Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the retirement of Ms. Thelma Collins, who has tirelessly devoted herself to the betterment of Itta Bena, Mississippi, through her works as a Servant Mayor for 12 years. As a native to this Delta community, Mrs. Collins has always believed in her dreams to see Itta Bena develop into a vibrant, healthy place for growing up and growing old.

In the pursuit of her vision, Mrs. Collins attended and graduated from Mississippi Valley State University, and then continued her education by receiving a Master's Degree at Mississippi State University. Post-graduation, Mrs. Collins began her career with over 30 years in education--serving as a teacher, an adjunct professor at Mississippi Valley State University, and as a recognized member of many civil and spiritual boards.

In August 1996, Mrs. Collins was elected to serve her first Mayoral term in the city of Itta Bena, Mississippi. After sitting four years out of office, Mrs. Collins' continued vision inspired her to return to office and serve a second term in 2005. Still hopeful to see a progressive Itta Bena, Ms. Collins returned to serve a spiritual led third term in 2009. However, due to the poor economic state of Itta Bena, Ms. Collins refused a salary, and served this final term pro bono.

Amongst Mrs. Collins many noteworthy accomplishments, is her dedication and the success she achieved in not only getting the IRS to remove the city's lien, but also to abate it's more than $200,000 tax debt.

Mrs. Collins has been married to Reverend Johnny Collins for forty- nine years. They have one son, John Paul Collins, a daughter-in-law, and five grandchildren. At this juncture during her retirement, her ultimate aspiration is to continue her works in the improvement and livelihood of her citizens of Itta Bena, while remaining close and led by her relationship with Christ.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Mrs. Thelma Collins, for her dedication and service to the great city of Itta Bena, Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, tonight, I am privileged to rise in support of recognizing a true hero in not only the State of Mississippi, but this country as a whole. Her name is Fannie Lou Hamer. Fannie Lou Hamer will be 100 years old this week. I am happy to say that part of who I am can be attributed to my association with Ms. Hamer.

Mr. Speaker, before I get into my message, I would like to yield to the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. Watson Coleman).

Mr. Speaker, I will tell the gentlewoman from New Jersey that I had the opportunity to meet Ms. Hamer as a young college student at Tougaloo College. Facts about it, one of the first campaigns I worked on as a college student was Ms. Hamer's campaign for Congress, even though, as the gentlewoman indicated, she lost. But I now represent the Second District of Mississippi, and it was Ms. Hamer's spirit that still lives on.

In Sunflower County, Mississippi, the majority of the population is African American. At the time she registered to vote, we had no African Americans elected officials in Sunflower County. I am happy to report to you now that the sheriff is African American; the chancery clerk, the circuit clerk, four of the five county supervisors are African American; so Ms. Hamer's work has not been in vain.

As you also indicated, the Devil is busy creating tricks to disenfranchise people--voter ID, closing voting polls, making it more difficult for people in rural areas to get to the polls to vote, especially in areas where you don't have public transportation.

So, Ms. Hamer's 100th birthday should be spent rededicating ourselves

to her legacy. One of the things that everyone loves to quote is Ms. Hamer's words that she is ``sick and tired of being sick and tired.'' Well, that goes a long way, especially given the administration we are being challenged with here in Washington now. Hopefully, Ms. Hamer's spirit will live on.

Congresswoman Karen Bass and myself visited Ms. Hamer's grave this past Saturday in Ruleville, Mississippi, and it was very touching. The community, in her death, has really embraced not only she, but her husband, Pat, and created a monument downtown Ruleville to her memory.

When I was a freshman Member of this body, I named the post office in Ruleville, Mississippi, after Ms. Hamer, and I am happy to say that the mayor of Ruleville, Mississippi, now is an African-American female.

So Ms. Hamer's legacy, her involvement with SNCC, her involvement with the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, all those things have made not just Mississippi, but this country a better place--affordable housing, all those things that she wanted, access to not only healthcare, but access to affordable healthcare, many of those items she talked about.

As a Christian woman, she believed in nonviolence, but she also believed in direct action. She was assaulted in the Winona, Mississippi, jail for advocating the right to vote.

In spite of what she encountered, she served as a shining example of what a truly committed individual can accomplish.

I yield to the gentlewoman from New Jersey.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to say to the gentlewoman that that 1964 Atlantic City Democratic National Convention set the tone for opening up the Democratic Party to people of all races and colors because Mrs. Hamer challenged the all-White makeup of the Mississippi delegation by saying Black people couldn't participate. They were systematically excluded from the selection process, and she appealed to that convention to do better.

I am happy, as you know, to report that the convention heard Mrs. Hamer and decided that an all-White delegation from the State with the highest percentage of African Americans in the country could not be justified. So the delegation was not only integrated at the convention, but, for a time, we shared the chairmanships of the party. We had a co- chair that was White and a co-chair that was African American. So Mrs. Hamer's spirit still lives on.

One of the real issues that really touches most of our hearts is that she was a very humble person. She had the kind of spirit in her delivery that you just had to pay attention to. She had the aura when she walked in a room that whatever you were doing, you had to stop and pay attention to this very simple person who came in. But every time she opened her mouth, something very prophetic would come out.

