Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable student, Ms. Jalexis Evans.

Jalexis is the daughter of the Latoya Lee and Samuel Evans and the granddaughter of Shirley Evans and the late Glenda Nelson. She is a native of Mound Bayou, Mississippi where she attended John F. Kennedy Memorial High School before being accepted into the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science in Columbus, Mississippi. While attending John F. Kennedy she was class president, the founder of the mentorship program, ``Girl Talk'', and a cheerleader. In her spare time, she volunteers in her community with organizations such as St. Gabriel's Mercy Center, New Life Church, and local nursing homes.

One of the greatest impacts she believes she has made is with the mentoring program she initiated, Girl Talk. Girl Talk was created solely to help empower, encourage, and equip young girls in the community. Their community activism includes nursing homes visits, Christmas with kindergartners, and hosting a tea party for young ladies in middle school to teach proper etiquette.

Jalexis also spends time playing piano and guitar. During her tenure at John F. Kennedy she played the trumpet in the marching band.

A passion of Jalexis is caring for the youth in her community. Though she believes involvement in the community is crucial, she also believes her education will take her far. She works diligently to ensure that her future goals are within her grasp. Attending the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science has granted her many more opportunities to do so. At this school, she receives the best education possible for high schoolers in the

Magnolia state while enriching her knowledge on cultural diversity. Jalexis aspires to enroll into Tulane University and attend the Tulane Accelerated Physician Training Program and earn her medical degree. She plans to become a pediatric oncologist after attending medical school. She's yearned to be a doctor since the young age of three. Her love for children pushed her towards the field of pediatrics and her grandmother's fight with cancer led to her interest and passion for oncology. It also instilled within her a strong determination to find a cure for cancer.

She pursues success in her everyday life by continuing to be an example and role model to her sisters SaMaria, Cilyse, and London.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Jalexis Evans for her educational achievements and dedication to other youths.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lynn Maurice Stinson, who is a chairman, leader, and educator.

Lynn Maurice Stinson was born in Grenada, MS in 1947 to Minnie Louise Stinson and Sam Metcalf. He was raised by his maternal grandparents, Willie B. and Susie Stinson. His early education was at Grenada Colored School and Willia Wilson Elementary in Grenada. Stinson graduated from Carrie Dotson High School in Grenada, MS in 1966.

Stinson's desire to continue his education led him to enroll in Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, MS where he earned an Associate of Arts degree. Stinson then attended Jackson State University in Jackson, MS where he earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Education. Stinson returned back to his home area and began his career in education at Stone Street Elementary in Greenwood, MS. His first position was teaching the integrated study of the Social Sciences and humanities to promote civic competence to 7th and 8th grade students. Stinson's passion was to help each student reach their full potential. He always reminded his students to dream big and work even harder.

A few years later, Stinson transferred to Threadgill Elementary in Greenwood, MS where he taught Social Studies. He later transferred to Greenwood Middle School and eventually retired in 2003 with 30 years of service. Stinson has been a strong supporter of education and those committed to working in the field of education. He is a past president of the Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE) in Greenwood, MS. Stinson also used his skills to help adults in his hometown, Grenada, by teaching GED night classes for several years.

In Stinson early years, he was a participant in the Civil Rights Movement as the community worked to secure equal rights for all citizens. The reality of past conditions and his firsthand knowledge of the effort to open doors to African Americans has driven Stinson to continue his service to the community after his retirement.

Stinson presently holds the position of Election Commissioner for the City of Grenada. He has served in this position since 2005 with a top priority of assuring that the election process in Grenada is fair to all, and with the highest level of integrity. Stinson also serves on the Board of Trustees for Holmes Community College where he is the chairperson of the Insurance Committee.

Stinson is a proud member of the 100 Black Men of Grenada, Inc., where he serves as the chairman of the Education Committee. Stinson is involved in supporting youth and young adults as they strive to prepare themselves for their future and the workforce.

Stinson is a dedicated member of Belle Flower Missionary Baptist Church in Grenada, MS, and has served many years on the deacon board. He also serves as chairman of finance for the Grenada Baptist District Association Men's Department.

When he is not volunteering and participating in church activities, he enjoys traveling and playing golf.

He has been married to Queen Brooks Stinson for 43 years. They have one daughter, Monica Stinson, who resides in Brandon, MS.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Lynn M. Stinson, a Chairman, Leader and Educator for his dedication to serving others and giving back to the African American community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a resourceful and ambitious young man, Mr. Keith M. King. He has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to live a productive life.

