Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable historical activist, Fannie Lou Hamer.

She was born as Fannie Lou Townsend on October 6, 1917, to sharecroppers Lou Ella and James Lee Townsend, east of the Mississippi Delta in Montgomery County, Mississippi. She first joined her family to work in the cotton fields at age six.

In the early 1940s she married Perry ``Pap'' Hamer, and adopted two daughters, girls whose own families were unable to care for them.

She worked alongside her husband at the W.D. Marlow's plantation near Ruleville, in Sunflower County. Hamer's ability to read and write earned her the job of timekeeper, a less physically demanding and more prestigious job within the sharecropping system.

In the summer of 1962, Hamer made a life-changing decision to attend a protest meeting where she encountered civil rights activists and became active in helping with the voter registration efforts for African Americans.

Hamer dedicated her life to the fight for civil rights, working for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). The organization was driven by mostly African American students who indulged in acts of civil disobedience--combatting racial segregation and injustice in the South.

During her activist career, Hamer was threatened, arrested, and shot at. In jail, Hamer and several of the activists were beaten by other African American inmates, whom received orders from the police to use blackjack weapons. Despite the long term damage done to her body, none of these things deterred her from her work.

Hamer loved to sing spirituals. ``This Little Light of Mine'' and ``Go Tell It on the Mountain,'' became one of the defining features of her activism.

Hamer's also known for her famous quote, ``I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired.''

In 1964, Hamer helped found the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, which was established in opposition to the state's all-

white delegation to that year's Democratic convention.

The civil rights struggle in Mississippi was brought to the attention of the entire nation during a televised session at the convention. The following year, Hamer ran for Congress in Mississippi, but was unsuccessful in her bid.

Along with her political activism, Hamer worked to help the poor and families in need in her Mississippi community. She also set up organizations to increase business opportunities for minorities and to provide childcare and other family services.

Hamer died on March 14, 1977 in Mound Bayou, Mississippi from complications associated with heart disease and cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Fannie Lou Hamer for her contributions to her family, her community, and the fight for Civil Rights that was her driving passion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Alcorn State University's Football Team on becoming the 2018 SWAC Champions.

On Saturday, December 1, in Lorman, Mississippi at the Jack Spinks Stadium, Alcorn State's Football Team contested against Southern University for the SWAC Championship. This made their fifth consecutive SWAC Championship visits since 2014. The Braves have competed for the title winning three of the five, years 2014, 2015, and 2018.

The SWAC Championship Game is an American college football game that is held annually on the first Saturday in December by the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) to determine its football champion. The game pits the champion of the Eastern Division against the champion of the Western Division in a game that follows the conclusion of the regular season.

From 2015 onward, the winner of the game has represented the SWAC in the Celebration Bowl. Since 2013, Toyota has been the title sponsor and the contest is officially named the Toyota SWAC Football Championship.

In brief, Alcorn State University, formally known as, Alcorn A&M is a historically black university located northwest of Lorman, Mississippi. The university was founded in 1871 by the Reconstruction-era legislature to provide higher education for freedmen. It is the first black land grant college established in the United States.

One of the institution's most notable alumni was Medgar Evers, a civil rights activist, who graduated in 1952. The university is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The student body has grown from 179 mostly male students to an enrollment of almost 4000 as of Fall 2018.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Alcorn State University's Football Team for becoming the 2018 SWAC Champions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable student, the late Mr. Jeremiah Williams.

Jeremiah Williams was born on January 21, 2002 in Greenville, Mississippi to Lashona Williams and Timothy Hawkins, Sr. Jeremiah was the sixth of eight children. Jeremiah's earthly journey ended on November 9, 2018.

Jeremiah was known to family and friends as ``Dugga Wugga'' or ``Dugg''. He was very passionate about sports.

I gladly pay tribute to the memory of Jeremiah, and although it was short, I commend the exemplary life he lived. It was his young life that walked by, leaving his footprints in our hearts forever.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and accomplishments of the late Mr. Jeremiah Williams for his dedication to serving others and giving back to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Major General Ronald Kirklin, a dedicated and distinguished veteran of the U.S. Army.

Major General Kirklin is a Distinguished Military Graduate from Mississippi Valley State University in the class of 1987. With a master's degree in Adult and Continuing Education from Kansas State University and in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College he has shown many that ``Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.'' as stated by Nelson Mandela.