So for a lot of individuals who think that Fannie Lou Hamer's time has come and gone, I think it is fitting and proper that at this 100th birthday celebration, we recommit ourselves to many of the things that Mrs. Hamer stood for: inclusion; not leaving people out because they don't live in the big house on the hill; to make sure that our children receive the best education possible. All of those things Mrs. Hamer was noted for.

I yield to the gentlewoman from New Jersey.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for the very kind comments. But to talk about Mrs. Hamer and her work is easy. It speaks for itself. I am very privileged, as I indicated, to have known her, to have participated in a number of meetings.

One of the other things that I realized, she didn't--as we used to say, there were no big Is and little yous. She saw everyone the same. It didn't matter whether you belonged to the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, or the Black Panther Party, or the Deacons for Defense and Justice. You still had room at the table under Mrs. Hamer's tutelage. Many of us are privileged to have known her in that way, and we try to pattern our lives after her.

The National Council of Negro Women really worked very hard with Mrs. Hamer in producing affordable housing and to making sure that farmers cooperatives could be developed in the Mississippi Delta. Because as some would choose to forget, Mrs. Hamer was put off the plantation that she lived on because she was encouraging people to register and vote.

But those were the times that we all lived in, and we saw it. When I ran for Congress, there were people who worked on farms who were required to work overtime so that they couldn't go to the polls before they closed. So there are a lot of things that we saw during Mrs. Hamer's time. The tricks are still being played.

So it is in the spirit of Fannie Lou that we pay tribute tonight to her. It is in that spirit of Fannie Lou that we wish her a happy 100th birthday. But it is also in her spirit that, as they say in South Africa, ``the struggle continues,'' ``a luta continua.''

I know in the Congressional Black Caucus we call ourselves the conscience of Congress. We have to be. If we don't speak up for many of the people that Mrs. Hamer loved the most, who will? We were sent here to care for the opposition on behalf of the people who can't afford to hire lobbyists; on behalf of the people who can't get on a plane and fly to Washington and talk to their congressperson; on behalf of the little child who not only is struggling to get into the Head Start program, but whose parents are having a hard time.

So our representation as members of the Congressional Black Caucus is predicated on many of the things that Mrs. Hamer stood for in her lifetime. We can't ever forget her spirit. We can't ever forget her energy. And even though we have the opportunity as Members of Congress to meet people from all over the world, one of the things that she used to say is: ``You know, I walked among kings, but I have always kept the common touch.''

It is in that spirit that I appreciate the gentlewoman helping me carry forth this time for Mrs. Hamer as she celebrates here 100th birthday. If the

gentlewoman has some closing comments or something she would like to add, I yield to the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. Watson Coleman).

Thank you very much Mrs. Watson Coleman for your participation.

The last point I would like to make is, in Mrs. Hamer's day, it was poll tax. It was: How many bubbles are in a bar of soap? How many grains of sand are on the beach?

Now it is moving the polls in the interest of saving money, but you are disenfranchising people who don't have the ability to go further. It is the gerrymandering of districts so that you have the richest people in an area in the same district as the poorest people in that area. There are no real communities of interest.

If I am worried about paying the light bill or the rent, then there is a great possibility that I won't go vote. But if I own a house and own a car and know where my next meal is coming from, I will go vote. So we have what we call communities of interest, and Mrs. Hamer talked about that.

So, again, we wanted to make sure that this week did not go by without giving Mrs. Hamer her due recognition for her 100th birthday. There will be a lot of other activities after this Special Order hour in memory of Mrs. Hamer.

We have a movie that will be produced talking about her life and legacy and her contribution to this great country of ours. I look forward to that as well as making sure that our children and grandchildren understand who this great woman was and what she meant to this country of ours and so many of us who pattern after her. So, again, thank you very much.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to call attention to President Trump's lack of concern for the thousands of Americans affected by the hurricanes throughout the U.S. and most recently in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, which has reminded us of the devastation Hurricane Katrina caused. Instead of showing compassion to those suffering, the president and his administration have condemned African-American athletes and a Black, female sports commentator for exercising their constitutional right to protest and voice their opinions.

Today, I stand with the athletes who choose to take a knee during the national anthem and those who speak out fighting against racial inequality that still persists throughout this country.

I suggest President Trump spends less time tweeting discriminatory comments and more time focusing on the issues of our country.

Tonight, I recognize a civil rights hero whose work is no small part of the reason I and many other African-American members of Congress are able to stand before you today.

Ms. Fannie Lou Hamer was born in 1917 in Montgomery County, Mississippi. During the civil rights era, Ms. Hamer, at the age of just 6-years-old joined her family picking cotton on the plantation of W.D. Marlow in Sunflower County, Mississippi.

Though, she began to pick cotton at a young age, Ms. Hamer was able to complete many years in school learning how to read and write, which helped her serve hundreds of African-Americans throughout her life.

In the 1960s, Ms. Hamer joined the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, an organization providing African-Americans the opportunity to register to vote. Ms. Hamer taught Black Mississippians how to read and write in order for them to pass discriminatory literacy tests designed to prevent Black Americans from registering to vote.