Keith M. King was born April 20, 1959 in New Orleans, LA. He lived there for the first two years of his life, before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada with his grandparents for the next five years. At the age of seven, Mr. King joined his parents in Chicago, IL, but due to the increasing violence, they relocated to Mississippi. Mr. King was then ten years old and stayed in Mississippi with his parents until the age of twelve. He then returned back to Las Vegas, Nevada with his grandparents and resided with them for another four years. At the age of sixteen, Mr. King moved back to Mississippi with his parents because of racial riots at his school in Las Vegas.

Mr. King was halfway through the 10th grade as he continued to live in Mississippi until he graduated from the Jefferson County High School in Fayette, Mississippi. Prior to graduating from high school he joined the Army on the delay entry program on December 16, 1976 and entered the service on August 8, 1977. He completed his basic training in Fort Jackson, SC and completed his advanced individual training in Fort Benning, GA. He was stationed at Scofield Barracks in Honolulu, HI. During Mr. King's tour, he was deployed throughout the Pacific. Some of his tours were: Guam, USA, Korea, The Philippines Islands, Australia, The Big Island of Hawaii, Japan and Samoa.

On August 8, 1980, Mr. King joined the Army Reserves. His first unit was the 386th Transportation Unit in Natchez, MS. Mr. King was still with this unit when they got activated on August 27, 1990 to go to Saudi Arabia to serve in the Desert Shield/ Desert Storm War. They stayed in every state in the United States which included Panama, and overseas on numerous occasions. In 1999, Mr. King transferred to the 412th Eng. Battalion in Vicksburg, MS and in 2000 he was deployed and made his sixth and final deployment to Korea before his military career ended. In 2001, he transferred from the 412th Eng. Battalion to the 296th Trucking Company in Brookhaven, MS. On August 30, 2002, Mr. King retired from the military with over twenty-five years of military service for his country. He retired with the rank of E-7, Sergeant First Class.

Mr. King has been married to his lovely wife, Sandra Gamble-King for thirty-one years. They have three children. Their oldest daughter has one daughter, the middle son has a set of twins and their baby boy is only sixteen. They have two Godchildren who they love very much.

Mr. King has a total of twenty-three years of law enforcement experience. He started his law enforcement career in Fayette, MS with the Fayette Police Department and at Alcorn State University Police Department both at the same time. Three years later he left the Fayette Police Department and joined the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. After working with the Sheriff's Office for six years, Mr. King decided to go back to school in 2006 to expand his career and pursue a Criminal Justice Degree, which he obtained in 2010. He graduated with a Bachelor of Art degree having a GPA of 3.5 and he's still with the Alcorn State University Police Department as a Lieutenant.

Mr. King is on the deacon's board at his church, he sings in the choir, and plays the piano for two different churches. He is an author of inspirational writings. His first published book is entitled ``Crying, Through GOD'S Eyes''. He has completed two more books that have not been published yet and is currently working on another one. He has a weekly column in the Fayette Chronicle, the Glory Journal and the GAD About Magazine in Fayette, MS; along with a column in the Bluff City Post in Natchez, MS.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Keith M. King for his dedication to the U.S. military, the 2nd Congressional District and serving his country and community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a resourceful and ambitious mother, Mrs. Louise Smith. Mrs. Smith has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to live a productive life.

Louise Smith was born on February 21, 1925 in Laurel, Mississippi.

Mrs. Smith married Samuel Smith on March 10, 1946 and together they had 11 children, 5 boys and 6 girls. They moved to Yazoo City, Mississippi in the 1950s. When the youngest child was enrolled in kindergarten, Mrs. Smith enrolled in beauty school and later received her license to become a hairstylist. She and her good friend, Dorothy Casey, co-owned a beauty salon in downtown Yazoo City which opened in early 1970s and remained open for over 30 years. When you stopped by to get your hair done, you not only received a great hair styling, but you also got many words of wisdom with a little gospel to lift up your spirits until the next time you came.

Mrs. Smith was once a member of Chapel Hill Baptist Church on Brickyard Hill in Yazoo City with her husband and children. There she and several other women met and formed a gospel group known as the Gospel Carolettes. Her husband sang with them as well. The Gospel Carolettes not only sang in Church but at various Christian events spreading the news of the gospel. They also sang on the radio station WAZF each Sunday morning.

Mrs. Smith left Chapel Hill Baptist Church with her husband and children to become a member of New Zion Baptist Church where her son, Rev. Willie E. Smith, is the pastor. There she, not only served as a Mother of the church, but also works with the Mission women. Mother Smith taught Sunday School and sang in the choir at New Zion.