MG Kirklin's military service began from 1988 to 1991 in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in Fulda, Germany, where, he served as a Platoon Leader, General Supply Officer, and Squadron S4, Combat Support Squadron. After graduating from the Advanced Course, he was assigned to the 5th Infantry Division, at Fort Polk, Louisiana, from 1992 to 1993, as a Class IX Accountable Officer. From 1993 to 1996, he was assigned to the 124th Main Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Division, at Fort Hood, Texas, as the Supply and Services Officer, Support Operations Officer, and later as the Light Maintenance Company Commander. After completion of Company Command, he served as the Task Force XXI Combat Systems Manager, 4th Infantry Division.

From 1996 to 1999, Kirklin was assigned to Hohenfels, Germany, where he functioned as the Combat Service Support Observer/Controller on the Grizzlies and Timberwolves Maneuver Teams, and later as the Operations Group S4. From 1999 to 2000, he was a student at the Command and General Staff College, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Kirklin was then assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, at Fort Hood, from 2000 to 2002, where he was the Executive Officer in the 215th Forward

Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and 1st Calvary Division DISCOM S3. His following assignment was as the Course Director, Combined Captains Career Course, at Fort Lee, Virginia, from 2002 to 2004.

In 2004, Kirklin returned to Fort Hood, and was again assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division DISCOM, a Deputy Commander while deployed to Taji, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After re-deployment in March 2005, he assumed Command of the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, at Fort Hood, on 14 July 2005. As commander, he deployed the battalion to Operation Iraqi Freedom 2006-08, Diyala Province, Iraq, and then recovered the unit back to Fort Hood.

After relinquishing Battalion Command in March 2008, he attended the U.S. Army War College, at Carlisle Baracks, Pennsylvania. After graduating from the War College in 2009, Kirklin returned to Fort Hood, and assumed command of the 4th Sustainment Brigade on 14 July 2009. He deployed as the 4th Sustainment Brigade to Tallil, Iraq, in support of Operation New Dawn in February 2011. Kirklin redeployed the Brigade from Tallil, Iraq, in December 2011, after serving as the final Sustainment Brigade to close out sustainment and retrograde operations to end Operation New Dawn. In January 2012, Kirklin was assigned to the United States Central Command J4, in Tampa, Florida, as Chief of Current Operations.

Kirlin became the 53rd Commandant of the Quartermaster School on 9 June 2014-June 2016. He was promoted to Brigadier General on 5 December 2014.

In June 2016 MG Kirklin was assigned as the Director of Operatons, G- 4 3/5/7, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4 at the Pentagon, Washington, followed by assignment as Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4 U.S. Army Forces Command.

MG Kirklin was decorated and received many awards which includes: the National Defense Service Medal; Legion of Merit (2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters); Bronze Star Medal (2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters); Meritorious Service Medal (4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters); Army Commendation Medal (2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters); Army Achievement Medal; Iraqi Campaign Medal; Global War of Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War of Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Army Overseas Service Ribbon; Combat Action Badge; and Parachutist Badge. MG Kirklin was also recognized in a journal article: Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military: US Black Engineer and Information Technology; Vol. 41, No. 4 (WINTER 2017), pp. 240-75; Published by the Career Communications Group.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Major General Ronald Kirklin for his amorous, dedicated and superior loyalty to our community in the 2nd Congressional District, the U.S. of America and U.S. Army since 1988 to the present. We salute Major General Ronald Kirklin for his accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious young man, Mr. Richie Moore. Mr. Moore has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and the desire to serve his community honorably.

Richie Moore, a resident of the Benton Community was named General Manager of the Public Service Commission of Yazoo City. He came to the job with several years of experience. He has worked for Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association and Entergy where he served in different positions ranging from groundman to journeyman lineman, and also held leadership roles in engineering and design, distribution operations, and utility performance.

While working fulltime, Moore obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Mississippi College.

Richie is married to Amy and they have two children, Julian and Emily. Moore is the son of Verstine Moore and Frizell Casey.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. George C. Washington III graduated from Carver High School in Gadsden and received his B. S. degree in Arts and Sciences (Biology and Chemistry) from Alabama A and M College. Dr. Washington graduate degrees were received from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. His professional experience included teaching and band director at Trenholm High School, Tuscumbia, Alabama and Council Training School, Normal, Alabama prior to migrating to Jackson, Mississippi in 1957 to teach at Jackson State College. He retired from Jackson

State University in 1999 as Associate Professor of Biology and Associate Director of Preprofessional Health Careers Program, although he continued as an adjunct professor for a number of years.