In 1962, Ms. Hamer along with 17 Black Mississippians traveled by bus from Ruleville, Mississippi, to Indianola, Mississippi, to register to vote. Upon arrival, the group was blocked from entry by local law enforcement. But, Ms. Hamer and one of her fellow travelers were able to fill out a voter application and take the literacy test, but due to discrimination the two were unable to register. This did not deter Ms. Hamer's passion and willingness to fight racism throughout Mississippi.

On the group's way back to Ruleville, the bus was stopped by local police officers and the driver was arrested. In that very moment of racism and trail, Ms. Hamer began to sing Negro spirituals leaving a clear message to her oppressors that she would never give up.

Her leadership was a beacon of hope for so many Black Mississippians that in 1964, Ms. Hamer ran for Congress to represent Mississippi's Second Congressional District as a Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party candidate, a party which she founded to promote equal rights for African-Americans in Mississippi.

During the 1960s, very few women especially women of color threw their hat into the ring for a Congressional bid. Her willingness to run in Mississippi at that time was and continues to be a powerful act in itself. Though she was unsuccessful, her speeches, messages and visits to African-Americans around the state resonated.

Ms. Hamer provided inspiration for me to work for the Student Non- Violent Coordinating Committee, while I attended Tougaloo College continuing Ms. Hamer's work to get African-Americans across Mississippi registered to vote. I remember volunteering for Ms. Hamer's Congressional campaign and getting inspired to serve the people of Mississippi. Today, I represent Mississippi's Second Congressional District, and I cannot help but think that Ms. Hamer is smiling down on me. Her courage and brilliance is one of the reasons I stand on this floor today.

I am honored to be able to give time to honor a legend and civil rights icon. Ms. Fannie Lou Hamer's legacy will forever live on, and I stand here today along with my colleagues to pay homage to a true hero.

general leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on my Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 8 o'clock and 28 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, October 4, 2017, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.

Mr. Speaker, sixty-two years ago, on August 28, 1955, in Money, Mississippi, a young African-American child by the name of Emmett Till was murdered while visiting from Chicago. Till's life was taken from him after a white woman alleged he whistled at her. Following her claim, the woman's husband and brother found Till and assassinated him. The two men took Till from the home of his great uncle and shortly after, his body was found mutilated and disfigured. Yet, the murderers of Emmett Till were found not guilty by an all-white jury. Recently, the allegations against Till have been found to be untrue. The accuser herself recanted her accusations in July of this year. Six decades later, she finally admits that she lied while under oath about Till's actions on the day she alleged he made advances toward her outside of a grocery store.

Today, we also mourn the death of Simeon Wright, Emmett's cousin, and one of the last people to see Till before he was abducted and murdered. The story of Emmett Till is a blunt reminder of racial inequality, as well as the inequality in our justice system in which we must continue to combat. As we continue the fight to overcome racial injustice, white supremacy and police brutality, let us do so by

honoring the legacy of Emmett Till and many other African-Americans in Mississippi and throughout this country who have suffered from racial discrimination.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2825, the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act of 2017.

Mr. Speaker, most Americans give little thought to the range of activities that the Department of Homeland Security undertakes every day to safeguard our Nation. Consideration of this legislation today provides us with the opportunity to take a moment to not only acknowledge the contributions of the 240,000 men and women who serve at the Department but to consider what DHS does on a daily basis.

On any given day, the Transportation Security Administration screens 2 million air passengers and 1 million bags. The Federal Protective Service protects 1.4 million people who visit and work in Federal buildings. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection screens 282,000 vehicles, 72,000 truck, rail, and maritime containers. The U.S. Coast Guard seizes and removes over 1,000 pounds of drugs and saves more than 10 lives in search and rescue operations daily.

The Secret Service provides physical protection to the Nation's highest elected leaders, visiting foreign dignitaries, facilities, and major events. And the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center issues 50 cyber warnings and blocks nearly 2,000 intrusions.

This list of activities is not, by any means, exhaustive, but I think it is important for Members to keep in mind what DHS does every day, as we consider H.R. 2825.

A central focus of this legislation is improving operations within the DHS by, among other things, bolstering acquisition management, employee engagement, policymaking, stakeholder engagement, and civil rights and civil liberties.

Additionally, H.R. 2825 seeks to enhance DHS' counterterrorism and intelligence efforts and the sharing of threat information with State, local, and regional fusion centers.

I am particularly pleased that H.R. 2825 rejects the Trump administration's proposed cuts to assistance to State and local jurisdictions. Not only does H.R. 2825 authorize homeland security first responder grants, training, and exercises, but it also restores funding for two critical TSA programs: the Law Enforcement Grant Program and the program to fund security staffing at airport exit lanes.

With respect to the Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Program, it authorizes funding at $800 million, which is $350 million above President Donald Trump's request. For the State Homeland Security Grant Program, it authorizes $600 million, which is $250 million above President Donald Trump's request.

Additionally, the Transit Security, Port Security, Nonprofit Security, and

Stonegarden Grant Programs are authorized at levels well above President Donald Trump's request.

When it comes to securing our Nation, the American public expects DHS to make smart investments. H.R. 2825 seeks to ensure that the policies and protections are in place to do just that.