Mrs. Smith has been a mother and/or grandmother figure to many in the church and in her neighborhood; always welcoming others into her home, which has always displayed an array of beautiful flowers in the yard and many green plants indoors for comfort, decoration and fresh air. Louise enjoys gardening and preparing dinner with vegetables from her garden on Sundays for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and any other visitors from the community.

Mrs. Smith has pushed to be a role model not only for her children and grandchildren, but to all in her community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Louise Smith for her dedication for change and serving her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a group of high school students from the second district of Mississippi on their victory against Baldwyn High School Bearcats by the score of 60 to 47 on March 10th to win the State 2A Boys Basketball Championship. The team ended the season with an overall record of 32 and 2.

I would first like to recognize the team beginning with the coaches. They include Head Coach, Derrick Moore and Assistant Coaches, Darryl Moore and Tim Williams; Trainers, Latrentis Murrell and Antwonario Bryant. To the entire coaching staff, your hard work and dedication is greatly appreciated.

The players' teamwork and athletic abilities are also evident with this victory. Waltavious Cockerham, Keion Cosby, Bentavious Galmore, Markevious Holmes, Brandon Hornburger, Jaylin McCray, Derrick Moore, Jr., Markevius Phillips, Alshun Ross, Dewayne Rucker, Timarcus Sacks, Timothy Sacks, Effernee Taylor, Keyshawn Thomas, Jammion Burden, Gregg Johnson, Tykeevius Taylor, Jermaine Fry, and Quenton Wolfe, congratulations on a victorious season.

Derrick Moore, a 1996 graduate of Coahoma County High School and former Assistant Coach under Coach Isaiah Peterson when the Red Panthers won back to back titles in 2005 and 2006, believes a team is a team when everyone has the mindset that they can win and be champions and when each individual knows they are important to the program.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and congratulating the Coahoma County High School Red Panthers Boys Basketball Championship Team.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a group of high school students from the second District of Mississippi with a special congratulations for winning the State 3A Boys Basketball Championship when they defeated East Side by the score of 46 to 32 on March 10th with an overall record of 27 and 6.

I would first like to recognize the team beginning with the coaches. They include Head Coach, Anthony Carlyle and Assistant Coaches: Bryantae Garrett and Christian Johnson. Their hard work and dedication is greatly appreciated.

The players' teamwork and athletic abilities are also evident with this victory. The players are Mason Riley, Robert Anderson, Kiryne Jobe, Brandon Weatherspoon, Robert Kendrick, Charles Smith, Travius Brown, Nikolas Weatherspoon, Haven Ousley, Carlton Beamon, Leaveon Griffin, Jamuel Brooks, DeMarion Jones, Andre Lee and Antwain Dixon.

Congratulations Velma Jackson High School Falcon Boys Basketball Championship Team.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and congratulating Velma Jackson High School Boys Basketball Championship Team.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tunica 10 Point Coalition, Inc. in Tunica County, Mississippi.

Tunica 10 Point Coalition, Inc. is a Faith Based Organization with a strategic vision, programmatic structure, financial resources necessary to save at-risk youth from child abuse and neglect, street violence, drug abuse, school failure, teen pregnancy, incarceration, chronic health and wellness issues, spiritual depravity and hopelessness about the future.

Tunica 10 Point Coalition, Inc. was formulated in 2004 after being introduced to the facts or the (10 Points) by the Memphis Chapter who was providing a training workshop on community involvement in local metropolitan areas. In April 2005, the Tunica 10 Point Coalition, Inc. organization was introduced to local clergy and community leaders. In 2007, the Executive Board was officially established and officers elected took office to start the local chapter.

Tunica 10 Point Coalition, Inc. primary mission is to work closely with local organizations and law enforcement, clergy, school administrators, elected officials and community leaders to assist with programs such as: after school programs, community outreach services and youth outreach enrichment activities. Partnership with these agencies enables the organization to continue to assist youth and parents in creating a better community for all. They are also partners with community health centers, recreation centers to promote good health choices and provide a program that will help guide youth and parents to a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy and exercising.

Tunica 10 Point Coalition, Inc. organization has many accomplishments over the years with most of the involvement that are still ongoing in the community. Some of the major accomplishments and ongoing initiatives for the Tunica 10 Point Coalition are:

1. Created the COW (Combating Obesity & Intervention Program) initiative that enables the Tunica community to participate in a FREE Health & Wellness Program.

2. Partner with the local faith-based organizations to sponsor a weekly low impact exercise and wellness program on Tuesday and Friday from 4:15pm until 5:15pm with an annual membership fee of only $40.00.

