot of Mississippi was damaged by a very serious tornado. Over 20 lives were lost.

To paint a picture, these are communities that under the best of times struggle, communities where we don't have public transportation, where there is not a single motel room in the entire county, and where the downtown area no longer exists.

For the people of Rolling Fork, Silver City, Black Hawk, and a lot of other Mississippi communities that are only a ZIP Code tied to some other people, we are saddened by that destruction.

Importantly, President Biden approved record disaster approval within 2 days because destruction was clear as to the help that was needed.

The State of Mississippi and the locals involved in it, we are resilient people, but we can't do it by ourselves. Our national support system has kicked into place. Churches have stepped forward.

We look forward to the long-term recovery, and we are talking about years, not months, before those communities will be made whole again.

I thank all of you who have expressed your concern and sympathy and those of you who invested in the communities. I can assure you it is much appreciated.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include in the Record the following proclamation honoring the career of Michael Sacco, who recently retired after serving for nearly 35 years as president of the Seafarers International Union.

Whereas, Michael Sacco recently retired following nearly 35 years as president of the Seafarers International Union; and

Whereas, Sacco is universally recognized throughout the American maritime industry as one of its most effective leaders; and

Whereas, his long list of noteworthy achievements includes helping secure enactment of the U.S. Maritime Security Program, leading the historic merger of the SIU and the National Maritime Union, powerfully defending the Jones Act, and protecting mariners' rights not only in the United States but also around the globe; and

Whereas, Sacco also had been the longest-serving member of the AFL- CIO Executive Council, where his guidance proved beneficial to numerous other labor leaders; and

Whereas, Sacco also played a crucial role in helping develop the SIU's affiliated school--the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education--into one of the world's finest, most modern facilities for new and experienced seafarers alike; and

Whereas, Sacco proficiently promoted the success of his union's contracted companies, though never at the expense of his own rank-and- file members; and

Whereas, Sacco's immense popularity both within the union and throughout the labor movement and the maritime industry reflected a healthy respect and admiration for his lifetime of service; now, therefore be it

Resolved, That the United States Congress salutes Michael Sacco for his work, his dedication, and his achievements. I appreciate everything he has done on behalf of the U.S. Merchant Marine, and I wish him the best in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable servant, Betty Smith.

Betty Hughes Smith, was born June 6, 1953, in Drew, MS. She is the youngest, of her siblings. Betty graduated from Drew High School, May 25, 1971. Her class was the first class to integrate the all white segregated high school. This was the one of the happiest moments of her life.

After graduation, Betty started working for Sunflower Humphrey Counties Progress, Inc., at the Drew Head Start Center. She retired after 25 years. During that time, she received her Associate Degree from Coahoma Community College. Although she attended both Mississippi Valley State University and Delta State University, she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood from Lemoyne Owen College, in Memphis, TN.

Betty has worked for Southern Echo and Genesis Hospice, as a Community Outreach Coordinator and Educator. She volunteered for the Drew School District for many years.

Betty was a Sunday School Teacher for Noah Memorial Baptist Church for over 20 years until the church closed. Then, she became a member of Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she is currently a Sunday School Teacher and the Chairperson for the Mother and Mission of the Church. In her lifetime, she has served on various boards throughout Sunflower County:

Sunflower Humphrey Counties Progress Board of Directors;

Tallahatchie Housing;

Sunflower County Democratic Executive Committee;

Community Health Advisory Research Program;

We2Gether Creating Change;

Vice President of Drew United for Progress;

Drew Collaborative;

Civil Rights Committee;

Sunflower County Economic Development Board; and

Drew Food Pantry.

She has received many certificates, awards, and plaques for her efforts in community service. She has been a tremendous asset to her church and community. Her motivation seems to be prompted by a need to help others, and that is what serving God is all about.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Betty Smith 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 long-time business in Hinds County, MS, Dick's Place. Dick's Place has shown what can be done through consistency, dedication, and a desire to serve.

In 1949, Richard Anderson obtained a piece of land on Highway 80 near Bolton, MS. During this time, Highway 80 was a major thoroughfare for cars and buses. On the newly purchased land, he would create a juke joint named ``Dick's Place.'' With the advent of Interstate 20, the original building had to be demolished and the business moved to its current location, 2625 S. Frontage Road in Clinton, in 1952. Starting out in was more country store than juke joint. Barbeque was introduced as a mainstay, leading to the juke joint growing even more.