It has been almost 15 years since 22 agencies were thrust together to create the third largest Federal department. Since that time, DHS has never been reauthorized.

Today, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure, which gives DHS the direction and support it needs to safeguard our Nation.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Demings).

I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Barragan), who represents the largest container port in the Nation, the port of L.A.-Long Beach.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2825 was unanimously approved by the Committee on Homeland Security on June 14, 2017, after 39 Democratic amendments focused on strengthening the underlying bipartisan bill were accepted.

To make this legislative package more complete, subsequent to committee consideration, text that was approved by the Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees was added.

Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to join me in supporting passage of this important homeland security legislation that includes provisions that have the support of groups as diverse as the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, National Fusion Center Association, the Jewish Federations of North America, the American Federation of Government Employees, and the American Public Transportation Association.

Mr. Speaker, let me compliment the chairman for a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Commander Reginald Cooper.

Commander Cooper is a native of Tchula and a 1997 graduate of Jackson State University. Commander Cooper began his career at the Jackson Police Department where he worked as a patrol officer, served with the Violent Crimes Task Force and as a Detective in the Robbery/Homicide Division. Commander Cooper later served as a Domestic Violence Detective with the Yazoo City Police Department where he was recognized by the Center for Violence Prevention as ``Hero of the Year'' in 2010. Commander Cooper began working as a Sergeant for the Byram Police Department in 2011 and later promoted to Sergeant of the Detective Bureau. Commander Cooper was promoted to Commander of Administrative Support in 2016. The Administrative Support Bureau includes the Criminal Investigations Division, Communications, Records and Accreditation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Commander Reginald Cooper for his dedication to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Tametrice Eckols Strickland.

Among the poets, trailblazers, and educational leaders who have paved the way, one of our local educational leaders is Tametrice LaChelle Eckols Strickland, an administrator, mother, daughter, and advisor. Tametrice Strickland was born August 8, 1973, in Marks, Mississippi to L. T. and Lula Eckols. She has lived in the rural town of Lambert, Mississippi, and she has remained there for forty-three years.

Living in the Delta, God and family were at the forefront of daily life. She has been a member of Sykes Chapel Missionary Baptist Church most of her life. Having a relationship with God has been instilled in her. She is currently an evangelist, and she teaches Sunday School and Bible class lessons to adults, works with Sykes Chapel's Youth Ministry, Confinement Ministry, and Nursing Home Ministry.

Her teachers, family, and peers played a vital part in shaping her life. She really enjoyed school and was an honor student from elementary to high school while attending Quitman County public schools. In 1995, she graduated from Quitman County High School as the class president and class Valedictorian. After she graduated from high school, she attended University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi. After she married in the spring, her first son, Larry Strickland, Jr., was born in the winter of her senior year. However, she refused to allow anything to deter her from her dreams. She became more determined, and she persevered. Later that year, she graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English.

In August 1995, she returned to her hometown because she wanted to contribute to her community. She worked at Southside Junior High as a kindergarten instructor. In May of 1996, she transferred to Quitman County Middle School to teach language arts to sixth grade students. After teaching at Quitman County Middle School for two years, she served as an instructional coach. During this time, her second child, Aikeem Strickland, was born with physical and cognitive disabilities. She traveled to Northwest Mississippi Regional Hospital in Clarksdale, Mississippi and Lebonheur Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee almost bimonthly for years. Yet, she graduated in 2010 with a Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Mississippi.

In the summer of 2010 she enrolled in the Mississippi Alternative Path to Quality Leadership Program (MAPQSL) at Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, Mississippi. After completing her internship, she became an assistant principal at Quitman County Middle School. She served as an assistant principal for one year. The following year, she became the principal of Quitman County Middle School, and she served in that capacity for two years. She became the director of the first Alternative Pathway to Excellence Program in Quitman County School District. She worked with students who really needed a second chance and assistance with academic and behavior and tried to inspire them to achieve their goals. Instead of going from the pipeline of school to prison, her students went through the pipeline of school to school, college or a career.

Her life has been impacted by her family, instructors, colleagues, and people in her community. Her former instructors showed compassion toward her and positively impacted her life. Tametrice Strickland has been employed with Quitman County School District for twenty-one years and is currently an assistant principal at Madison Shannon Palmer High School. She is an inspiring example of dedication and determination. During her lifetime, she has strived to support and empower instructors and provide support, opportunities, and pathways for students to excel. Her former students are now innovative, highly qualified instructors, visionary administrators, effective managers, responsible nurses, and productive leaders.

In addition to working for Quitman County School District, she has served as a consultant for Mississippi Valley State University Reading Institute for two years. Additionally, she has served as a site coordinator for the Foundation of Economic and Education Development (FEED) and Motivating Parents and Children from August 2003 through May 2006, Lead Teacher for Create of Mississippi in 2005 and presented at the Mississippi Department of Education Summer Conference in June 2006.

Tametrice Strickland has been composing poems and short stories since she was sixth grade. Today, she is still working on poetry books and short stories to publish in the future. Some of her accolades include Who's Who among America's Teachers, Teacher of the Month, Appreciation Award from the Foundation of Economic and Education Development (FEED) and Motivating Parents and Children Program (MPAC), Inspiring Vision Award from Batesville Job Corps Center, and Outstanding Community Service Award from Quitman County Development Organization, Inc.