3. Initiated ``Water for Flint Drive'' in June 2016 with a Water-A- Thon Day at the Rivergate Park in downtown Tunica. At the event, there was 308 cases of water collected and $450.00 in donations that was used to transport the water to Flint, Michigan. One of the Tunica 10 Point Coalition, Inc. board member and local pastor, Roman Fullilove volunteered to transport the water to Flint using his church van.

4. Partner with the local Sheriff Department, Sheriff K. C. Hamp to assist in the monthly activities of the ``TRIAD'' Program who provides activities and programs for the senior citizens in the Tunica County community. This includes special activities such as: Valentine Day Celebration, Black History Month Observation, Senior Citizen Prom, Cancer Awareness Month, Home Coming Participation and Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners celebrations. They also partner with the Sheriff Office to present Domestic Violence Awareness programs and activities which consist of speakers from various sources such as: local Judges, Mental Health and Law Enforcement.

5. Provide financial assistance of $1,000.00 annually to the local Tunica Head Start Program to ensure each student receives a gift during the Christmas Holiday Season.

6. Provide a $500.00 college scholarship to a deserving high school graduate(s) each year. The organization also donated $300.00 to a local college student, Keara Jones who attends Clark University to help sponsor her visit to London.

7. Serve as character witnesses for youth at the local youth court proceedings regarding cases that involves youth who are identified as at-risk youth with minor offences. They have an opportunity to negotiate with the judge on penalty recommendation for certain cases. Pastor Evelyn Hubbard serves many times in this capacity.

8. Participate with local community organization ``God Make Us One'' to identify and rectify diversity in the community to create racial harmony under the common core umbrella of Hope, Faith and Love. They meet quarterly and have an annual celebration for the entire community of Tunica County called ``The Great River Revival'' orchestrated by Brother Billy Pritt.

9. Partner with the Tunica County Recreation Commission to sponsor the Summer Feeding Program, Snack Program and the Back-Pack Program annually. These programs are vital to the community to ensure the youth are receiving meals all year.

10. Sponsor an Annual Gospel Extravaganza Concert each December for the Tunica County community which include world renown Gospel Artists such as: Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC's, Harvey Watkins and the Canton Spirituals, The Jackson Southernaires, and local Artists such as: The Tunica Harmonizers and the Tunica Gospel Choir. This concert provides spiritual connection for the entire community and is well received.

The Tunica 10 Point Coalition, Inc. current Board of Directors consist of Pastor Evelyn Hubbard, Executive Director; Dr. Billy Willis, Chief Officer of Operations; Pastor Ben Pratt, President; and Pastor Kelvin Bell, Secretary/Treasurer.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Tunica 10 Point Coalition, Inc. for their dedication to serving their community and this great state and country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Mr. Willie Wright, Sr.

Mr. Wright, Sr. was born to the union of George Moses Wright and Fannie Cowan Wright. This union was blessed with five beautiful children. All of his siblings preceded him in death years ago in New York and Alabama, but God saw fit to leave the baby, ``Willie'' in Rural Holmes County, Mississippi for eighty-two years.

As a child, Willie confessed Christ as his personal savior and united with the Popular Springs C.M.E. Church. Later, he moved to the Lebanon Community and united with the Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. A. Barron.

During the winter season, Mr. Wright, Sr. married Claudie Mae Ware on November 13, 1954. This union was blessed with six children. Willie wanted his children to leave no task incomplete and often uttered these words to his children: ``Don't ever stop anything you start. If you don't plan to finish it, don't start it.''

Mr. Wright, Sr. was married with a seventh grade education but went back to school in 1969 to complete his education at Saints Industry in the Migrant Farm/Manpower School under the direction of Dr. Arenia C. Mallory. Mr. Wright, Sr. put his six children through their college education.

In 1962, Mr. Wright went to work at the Charcoal Plant in Lexington, MS. In 1968, he began his employment with the Holmes County School Bus Garage as a Mechanic and continued his employment with the District until his retirement in 2008; an inspiring forty year career.

Mr. Wright made free standing metal toys as a hobby that gain bragging rights with all of his co-workers, family and all who saw them. He designed an Electric Chair at the Holmes County Bus Garage and enjoyed plugging it up for all of his friends. Willie and all of his brothers were Blues guitarist and included their dance moves for audiences to enjoy. Although his favorite musical instrument was the harmonica, he was a master of them all.