For Dick's Place to survive and remain a safe place for African Americans during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, dues had to be paid to keep the doors open. Several times attempts were made to firebomb the establishment. Richard Anderson, Sr. recalls watching a white Mississippi State Trooper pull off the side of the road, throw a Molotov-cocktail-type bomb right at the front door, then get in his car and drive away. Gathering while black wasn't a crime by law, but it was seen as threat to White Supremacists in the area.

Dick's Place is now owned by Richard Anderson, Jr., who took over the business in 1984 when his father passed. Dick's Place is open daily from noon until whenever, and to be sure, Dick's Place is welcoming to all. Day in and day out, you will find the one-of-a-kind, Lorraine Henderson, tending bar and keeping the kitchen popping. She is the heartbeat of Dick's Place and has been for the last 28 years. Right next door is Richie's One Stop, also owned by the family.

The theme of this year's anniversary was--Being Thankful. This was the first in-person anniversary celebration since COVID, and about 100 patrons were treated to a real treat on Sunday evenings. It was a grand occasion, and the unique spirit felt that evening was the same spirit felt that kept it surviving and thriving for seventy-three years and counting.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dick's Place for its 73 years of service in the State of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated leader, Dr. Nora Gough-Davis. Dr. Nora Gough-Davis has had a fascination for the medical field since she was young, watching her dad, the late Dr. Walter C. Gough, tirelessly serve the rural MS Delta.

Dr. Gough-Davis is a native of Mound Bayou, MS. She is also the daughter of Mrs. May Bailey Gough. She received a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) in 1999, graduating as Valedictorian of her class. During her academic years at MVSU, Dr. Gough-Davis was a Presidential Scholar for all four academic years, a member of the Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation (MAMP), Beta Kappa Chi Honor Society, the Women's Basketball Team, and the Eta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Upon graduating from MVSU, Dr. Gough-Davis began a career as a science and pre-algebra teacher, girls' basketball assistant coach and girls' softball head coach for the North Bolivar School District. In 2003, the girls' basketball team achieved their first Girls' State 2A Basketball Championship.

In 2002, Dr. Gough-Davis earned a MS in Natural Science from Delta State University (DSU) in Cleveland, MS. In 2005, Dr. Gough-Davis received a BSN and in 2009, she received a MS in Nursing from DSU. In 2012, she received a MBA with a focus in Health Care Management from the University of Phoenix. In 2014, she received a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree from DSU.

In June 2009, Dr. Gough-Davis began her career as a Family Nurse Practitioner at North Delta Medicine Clinic in Clarksdale, MS. In August 2012, Dr. Gough-Davis opened her own family practice clinic, Shaw Family Medical, LLC in Shaw, MS. In August 2016, she re-opened her mother and late father's clinic, Gough's Family Medical Clinic in Drew, MS. She has served as d clinical preceptor for at least 26 nurse practitioner students from various universities. Several of the nurse practitioner students have progressed to opening their own clinics in the MS Delta.

In August 2020, Dr. Gough-Davis began her career as an Assistant Professor of Nursing at the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing at Delta State University. In August 2021, she was assigned an additional role as the Undergraduate Program Coordinator.

Dr. Gough-Davis's favorite quote is ``If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vane.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Nora Gough-Davis for her dedication, leadership and advocacy in healthcare. Her selfless service to her community, the Rural MS Delta Region, and the State of Mississippi are commended.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a hardworking and impactful leader, Ms. Erica Bradley. Ms. Bradley has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve success.

Ms. Erica Bradley has been named Jefferson County School District's 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year. She is a second-year

English Language Arts teacher. She plans, develops, and compiles comprehensive language-based skills for all students while delivering quality instruction to impact their overall developmental success. She is also a member of the School Leadership Team, the School Improvement Committee, the PBIS Committee, the Chair of the ELA Department, and the Upper Elementary Reading Club.

Ms. Bradley is a native of Jefferson County and graduated from Jefferson County High School with the class of 2009. She is the mother of a son, Omarian, who is currently an 8th grade student.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Erica Bradley for per passion and dedication to education in the Jefferson County School District.