On May 13, 2017, Tametrice Strickland received her Specialist in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. As an educator, her goals remain the same. She wants to motivate students to strive for greatness and discover their full potential. She wants to inspire the next generation to affect a positive change in the Quitman County; this rural location does not determine the students' destination. She believes that students have the ability to discover, create, and excel, and it is their duty to prepare them with the necessary tools.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Tametrice Eckols Strickland as an amazing administrator who is goal oriented and making a difference in her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Cadet Col. Kayla Pippins of Callaway High School who was named the 2017 Jackson Public Schools JROTC Cadet of the Year.

Kayla Pippins serves as the Battalion Commander for Callaway's 4th Battalion Charging Chargers. She holds a 3.25 GPA and has earned a score of 24 on the ACT. She is a model cadet, not only for her battalion but for every cadet in the JROTC program. She has consistently demonstrated profound leadership throughout her four years as a JROTC cadet, earning her schools' top Leadership Education and Training award for her grade level in her 9th and 11th grade years.

Kayla Pippins also serves as President of Callaway's Jobs for Mississippi Graduates program, and in 2015, she was selected to represent that program in Washington, D.C., at the Jobs for America's Graduates National Conference. She is very active in her community and has assisted in several community service activities such as the New Hope Baptist Church Community Health Fair, Cottage Grove Nursing Home visits, Trendsetter Mentor program for North Jackson Elementary School and Callaway's Veterans Day program. She also serves as Sunday School Secretary and an usher at her church, Hope Spring Missionary Baptist Church.

Cadet Pippins has attended Girls State at the University of Southern Mississippi and the Junior ROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge at Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

After high school, Cadet Pippins plans to attend Tougaloo College and major in social work and to attain a Doctorate degree.

Kayla Pippins is the youngest child of Faylena Pippins.

The 13th Annual JROTC Cadet of the Year Awards Ceremony was held after a rigorous competition that culminated in an oral presentation before a panel of distinguished judges. The Cadet of the Year was announced during this formal banquet. The school-level Cadets of the Year were also honored along with the top performing Leadership Education and Training cadets for each grade level.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Cadet Col. Kayla Pippins for her dedication to serving.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a goal oriented student at Madison Shannon Palmer High School in Marks, Mississippi.

Isha Williams is the daughter of Jamesetta Strong. She is a senior at Madison Shannon Palmer High School. She participates in many activities such as basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading. In addition to her academic and athletic activities, she is a member of the Beta Club. She has received many awards for her outstanding academic performances such as an ACT Scholar (20 or above award for ACT), a Superintendent's List award, and an Outstanding Achievement award. Her goals and future plans consist of graduating from Basic Combat Training, AIT, and attending the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss University) to receive her master's degree.

Not only does she overachieve in school, but Isha also helps out in her community. She has tutored students in her Calculus class and other classmates as well. Isha has tutored elementary students after school on Mondays through Thursdays. She also has helped her friend train and exercise so that she can join the Air Force. She attended a workshop at Mississippi Valley State University, and she helped the instructor by reviewing math problems and explaining each of them to other students. Isha is an overachiever who has made a difference in helping others.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Isha Williams as a student who is goal oriented and making a difference in her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a remarkable person, U.S. Army Specialist 7 Retired Howard Herman Hargrove.

A native of Manson County, North Carolina, Spec 7 Hargrove moved to Mississippi in December 2005 to be near his only daughter, Gail Hargrove Marshall Brown. The late Spec 7 Retired Hargrove was a dedicated resident of the Second Congressional District in Clinton, Mississippi for five years.

Spec 7 Hargrove took great pride in exercising his right to vote and in serving his country. He served in the United States Army from January 14, 1948 to March 31, 1972 on several tours of duty. His military service included the Korean Conflict, from 1950 to 1951 with the 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Field Artillery Battalion and the Vietnam War where he served two tours in Vietnam and was proud to be honorably discharged without ``a scratch or a wound''.

Spec 7 Hargrove was among the thousands of Korean War Veterans who gathered in Washington, D.C. at the Pentagon on June 30, 2000. The ceremony was held at the Korean War Memorial on the National Mall to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of that war. The veterans were honored by President Bill Clinton who told them that this nation will never forget their bravery, service and sacrifice.

During his time as a Clinton, Mississippi resident, Spec 7 Hargrove actively attended Holy Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, pastored by the first female pastor of a Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, Rev. Dr. Audrey Lynne Hall, who affectionately referred to him as ``Papa Hargrove.'' During one of the church's Men's Day programs on Father's Day, Hargrove was recognized by the Pastor and the Church as its ``Oldest Father''.

As a member of Holy Temple, he contributed generously to the church financially. During a time when the small, but growing church's Kitchen Ministry was in need of a new stove, Spec 7 Hargrove found it in his heart to purchase a commercial stove for the church which is still being used by the Kitchen Ministry today. He also contributed financially to a Metro-Jackson Karate program at one of the local YMCA.