Mr. Willie Wright, Sr. will be truly missed and his legacy will continue in the heart of those he left behind: a devoted wife of sixty- two years, Claudie Mae; 6 children: Artha Earl, Robert Lee, Earline (James Zachary), Willie, Jr., Brinda and Charlie Edward; 11 Grandchildren: Sammie, Tonya (Jeremy), Stephanie (Jimmie), Robert, Jr., Alvia (Christopher), Aries, Robbie (Sha'marcus), Chauntrell, Jamie, Marcus and Charlie Martez; 7 Great-Grands, 1 sister-in-law, 6 brothers- in-law, numerous nieces, nephews and loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the legacy of Mr. Willie Wright, Sr. for his dedication to the community, friends and his family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible educator, leader, and public servant, Elizabeth D. Evans.

Elizabeth Evans joined the Mississippi Valley State University faculty in the fall of 2003 where she currently serves in the Social Sciences Department. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from Mississippi Valley State University, where she was commissioned as a Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program. She earned a Master of Arts Degree in Public Management from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, Texas, and a Ph.D. degree in Public Policy and Administration from Mississippi State University.

Other educational ventures include completion of the Air Force's three-tier Professional Military Education program (Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College) and Academic Instructor School while serving in the U.S. Air Force.

As an assistant professor in the Social Sciences Department and the Public Administration Program, she teaches freshman through senior level courses, manages the internship program, advises all students in the Public Administration program, and serves as coordinator for the Public Administration program.

Her primary interests are in continuous personal improvement and student achievement. She believes that teaching is more than the giving of information; it is working to ensure

learning takes place and students must be engaged with exciting instruction, materials, examples, and demonstrations of real world situations to excite their desire to learn and use what they learn for a lifetime.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Elizabeth D. Evans, an Educator, a Leader and Public Servant for her dedication to serving others and giving back to the African American community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Raymond Rangers Boys Basketball Team, from my District, on the victory over Leake Central Boys Basketball Team in the Mississippi Boys Class 4A Championship Game (52-46).

I would like to recognize the team beginning with the coaching staff; Head Coach Robert Green, and the Assistant Coach, Terrell Anderson. Because of their hard work and dedication, the Rangers' 23-5 record has captured their second state championship in the school's history, and first state title (2017 District 3-4A Champions), since 1999.

The players' teamwork and athletic abilities are also evident with this victory. The players are: Keyundrea Downs, Tremayne Watts, Keivonte Watts, Tavian Coleman, Cameron Woodall, Jiris Killingsworth, DeMarius Daniels, SharDarrion Allen, TraDavis Thompson, JeKeivious Williams, Girrod Harris, Jared Keyes, Alvin Brown and Jakorie Smith.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating one of the basketball teams in my district, Raymond Rangers Boys Basketball Team.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable organization, Mills Academy.

With Mississippi schools mandating fundamental tests for kindergarten through third grade students to pass in order to advance to the next grade, one woman has made it her mission to help the children in the Greenville Public School District. Airnecia Mills, founder and director of Mills Academy, an after-school tutoring program for students in pre- K all the way through college, has started a free third-grade reading comprehension program in an effort to prepare area children for upcoming state tests. ``We're encouraging students to read passages and comprehend what the questions are asking them with the same strategies they will be tested on,'' Mills said.

Last year, all of Mills' third-graders passed the reading gate and many of her students showed exceptional growth in their star literacy and reading test, she said. Aside from the reading program, Mills Academy provides after-school help for students in pre-k through 12th grade from 4:00-8:00 p.m. every weekday. While helping students to enhance their educational experience, the academy focuses on promoting academic achievement, developing stronger academic skills, test-taking and studying skills. Homework assistance, test prep and tutorials are given to students after school to help eliminate the illiteracy in the community.

Mills started this program towards the end of 2015 and her family was super supportive

of her. Mills is a graduate of Greenville Weston High School and Alcorn State University, where she received a bachelor's degree in elementary education with a special education and reading endorsement.

She was an educator in the public school district and realized there was a need for extra help for students in the after-school extended program.

With more than 20 students enrolled, Mills said she hopes to continue the growth of the academy and wants to be able to make a bigger impact. ``I really believe I can make an impact in children's lives and I want to see growth in them. One of my main goals is to see how I helped that child. I am very passionate about education because it's the key to success,'' Mills said.

While Mills' focus right now is on the third-grade reading test, she also helps students prepare for the ACT. ``I had one student to go from a 16 to an 18, and he was preparing to get into nursing school and that was his main focus,'' she said.

Parents in the community have been very supportive of her mission and have participated in many of the Mills Academy events, which include: fundraisers, paint classes, movie nights for the kids and even an event for Dr. Seuss' birthday that the parents and community supports,'' she said.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mills Academy for its dedication to serving and giving back to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an intuitive and self-motivated young man, Mr. Carl Tart.