Dr. Washington married the love of his life, Dora Scruggs, in 1958, and together they began a teaching career in higher education.

Dr. Washington received many civic and church-related awards, including ``Kappa Man of the Year'' from the Jackson Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and the ``Lifetime Achievement Award,'' given at the 71st Southwestern Provincial meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas. He served as a trustee of the Gulfside Association and as a member of the Board of Trustees, Piney Wood School.

As a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, he served as a choir member, a member of Prime Timers Ministry, the Board of Trustees, and the United Methodist Men's organization, from which he received a Lifetime Award.

Beyond the local church, he served as president and vice president of the Conference United Methodist men and on the Episcopacy Committee.

Dr. Washington is survived by his wife, Dr. Dora Washington of Jackson, Mississippi; children, Dr. E. Patrice Colbert, George C. Washington IV and Tamara Y. Washington.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. George C. Washington III.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a valiant and selfless community servant, Chief Petty Officer Norvel Baptiste King. Chief Petty Officer King has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and the desire to serve his country honorably.

Norvel, a resident of Bentonia, Mississippi, is a 1988 graduate of Yazoo City High School.

Norvel Baptiste King joined the Navy in 1987, prior to graduation on the delayed entry program. On September 6, 1988, he went to boot camp in San Diego, CA. His first ship was the USS Midway CV-41 in Yokosuka, Japan. In October 1991, he left active duty and in November of the same year, he joined the Navy Reserves in Jackson, MS. In 2008, he was mobilized to Kuwait and assigned to the Custom Unit. He held several positions during his Navy career: Assistant Command Career Counselor, Assistant Department Head, First Class Petty Officer and Chief Petty Officer.

Chief Petty Officer King is married to Tracy Collier-King and they are the parents of seven children and five grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Chief Petty Officer Norvel Baptiste King for his dedication and tenacity to serving his country and desire to be an example for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dynamic young man of our community, Dr. Timothy Quinn.

Dr. Timothy Quinn is a native Mississippian and graduate of Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi. He earned his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee and completed his residency work at Martin Luther King Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.

In 2003, Dr. Quinn began practicing Family Medicine in Jackson, Mississippi, with emphasizes on physical fitness and wellness. Currently, Dr. Quinn serves as Medical Director at Quinn Healthcare, where he commits his life to serve the people of Mississippi, focusing on preventative health care and traditional medicine. Since 2010, Quinn Healthcare has serviced over 22,506 patients.

Dr. Quinn has lectured on physical fitness and obesity prevention. Since 2012, he has been writing health articles for The Jackson Free Press Newspaper and published many articles in the Clarion Ledger from 2005 through 2012. He has also been a contributing medical expert for the following local television news stations: WLBT; WAPT; WJTV; and FOX40, since 2005. Dr. Quinn is a familiar voice on WJMI and WKXI Radio Stations' segment, ``Health Tips'' since 2004. In 2009, Dr. Quinn was featured as an expert physician for the Black Entertainment Television (BET) Network Special, ``Heart of the City: Dying to Eat in Jackson'', hosted by Star Jones. In 2012, he was named one of Mississippi Business Journal's, ``Top Forty Under 40''. He also provides a weekly medical commentary for two shows, the ``Dr. Frank McCune Health and Prosperity Show'' and the ``Women for Progress Show'' on WMPR 90.1 Radio Station. In March 2015, he was featured as an expert physician and appeared on NBC Nightly News regarding the State of Mississippi's proposed House Bill 130 (Authorize Exemptions from Vaccinations for Medical Reasons or Conscientious Beliefs). According to Nielson's Ratings, Dr. Quinn reached 566,023 television viewers' households through his television appearances that began in the year 2010 and is consistently increasing. As per Magnolia Clipping Service, Dr. Quinn appeared as an Expert Physician in the news, well over 100 times, since 2010 in all Mississippi and Alabama publications.

On July 2, 2014, Dr. Quinn led Mayor Tony Yarber's Medical Task Force for a Healthier Jackson to identify individuals and implement measures to improve their health and through this initiative, Dr. Quinn has screened hundreds of individuals through community health screenings and health fairs.