A quiet, friendly man, who believed heavily in the love and unity of family, Spec 7 Hargrove succumbed to complications due to Alzheimer's on June 27, 2010 at 2:30 a.m. in the VA Medical Center (Hospice Unit) in Jackson, MS. He had battled the horrific Alzheimer's disease for nearly half a decade.

His daughter, Gail, salutes his memory and legacy by being a strong advocate in the fight against Alzheimer's. She said, although he had forgotten who she was before he deceased, he never forgot the fact that he had proudly served his country in the military.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the late Specialist 7 Howard Herman Hargrove as a remarkable person who made a difference in his community and our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable young man, Mr. Damien Green of Clinton, Mississippi.

Damien Green was born on October 15, 1999 to Ms. Jessica Green. He's currently a member of Jackson Revival Center Church, where he serves on the Media Team. He is a part-time employee at Metro 24 Bowling Center and MS Braves. During his spare time, Damien enjoys bowling and traveling.

Damien, a 2017 graduate of Clinton High School, was the Captain of the Bowling Team (Clinton Kingpins) and the Director of Football Operations of Clinton High School's 2016 to 2017 6A-State Championship.

With such honor, Damien has signed the first Bowling Scholarship ever given at Clinton High School (Clinton, MS). He will attend Blue Mountain College in Blue Mountain, MS, where he will major in Mathematics.

Damien learned the sport from his grandfather, Gregory Green. Greg, an accomplished bowler in his own right, is the Owner of Metro 24 Bowling Center (formerly the Cotton Bowl Lanes) on Lynch Street. Damien has been bowling seriously since he was 10 years old and has been on the Clinton Bowling Team since the 7th grade. Damien's bowling average is in the low 200, personal best is 277 and a perfect score is 300. Damien is ranked the No. 2 bowler in the district and the No. 6 bowler in the State of MS. With so many accomplishments over his years, he was awarded the Highest Average and Team Leader of Clinton High School's Bowling Team.

Damien's bowling Coach, Charlie Melton said, ``Damien has been making a name for himself for the past couple of years''. Coach Melton went on to say that the scholarship is a ``huge incentive'' for other members of the bowling team as it will make them work harder to achieve the same accomplishment. Of the scholarship, Damien said ``It gives me an opportunity to do something that I love, and I am going to take advantage of that opportunity. It shows that my hard work did not go to waste.''

With a cheering and supportive family, school district and church family, Damien is excited about doing his best. He tells his mom constantly that ``The best is yet to come,'' and she is definitely his number one fan.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Damien Green for all of his hard work, leadership, accomplishments and becoming a part of history, here in the Second Congressional District of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the congregation of the Fairview M.B. Church which was organized in 1918, under the leadership of the late Rev. Mark Burns; in an old store-front building on the corner of Amite and Jefferson Streets.

Following the lead of the Holy Spirit and with bare necessities such as wooden apple boxes and planks for seating, Rev. Burns moved forward with (2) deacons, Bro. Jeff Mason and Bro. John Camel; a church clerk, Sis. Ella Patton, and following her death Sis. Olive Patton. After 6 years of hard work and self-sacrifice by the faithful few, enough monies were raised to purchase a lot on Mississippi Street from M.A. Lewis. By 1924, the membership had grown to about 25 members and the church was officially built.

Rev. Burns was called to another assignment, and the late Rev. Willie Pickens, was called to carry on many unfinished task. He was a very good orator and the church grew mightily under his leadership. Following Rev. Pickens, the late Rev. N. Trouvillion, was called to service for a short time, and then came a Rev. Jackson. In 1930, the Rev. F. W. Coleman was called as pastor. He was a young dynamic man just beginning in the ministry. During his 14 years of service, much was accomplished; different auxiliaries were organized, and many more souls were added to the church. Directly following Rev. Coleman, the Rev. R. L. Varnado former pastor of Ridley Hill Baptist Church of Madison County was elected and served 8 years of which the church continued to grow in souls and finances.

In 1953, the Rev. R. H. Walls, former pastor of Pilgrim's Rest Baptist Church of Madison, succeeded Rev. Varnado. During his tenure, the church roofing was updated, the siding painted, a walk-way was installed, and an organ and piano were purchased. The Deacons Ministry grew under the beginning administration as followed: Brothers Jess Moss, John Camel, Sam Patton, Hemphill, Alforna Lewis, Charlie Spencer, Harvey Miles, Buster Jones, Joseph Walker, Vertis Kersh, Cleveland Jorner, and Albert Smith.

On April 27, 1962 by the Spirit of God leading, the Fairview church called Rev. S.L. Spann, Sr. as pastor. Through the mighty hand of God he led the church from the building on Mississippi Street to 2545 Newport Street. Just a little over a year later that building was upgraded and the original 65 members that came from Mississippi Street were now 300 strong.

After settlement on Newport Street, Fairview Church began to really grow and the name was changed to Greater Fairview Missionary Baptist Church. Through the leadership and teachings of Pastor Spann, the Word of God was being planted deeply in the hearts of men and they were being urged not to just congregate but to participate; to use the talents God had bestowed upon them in love and with purpose. Many new ministries were established to accommodate and involve everyone in this newly growing fellowship. The needs were met through the establishment of Matron's and Junior Matron's League, Juniors Usher Board, Laymen's and Jr. Laymen's Association, Missionary Society and the YWA Association, all training tools for the young people. The Sunday school grew to 10 individual teaching classrooms. Rev. Spann understood the importance of proper training and in order to reap a productive harvest someone had to plant the ``Right(eous) Seeds''.