Carl Tart is a 2016 graduate of Yazoo City High School, finishing number 3 of 127 in his class, with a 4.03 GPA and an ACT score of 25. He chose to continue his education approximately 151 miles north of Yazoo City at the University of Mississippi, where he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Secondary Science Education. He plans to return to Yazoo City to teach at his alma mater.

Carl is the recipient of the Ole Miss Academic Excellence Scholarship, Mississippi Boy's State Delegate scholarship, the Bledsoe Academic Award, the Mississippi Star Student Scholarship and the King's Memorial Scholarship for students in the School of Education. He is also the recipient of three local scholarships: the Yazoo County Conventions and Visitors Bureau Scholarship, the Yazoo Community Scholarship and the Community Solutions of Mississippi Scholarship. He is also the recipient of the Robert Ben Williams Minority Scholarship Endowment, which supports scholarship awarded for academic excellence and provides assistance for young Mississippians. Being the first Fund to be established by the university's African American alumni, the scholarship is named after Yazoo City Native Ben Williams, known as ``Gentle Ben'', who was the first African American football player at Ole Miss.

Carl has joined various organizations including the Ole Miss Black Student Union, Teachers of Tomorrow, and holding the position as Events Coordinator for the FASTrack, LLC. He plans to start his own organization in the spring that supports no-kill animal shelters and pet adoption agencies. He has also worked on the campaigns of the reigning Homecoming Queen MK Phillips and Miss Ole Miss Acacia Santos.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Carl Tart for his desire for academic excellence.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia for yielding me the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 455, a bill to designate the United States courthouse in Jackson, Mississippi, as the R. Jess Brown United States Courthouse.

Mr. Speaker, Richard Jess Brown was born on September 12, 1912, in Coffeyville, Kansas. His parents, Ernestine and Joe Brown, were jazz musicians and performed in and managed a local theater.

Jess received a bachelor of science in industrial arts from Illinois State Normal University and a master of science in industrial education from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.

After teaching at Alcorn State University, Jess moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where he taught industrial arts at Lanier High School, the only Black high school in the city at that time. While teaching at Lanier, Jess became an intervening plaintiff in a lawsuit that sought equal pay for Black teachers in Jackson.

After teaching in Jackson, Jess attended Texas Southern University Law School. Jess left the law school before receiving his juris doctorate, but was able to return to Mississippi and pass the Mississippi bar in 1953.

Beginning his law career in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Jess confined his practice to cases involving divorces, deeds, land titles, and other practices that did not agitate White members of the bar. However, after the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka ruling in 1954, Jess felt compelled to defend the civil rights of African Americans.

In the fall of 1955, the conditions and hardships endured by Black lawyers in the courts led Mr. Brown and seven other Black attorneys to establish the Magnolia Bar Association.

Mr. Speaker, R. Jess Brown is credited with filing the first civil suit on behalf of an African American in Mississippi, that lawsuit on behalf of a Jefferson County minister who challenged laws that prevented Blacks from voting.

Mr. Speaker, Jess Brown has an extensive record as a civil rights lawyer. His list of clients include:

Clyde Kennard, who was charged with and convicted of a fictitious crime while attempting to desegregate the University of Southern Mississippi;

James H. Meredith, whose litigation ultimately led to the integration of the University of Mississippi;

Dr. Gilbert Mason, who led the effort to end racial segregation on the beaches of Biloxi, Mississippi; and

Civil rights icons Medgar Wiley Evers and Dr. Aaron Henry.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Brown was admitted to practice law before all Mississippi court systems; the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi; the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi; the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit; and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Brown also served on the Executive Board of the National Bar Association for approximately 15 years.

Mr. Speaker, on December 31, 1989, R. Jess Brown died in Jackson, Mississippi, at the age of 77.

Mr. Speaker, R. Jess Brown is well-deserving of this honor, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 455.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a resourceful church, Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church.

The Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church had its beginning in 1869, when the congregation worshipped under a ``brush arbor'' with the Reverend David Adams serving as pastor and founder.

Realizing the need for a structure in which to worship, the pastor and members put forth every effort to design and construct the first church. The building was erected approximately 60 to 70 feet from the old church site.

As we look back over the 147-year history of Lebanon, we are reminded of the loyal devotion of the early pioneers and their steadfastness to the cause of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We attribute any success or progress of this church to their loyalty.

The Reverend David Adams served faithfully as pastor until his death; and the Reverend Riley Russell accepted the call as pastor and served diligently until his death. Some of the early pastors were the Reverends: S.D. Smith, Joe Baskin, Dan Anderson, Connelly, and J. A. Johnson. Pleasant Fractions: Jimmy Mines; and J. Carter.

The Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church is recognized as the oldest land grant church in this area. It has served as a torch shining forth ``her'' brilliant light in this community. This light of hope and compassion has compelled many to come to Christ.

No church can survive without the dedicated cooperation of its members. The long, successful history of Lebanon is due to the dedicated, cooperative efforts of the many pastors, deacons, church mothers, and general congregation.

Some of the early deacons were: Brothers Joe Hodges; Pink Roseby; Ben Friar; C. H. Benson; R. B. Roseby; Richard Epps; Michael C. Smith; George Friar; and Tom Randle.

In 1912, the first church was destroyed by a violent storm. The force of the storm served as the epitome for the rebuilding of the second church, and its completion was the epoch of the old church site.

Some of the pioneer members of the Mothers Board were: Sisters Ophelia Anderson; Mary Benson; Sara Smith; Mary Anderson; Lucy Hunter; Hassie Montgomery; Harriet Craighead; Mattie L. Benson; Martha Ross Benson; and Sallie Epps.

Still moving forward, the Reverend A. W. Jones accepted the call as pastor. He served well until his accepting the call of another church. Following Reverend Jones, the Reverends: C. D. Brown; C. L. Clark; George Harper; Aaron Barron; and Melvin Lewis served as pastor of Lebanon.

Deacons serving under these administrations were: Brothers West Benson; Eddie Donelson; Leslie Hodges; Edgar Waddell; Pinkney Benson; Daniel Mickey; Daniel Kimbrough; Ira Blake; Mack Friar; O. W. Hodges; Mack McKennie; Samuel Friar; Charles Quincy Spurlin; Jessie Harmon; L. B. Hathorn; Alphonso Wright; Jacob J. McClain; and Charlie Benson.

The Mothers Board consisted of: Sisters Harriet Friar, Hallie Donelson, Elmira Horton, Minnie Hodges, Lyda Friar, Mary V. Hodges, Rebecca Kimbrough, Bessie Green, Roberta Blake, Priscilla Benson, Lillie Waddell, Mamie McKennie, Mary L. Friar, Mattie L. Hodges, Paralee McClain, Frankie Hodges, Eula Spurlin, Callie McKennie, Willie Mae Meeks, Ollie Harmon, and Olivia Garnett.

The edifice of the old church underwent many changes such as: lowering the ceilings; modern light fixtures; paneling of the sanctuary; bricking; and the construction of a kitchen and fellowship hall. Sanctuary pews, a communion table, and new pulpit furniture were purchased to enhance the decor of the church. These ventures of improvement were all completed under the leadership of the Reverend Aaron Barron.

Reverend Barron served as pastor for 27 consecutive years. He was a faithful and dynamic minister of the Gospel. During his administration, many souls realized the need for peace in their lives--that peace that surpassed all understanding--and accepted Christ as their personal Savior. Reverend Aaron Barron exchanged mortality for immortality and entered unto eternity in October 1983, while serving as pastor of Lebanon.

In January 1984, the Reverend Melvin B. Lewis accepted the call and served as pastor until 1987. Under the leadership of Reverend Lewis, a pastor's study was constructed, central heat and air conditioning was installed, and an organ was purchased for the sanctuary.

In June 1987, the Reverend J.W. Redmond accepted the call to serve as pastor of Lebanon. The church was blessed with many members, an Inspirational Choir, and Evangelist Quinzola McKennie.

Brothers: Coy Henderson; Leslie McKennie; Charlie Wright; Larry McKennie; and Paul Gilmore were installed as deacons. Installed on the Mothers Board were Sisters: Ola Mae Bailey, Priscilla Anderson, Grace Kimbrough, Rose Gibson, and as Deaconess were Sisters: Minnie McKennie, Sharon Wright, and Annie Gilmore.

Under the leadership of Reverend Redmond, a new roof was installed on the church, the choir stand was elevated and carpeted, floral arrangements and doors were added to the sanctuary. Following the leadership of the pastor, the Lebanon Inspirational Choir dedicated to the church some choir robes, and added mirrors and double doors to the sanctuary, remodeled and refurnished the pastor's study. The Friar and Montgomery families dedicated chandeliers to enhance the entrance of the church.

Reverend Redmond exchanged mortality for immortality and entered unto eternity in January 2000, while serving as pastor of Lebanon Church.

After the death of Reverend Redmond, the Reverend Walter Eskridge, Jr. accepted the call to serve as pastor of the Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church in October 2000.