Dr. Quinn received: the George Washington Stutts, Sr. Award on June 18, 2015 at the 26th Annual Honors Program sponsored by the Robinson- Watson Book Company; the Best Doctor Award from The Jackson Free Press Newspaper and Quinn Healthcare received the Best Clinic Award in July 2015.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this dynamic man, Dr. Timothy Quinn, for aspiring to increase the health and education of the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Shakira Cain-Bell, is a 1992 Bachelor of Science, 1995 Masters of Public Policy and Administration, 2002 Doctor of Education, and a 2012 Masters of Arts in Sociology graduated of Jackson State University, she is a native of Canton, Mississippi with more than 16 years of experience as a motivational speaker, educator, conference organizer, advisor, compliance officer, community organizer, head start reviewer, college SACS team member, 6th grade teacher, assistant principal, early childhood program developer, early childhood childcare center designer, and an early childhood consultant.

Dr. Cain-Bell as the academic dean and adjunct professor of Sociology at the Jackson Campus Academic Technical Center Hinds Community College. She is a certified online learning professor through Jackson State University and the Institution of Higher Learning. She is the former director of the Minority Male Leadership Initiative Higher Learning. She is the former director of the Minority Male Leadership Initiative (M2M). Dr. Cain-Bell was the first assistant professor hired in the Interdisciplinary Studies Department at Jackson State University.

Dr. Cain-Bell also has a Masters in Higher Education from Mississippi College. She was the first and second cohort of GIFTS Scholars selected at Jackson State University; while co-authoring the book Foundations in Global Inquiry Institutional Guide--Jackson State University, which was collected and edited by Dr. Robert Blaine as part of the Apple iPad Initiative at Jackson State University. Dr. Cain-Bell

designed the first child watch program for pupils who were in need of adequate childcare watch; while attending classes in the Research and Development Center at Jackson State University.

Dr. Shakira Cain-Bell is married to Pastor Charles E. Bell, Jr. and they have three children, Zerrian, Zachariah, and Shakira.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Shakira Cain-Bell for her dedication to serving.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable community servant, Louise Stewart. Louise has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and the desire to live a long and fruitful life.

Louise Stewart was born in Delta, Louisiana. She is the oldest of three children and the only girl of the late John A. Murray, Sr. and Nona Ellis Murray.

Louise is a graduate of the Vicksburg Public School System, class of 1948 Bowman High School. Louise participated in the study of Progressive Education in Black High Schools (1940-46), which Magnolia High School of Vicksburg was included in the study.

Louise married the late Charles L. Stewart. The Stewart's relocated to Chicago, IL in search of better opportunities. While in Chicago Louise enrolled in Chicago City Junior College, the Malcom X Branch, graduating with an Associate in Arts degree and continued her studies at Chicago City Teachers College majoring in Elementary Education. She became employed at the University of Illinois Medical Center.

After returning to Vicksburg in 1970, Louise worked in the Vicksburg School System as a Substitute Teacher. Later, she began working at Sears in sales and training as coordinator. She retired after 21 years of service.

Louise is a member of Mount Calvary M.B. Church. She has been a member of the Vicksburg Homecoming Benevolent Club since 1986. Louise has served as assistant treasurer, treasurer, and financial secretary for the club. She has a heart to serve as needed. She loves life, reading, traveling and having fun.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Louise Stewart 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 dynamic non-profit organization, Phoenix Project Community Development Foundation, Inc.

Phoenix Project Community Development Foundation, Inc. (PPCDF, Inc.) is a development corporation headquartered at 997 Main Street in Fayette, Mississippi. The name of this organization was derived from the myth of the Phoenix bird, which fell to Earth and burned to ashes yet rose from the ashes to attain greater heights. This is the ``Phoenix Vision'' for Southwest Mississippi.

This organization was founded in 1995 by Walter Huston, Executive Director and Volley Davis, Deputy Director.

PPCDF, Inc. serves the residents and citizens of Southwest Mississippi by aiding in community and economic development matters such as: Workforce Development, Community Leadership Programs, Grant Writing and Community Education Programs. PPCDF, Inc. also aids individuals, government entities, nonprofits, churches and fraternal organizations. The focus for this organization is to devise strategies that: reduce pervasive poverty, alleviate high systemic unemployment; elevate educational achievement for youth and adults and to raise the standard of living for all residents of Southwest Mississippi.

PPCDF, Inc. received the ``Making Things Better Award'' at the 2003 Low-Income Customer Summit, in New Orleans, Louisiana sponsored by ENTERGY Corporation and in 2001 this organization conducted ``Leadership Jefferson'', a nine-month community leadership development program for citizens of Jefferson County, Mississippi.

PPCDF, Inc. also operated ``Phoenix AOP'' (Adolescent Opportunity Program) a program for adolescent offenders ages 12 to 17. This program assisted participants in: Character Building, Leadership, Academic and Social Skills and operated from 2008 until April 2016 in Claiborne, Jefferson and Pearl River Counties.