To aid in priming the soil for planting of the Word, soul stirring music was needed, so several choirs were established: The Senior Choir, under the direction of the late Sis. Rebecca Jordan; the Youth and Junior Choirs were led by Sis. Lannie Spann; and Sis. Mary Davis was pianist for the Male Chorus and Chancel Choir, which later became the Inspirational Choir. The church also in-acted an After-School Tutorial Program, led by the late Bro. George Coleman, then by Sis. Velma Spann, and finally by Deacon Charles Smith. The students were not only taught the 3R's but also offered a holistic approach to their student studies.

Greater Fairview became a true source of spiritual revitalization for the Shady Oaks community and the people that were being drawn through her doors by the pure God-given preaching of Pastor Spann, and the strong spiritual messages through songs sung by the choirs, and all the teachings through love were aids in growing this congregation. The Young Adult Choir was a great draw to the community and church alike; recording its' first album in 1973 and touring the country representing Christ and the church respectively.

Greater Fairview continued to grow in leaps and bounds and the unadulterated word of God continued to come forth encouraging, admonishing, and changing the lives of many. Under Spann's leadership many Sons were called, nurtured, and equipped for service using Godly precepts, fatherly teachings. and examples, they are as follows: the late Rev. Annia Collier, the late Rev. John Hunter, Rev. S.L. Jamison, Rev. Timothy Taylor, the late Rev. Ray Bowman, Rev. H. L. Sylvester, Rev. Robert Clark, Rev. Lonnie Wesley, the late Rev. Keith Brooks, Rev. Christopher Golden, Rev. Kenneth Whitten, Rev. Charlie Jackson, Rev. Johnny Smith, Rev. Bobby Burks, Rev. Willie McDowell, Rev. Dr. John McCarty, Rev. Larry Davidson, Rev. Matthew R. Spann, Rev. Charles Bell, Rev. Charles H. Spann, Rev. Fredrick Green, and Rev. Frederick Hanskins.

In 1992, Dr. Spann was led by the Holy Ghost to build a new sanctuary, and the project began with total support from the church and its leaders. The building was dedicated the 3rd Sunday in October 1995. Many said that Dr. Spann was too old for such a great undertaking, and that he probably wouldn't see it come to fruition. But, to the dismay of many he did see it and led the congregation into the new church on that rainy October day in 1995, and brought many stirring messages for another 4 years, until retirement in 1999.

During the period of Dr. Spann's; honorable position as Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Charles H. Spann served as Interim pastor of the church for approximately fifteen (15) months. Following the formation of a Search Committee by the church; who was charged with the responsibility of selecting a new pastor. Rev. Charles Bell and Rev. Bobby Burks served together as Pulpit Facilitators. Amazingly, these temporal positions for these three (3) Sons of the House provided them with leadership experience and ultimately prepared them; for they were soon called to serve at churches of their own. The words, ``A Church Where Love Prevails over Hate.'' became more prevalent in the process to find a new leader.

As in life when assigmnents are complete they must all move on, and Pastor Spann's assignments were completed on November 9, 2001 after 38 years of service to Greater Fairview Church, the Shady Oaks Community, and the State of Mississippi. He was called home to a just reward, leaving the church sadden yet rejoicing in the fact that they had been taught how to love each other to an un-measurable magnitude, and in the midst of sorrow his teachings could be accessed to help them through the dark hour. But feeling the disconnect, just 9 months later in August 2002, God called Mother Spann home too, leaving the church with a legacy of memories of a hallmark of quiet, gracious, and humble characters in the midst of servitude.

After an arduous process of fasting, praying, and listening to several candidates for pastor, it was decided by a vote that Rev. Danny R. Hollins, a native of Pocahontas, MS and the tenured pastor of Cedar Grove Baptist Church, become the next leader, the majority conceded and he was elected.

Rev. Danny R. Hollins preached his first sermon on the 5th Sunday of July 2001 and was installed as pastor on the third Sunday in October of that same year. Greater Fairview grew over the next few years as the word continued to go forth. They never lost our vision and zeal for ministry and many other ministries were added.

In 2004 the church purchased 34 acres of land on Boling Street for future development. During the 2005 Hurricane Katrina aftermath, the church became a refuge center, and provided shelter for 60 members of one family from Slidell, La. and later to a Hispanic family, from Houston, Texas, when Hurricane Rita hit in September of that same year. The creed of ``Meeting people where they are.'' was truly tested and taken to the limits while helping neighbors.

The Church adopted in 2006 Johnson Elementary School, Morrison Academic Advancement Center in 2007, Dawson Elementary and Northwest Middle Schools in 2010, and also became a satellite program with the Continuing Adult Education Program, of Jackson State University, where many of the members obtained a college degree. Finally, in October of 2010, ground was broken for the long anticipated development. The Fairview Learning Academy, along with the Recreational Outreach Center, was built.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Greater Fairview Missionary Baptist Church.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable historical Mt. Moriah Baptist Union Association.