Under the leadership of Reverend Eskridge, the church has been blessed with many new members and rededications. A new church building was erected on land given to the church by Sis. Earsalean McClain's family, and the doors were opened for the first service on July 4, 2004; new choir robes were purchased for LSC, LIC, and LYC; a television and VCR were purchased through the aid of the Home Mission Society; Discipleship and New Members classes were started; the Fellowship Hall has been named the Earsalean McClain Fellowship Hall in memory of Sis. Earsalean McClain; the Educational Wing has been named the Martha Ross Benson Educational Wing in memory of Sis. Martha Ross Benson; each classroom has been named in memory of: Class No. 1--Deacon Samuel Friar; Class No. 2--Mother Elmira Horton; Class No. 3--Mother Lillie Waddell; Nursery-Mothers Callie McKennie and Roberta Blake; Choir Room--Sister Levirda Dixon and Bro. Eric Friar; and the Business Office in honor of Deacon Jessie Harmon; and the church is growing through his ministry. A new roof ``The Red Top'' was installed on the church. On June 7, 2015 Bro. Andrew Lee Brown was crowned as Deacon.

The Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church's current Deacons and Trustees Board members are Brothers: Jessie Harmon; Coy Henderson; Lawrence McKennie; Andrew Brown; and Sisters: Lula Friar; Lillie Benson Green and Earline Wright Hart.

The present Mothers Board members are Sisters: Ollie Harmon and Deaconess, Sister Annie Gilmore.

Through these many years of service to God and mankind, the Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church has survived many trials and tribulations, but are determined that forces of evil will not hinder them nor separate them from the love of God.

The torch carried by the pioneer members of the Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church, cast rays of light across their pathway. This light gives the church hope of a brighter future for the church. Those following will raise that torch high and keep the light burning bright. They will trim their lamps, put on the whole armor of God, and continue to hold up the blood stained banner.

It is with this same spirit as soldiers going forth to war, accented with Christian love, devotion and dedication to the cause of the Kingdom, which the history of the Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church continues.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the historic Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Gilfield M.B. Church in Doddsville, Mississippi. The church was founded and built by slaves on the banks on the Sunflower River located on the plantation of United States Senator James O. Eastland in 1894.

The history of the church spans 122 years with records showing three structures as its home, each with its own fascinating and remarkable journey. Early records of the church were recalled and passed down by word of mouth from slaves down to the members of the church who were also relatives. The earliest written record of the church was around the 1980s. Many of the elders and other members were still attending the church, so Ms. Hattie Jordan, a member of the church, volunteered to be the church historian and keeper of the records. She gathered documents, recorded oral stories, researched ``leads'' of where she could get more information or someone who could corroborate the findings. One source of information she relied on were two cornerstones located on the existing churchfront in Doddsville. One of the cornerstones was once the original place of the church in 1894, and transferred thereafter to structures one and two.

In 1894 the location of the first church was strategically planned to exist near water. It is believed but not recorded that the location was chosen because the river could be used to secretly baptize members--a practice not openly approved of by plantation owners. Ms. Jordan told the story of how she was baptized in the Sunflower River behind Gilfield M.B. Church in 1953 by Rev. McGee. Gilfield M.B. Church was allowed to exist only because Senator Eastland gave the slaves his approval.

The first pastors of Gilfield M.B. Church at its initial location were: Rev. C.C. Edwards, Rev. Hester, Rev. Hobbs, and Rev. Mose Watson. No written records were kept by slaves. The only source for handing down information was by word of mouth to the younger generation.

The second Gilfield M.B. Church was built a mile down from the first site on the banks of the Sunflower River on the Eastland Plantation. Rev. Mose Watson was the pastor. He continued to lead the church as he did while pastoring at the first location. After Rev. Watson, the church installed Rev. Issac as the new pastor until his death in 1947. Following Rev. Issac the church was led by Rev. Latson from 1947 to 1952. Rev. Latson left the church to move to Chicago, IL. Immediately afterwards, Rev. McGee became the pastor in 1952 but separated from the church in 1953. There was a short lapse in pastors because Rev. Fleming did not begin pastoring the church until 1954. Records indicate he was the last pastor of the second structure listed as the home of Gilfield M.B. Church.

Rev. Fleming moved with the church to their third home beside the site of the second home, on the banks of the Sunflower River located on the Eastland Plantation. The sanctuary section of the second site was demolished, leaving the backside section to be used for church gatherings, which still stands today. The pastors of the third site location in order of leadership were: Rev. Fleming, Rev. John H. Williams, Rev. Clarence Tolbert, and the current pastor is Rev. Theautry Winters.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Gilfield M.B. Church of Doddsville, MS located in Sunflower County inside of the Second Congressional District of Mississippi.