In Fiscal Year, 2016-2017, PPCDF, Inc. entered into a partnering agreement with Families First of MS, offering an afterschool tutoring for youth's in grades 1 through 12, which included: ACT Prep and On- Line Diploma Program for Dropouts and Adult Learners. Also, other services are: Workforce Readiness, Youth Development, Financial Literacy, and Parenting classes.

The mission to reduce poverty, high unemployment, and elevate educational achievement gaps will be met while teaching students Alternative Life and Workforce Readiness Skills. Phoenix Project Community Development Foundation, Inc. is also a designated ACT WORKKEYS Assessment Site.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this great organization, Phoenix Project Community Development Foundation, Inc., that is serving and giving back to the community in Fayette, MS and the surrounding areas.

Mr. Speaker and fellow colleagues I rise today to honor a worthy member of our society, Mrs. Fonda Magee.

She earned her bachelor's degree in accounting from Alcorn State University. After graduating with a degree in Accounting she worked for the IRS in Atlanta. She moved back to Mississippi and worked as a project manager for Skytel for 9 years. She taught 6th grade and 8th grade math at Siwell middle school.

Later, she opened her own accounting firm named LKT Professional Tax where she has been in business for 18 years and her business continue to grow each year.

Mrs. Magee founded a young girls group called YLOTS where she mentors girls and has a girls only summer camp. Her passion is working with the youth and helping to make changes in this world. She takes countless number of youths all over the states on HBCU tours, encourage each student to attend college as well as educating them of the many choices out there. Mrs. Magee serves on the Youth department at her church Emmanuel Baptist to help raise money to send students to college. Mrs. Magee has been married for 25 years and together they have two girls and three foster sons.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Fonda Magee.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Pastor Hattie Young.

Pastor Young was born and raised in Grace, Mississippi. Her parents migrated to Scott, Mississippi and later to Greenville, Mississippi.

Pastor Young defied all odds as high school dropout who dared to dream and through many heartaches and pains as a single parent with three children dug her way out of poverty through faith in God.

Pastor Young has received her Bachelor and Master of Science degree in Elementary Education (Mississippi Valley State University), Master of Science degree in Administration and Supervision (Delta State University), and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies (Exodus School of the Bible).

After retiring as a principal in the Greenville Public School District where through her leadership at Weddington Elementary School she received high scholastic marks with local, regional and state recognition.

Moving forward, Pastor Young became an entrepreneur. She is the owner of Hattie's Kitchen. Also, she founded Word of God Ministries, Inc. seventeen years ago.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pastor Hattie Young for her dedication to serving others and giving back to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable historical church, Morning Star Baptist Church of Robinsonville, Mississippi.

Morning Star Baptist Church has been a cornerstone for many Black Families in the Robinsonville, MS area since the late 1800's. Morning Star Baptist Church is in northwest Mississippi in Tunica County, Mississippi at 4816 Kirby Road, Robinsonville, MS 38664. Over the 120- year history of Morning Star Baptist Church, the leadership and members have endeavored to serve the community.

Morning Star Baptist Church began in August the 14th day of 1898 as a spiritual space for the Dunn Family and Kirby Plantation. It began on Kirby Road on this very same land site in a log cabin with a small group of Christians. Morning Star Church started with a prayer meeting and Sunday School. Mr. Walter Dunn, Sr. and Mrs. Lizzie Dunn family was granted the use of the land for Morning Star Church in the late 1800s by Mr. John Anderson Kirby.

The Pastors of Morning Star Baptist Church have worked to show strong leadership in the community. Pastor Sam Brown was the 1st Pastor and he laid the first Corner Stone in 1898. Morning Star Church has a list of Pastors ``Godly Shepherds'' who have helped to advance the important work in northwest Mississippi: 1.--Pastor Sam Brown, 2.--Pastor Tom Matton, 3.--Pastor Stackhouse, 4.--Pastor E.P. Johnson, 5.--Pastor Wallace, 6.--Pastor Lundon, 7.--Pastor Brown, 8.--Pastor Warn Thomas, 9.--Pastor Gabe White, 10.--Pastor Brown, 11.--Pastor Underwood, 12.-- Pastor Jinkins (Great Worker), 13.--Pastor Henry, 14.--Pastor C.H. Payne [He laid the second corner stone in 1926], 15.--Pastor R.B. Starks, 16.--Pastor Holden, 17.--Pastor J.L. Linzy, 18.--Pastor R.H. Hendrick, 19.--Pastor A.W. Parker, 20.--Pastor I.S. Lewis, 21.--Pastor Lundy Jones, Jr., and 22.--Pastor Charles Bowles (current Pastor).