The Mt. Moriah Baptist Union Association was organized in 1908, by Dr. C.P. Bohannon and he served as the first moderator for the Mt. Moriah MB Union Association for twenty-three years. Thirty congregations united themselves together in an effort to keep alive the hope of a people for the work of service to our Lord has been the strength of this body. Together, we can accomplish what one congregation may not achieve alone. Therefore, strength is generated through unity.

The association represented in the National Baptist Convention, USA, INC., the General Baptist State Convention and Moderator Bohannon Challenged the local churches of Mt. Moriah by say ``our missionary activities in foreign land carried on.'' Moderator Bohannon passed in 1939 and vice moderator A.M. Robert completed his term. Other moderators followed; Rev. William H. Turner (upon his death, Rev. B.J. Edwards, as Vice-Moderator, carried out his term); Rev. J.C. Batteast, Rev. J.C. Hentz, Rev. Amos Sims and the newly elect, Rev. Larry Hervey. In May 1972, Sarah Kimble donated land to the Mt. Moriah District Baptist Association. In July 1982, Moderator Batteast led the association in the purchase of the Davidson Elementary School building in Water Valley to serve as a site for the work of the Association. The facility served the Association's for 18 years.

In March of 1999, the Association Board, under the leadership of Moderator J.C. Hentz, made the decision to build a new headquarters on the land donated by Mrs. Sarah Kimble. The vision of the forefathers has become a reality. The Mt. Moriah District Missionary Baptist Association headquarters was erected in 2000. On May 2008, the Association building was destroyed by fire. Mt. Moriah District Missionary headquarters was rebuilt in 2009 under the leadership of Moderator Sims, and stands today as a testimony of the power of vision among God's people.

In recognition of the challenging need of enlistment of ever growing constituency of the Baptist Churches affiliated with the General Missionary Baptist State Convention, USA, for the purpose of developing a strong and sound progressive denomination to fulfill the ``Great Commission'' enunciated by Jesus Christ, the head of the church. We, the messenger of the Mount Moriah District Missionary Baptist Association pledge its future to carrying forward of programs of religious educational training in church membership, evangelism and mission as sponsored by the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, through its several boards/committees.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Mt. Moriah Baptist Union Association for their dedication and outstanding service to their communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a goal oriented student at Madison Shannon Palmer High School in Marks, Mississippi.

Kennedy Allysa Wright is eighteen years old and a senior at Madison Shannon Palmer High School. She was born in Clarksdale, MS, but she grew up in Marks, MS. She has two siblings, Shadrick Wright, IV and Kaitlyn Wright. Her dad, Shadrick Wright, III works for a local factory and her mother, Cathy Wright, is an LPN II. When she graduates from high school, she plans to attend Mississippi State University and obtain a master's degree in Biological Sciences.

Throughout her tenure at Madison Shannon Palmer High School, she has participated in many organizations and a sport. She has held leadership positions such as President of the FCCLA, Vice President of the Student Council in her eleventh grade year, President of the Student Council in her twelfth grade year, and Treasurer of the Beta Club. She has also participated in other clubs and sport such as the Science Club and Powerlifting.

Along with her participation in various clubs and organizations, she has received many awards for her impressive academic standing and citizenship. She has received many academic awards, such as Highest Average, Superintendent's List, and Perfect Attendance. She has also placed second and third in many of the powerlifting competitions. For her Citizenship Award, she participated in many volunteer and community service projects. She has packed lunches for the needy, donated blood and clothing items, and helped the elderly. She has also been assisting her peers in applying for college.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Kennedy Allysa Wright as a student who is goal oriented and making a difference in her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious young woman, Kayla Michelle Riggs. Kayla has shown what can be done through hard work, setting goals, and aiming high.

Kayla Michelle Riggs was born on May 16, 1992 in Vicksburg, Mississippi to Jeffrey and Sherry Riggs. She attended her Elementary, Junior High School and High School in the Vicksburg/Warren School District.

Kayla graduated from Vicksburg High School in 2010 and went on to attend Northwest Community College in Oxford, MS for one year. She transferred to the University of Mississippi in 2011 and Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in the field of Criminal Justice in 2014.

In 2014, Kayla started her criminal justice career with the Mississippi Gaming Commission and started to work on her Master's Degree from Delta State University. In April 2016 she resigned from the Mississippi Gaming Commission to work on her Master's Degree.

In July of 2016, Kayla join the United States Army in the military occupation skill of Infantry and was placed in the delayed entry program until the United States Army could set a date for the first integrated class of women in the infantry military occupational specialty. In December of 2016, she finished her Masters Work in the field of Criminology and Social Science.

On January 30, 2017, Kayla reported to the United States Army reception station on Sandhill at Fort Benning, Georgia. Then on February 2017, she started in the first enlisted integrated female infantry basic training and advanced individual training class. She received the Infantry Blue Cord on May 18 and graduated on May 19, 2017.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Kayla Michelle Riggs for being a part of a historic class, and her dedication to serving our great Country and strong desire to achieve.