Mr. Willie Dunn, the son of Mr. Walter Dunn, Sr., carried on the productive church work of his father at Morning Star Baptist Church for many years. As a community family church, Morning Star Baptist Church evolved from the original log cabin, to a wooden structure, to a concrete block building, to the current new brick church.

The ``Old White Brick'' Morning Star Baptist Church building was a ``good building'' that had simply worn down over time since it was rebuilt in 1963. During the early 1990's to 2003, the Morning Star Church Members under the leadership of Pastor Lundy Jones, Jr. and Deacon Louis Harris, Sr. had to do several major structural repairs to the building. The plumbing, septic tank, and the floors had to be repaired and replaced. The shifting of the building foundation caused the walls to crack and a cable system had to be attached to the walls to keep them from falling.

During the winter months, it was bone chilling cold and during the summer months, it was sweltering hot because the building only had ceiling and floor fans. The Deacons would also arrive early on Sunday mornings to chase out the snakes, wasps, and other pests. After years of doing construction work to maintain the Old Church Building, and with the need to expand the Old White Brick Church building, a critical decision had to be made. Around the new Millennial of 2000, Deacon James E. Dunn provided leadership and shared his vision with the Church Leaders that it would be more cost effective to build a new church than to continue to repair the old building along with the expansion project. Morning Star Church Members under the leadership of the Deacons started to talk about the need for a new Sanctuary. After twelve months or more of talking, planning, thinking, and praying, the process to build a new Morning Star Church-Sanctuary was agreed upon.

In January of 2002, under the inspirational leadership of Deacon James E. Dunn, the beginning concept of the ``New Building'' for Morning Star M.B. Church was accepted by the Morning Star Leadership. In January of 2003, Deacon James E. Dunn transformed his ideas and his professional building designs for the (New) Morning Star Church into a working building plan that was developed with the assistance of Architects Wenzel and Associates on May 14, 2003.

On April 19, 2003, a ground-breaking ceremony was conducted for the expansion of Morning Star Baptist Church Building. At that time, the Morning Star Church Family was presented with the Deed of Trust for the land by Mr. James and Mrs. Louise (Kirby) Ellis.

October of 2004, was the start of the physical construction of the (``New'') Morning Star Church Building. Deacon James E. Dunn volunteered his time and service along with Taylor Construction to lay the concrete.

On July 3, 2005, the Morning Star Baptist Church Congregation walked over from the Old Morning Star Church to the (New) Morning Star Sanctuary for the 1st Sunday Worship. Since that time, Morning Star Baptist Church Family has continued to grow physically and spiritually.

Morning Star Baptist Church continues today along with other churches in Tunica County to serve the needs of the African American Communities.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Morning Star Baptist Church for its dedication to serving our community and great country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John Taylor, Jr. for his outstanding service to the City of Jackson.

Mr. John Taylor, Jr., is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. He was raised and nurtured in a Christian home by his parents, John and Letha Taylor.

Taylor accepted his call to the ministry at 16 years of age at New Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson and has continued spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ through his ministry ever since.

In the year of 2001, Taylor graduated from Lanier High School and later studied business administration at Belhaven University from 2007 to 2010.

He is the founder of many initiatives in the Jackson Metro Area: The Frank E. Melton Senior Citizens Thanksgiving Dinner, which caters to over 200 senior citizens annually; the John Jr. Gospel Ministries; the John Taylor-Wood Street Christmas Toy Give Away; and the Annual God Loves You Community Festival in JC Park.

Taylor obtained a magnitude of skills after training with FEMA's Emergency Management Institute and later assisted individuals on the Gulf Coast during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

He is an exceptional member of the Jackson Medical Mall Community Advisory Board. Mississippi State's Department of Health certified Taylor as an HIV and STD Prevention Counselor.

Taylor is a contributing member of the following organizations: King Hiram Grand Lodge; First Baptist Church of Jackson, Mississippi; Police Benevolent Association, Inc.; and the Lanier High School National Alumni Association.

Taylor's mission has been to assist others through community service while simultaneously serving as a mentor and role model for all those he encounters. The love of his life, Sherwana Taylor, has been of major support throughout all his endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. John Taylor, Jr. for his years of dedicated leadership and servanthood to the Jackson community.