Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, as we observed Veterans Month in November, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Eddie Shelby, Jr., a devoted husband, father,

grandfather, veteran, and pillar of his community.

Born on January 9, 1951, in Flora, Mississippi, to Eddie Shelby, Sr. and Laura Barrett Shelby, Eddie was the second of eight children and a proud graduate of Brinkley High School, Class of 1969.

In 1970, Eddie answered the call of duty and was drafted into the United States Army. He served with distinction, including 13 months stationed in Korea and nine months in Thailand in 1971. Over a remarkable 33-year career in both active duty and the reserves, Eddie demonstrated exceptional leadership, earning numerous leadership and management certificates in combat. He retired with honor as a First Sergeant. His service reflects the courage, dedication, and sacrifice we celebrate during Veterans Month.

Eddie's faith was the cornerstone of his life. Baptized at the age of nine at Mount Hermon in Jackson, Mississippi, he later became a devoted member of Smith Chapel, exemplifying his belief in service, community, and spiritual grounding.

In 1973, Eddie met the love of his life, Gladys Williams. They married in 1975 and built a beautiful life together, raising their daughter, Octavia Shelby. He was also a proud grandfather to Malcolm and Ashley Shelby. Family was at the heart of everything he did, and his love and guidance will be cherished for generations.

Beyond his family and military service, Eddie found joy in hunting, working on personal projects, and following his favorite sports teams. His dedication to family, faith, and country defined his life and serves as an enduring example to all who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, this November, as we honor our veterans, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Eddie Shelby, Jr. for his lifetime of service, devotion, and unwavering commitment to the values that strengthen our Nation. May his legacy continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable servant, Ben Tucker, Jr.

Mr. Tucker retired from the United States Military after 35 years of distinguished service, attaining the rank of First Sergeant. He is a lifetime member of the NAACP and serves as Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee. He is also the First Vice President of the Democratic Executive Committee.

Mr. Tucker is a member of Clover Hill Masonic Lodge No. 13. He is a devoted member of Daughters of Zion Baptist Church, where he sings in the senior choir and serves as a deacon and the treasurer of the Sunday School.

He is a Layman with the Antioch Missionary Baptist Association and serves as a Commissioner for the Adams County Soil & Water Conservation District, District 3. In his spare time, he enjoys being a goat farmer.

He is married to Mrs. Gloria Tucker, and together they are the proud owners of G.J.'s Space Jumps, Inc. Mr. Tucker holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education with a minor in Science from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He also earned a master's degree in Athletic Administration from Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Ben Tucker, Jr. for his extraordinary service and contributions to the Natchez, Mississippi community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor My Preemie and Me, an outstanding nonprofit organization in Greenville, Mississippi, for its unwavering commitment to supporting premature infants and their families throughout the Mississippi Delta.

Founded by Marketta ``Nikki'' Landrum after the premature birth of her daughter, My Preemie and Me was created from a deeply personal journey. What began as a mother's desire to help other families facing the fear and uncertainty of prematurity has grown into a vital source of compassion, education, and community support.

My Preemie and Me provides direct assistance to families with preemies and works tirelessly to raise awareness about prematurity. The organization has partnered with the City of Greenville to observe World Prematurity Day, including the Purple Lighting of Greenville City Hall, ensuring that families of NICU babies feel seen, supported, and embraced by their community. Through Prematurity Awareness Month activities and collaborations with local civic groups, My Preemies and Me has strengthened public understanding of prematurity and highlighted the needs of families caring for medically fragile infants.

Beyond health advocacy, My Preemie and Me plays a meaningful role in the civic life of Greenville. The organization helped host the city's First Annual Juneteenth Celebration, joining community partners to bring residents together in celebration of culture, history, and unity. Their work demonstrates a belief that strong families are built within strong, connected communities.

The organization's dedication has also been recognized beyond Greenville, including being listed among nonprofit beneficiaries of Entergy Corporation's charitable giving.

Mr. Speaker, I ask colleagues to join me in recognizing My Preemie and Me and its founder, Marketta ``Nikki'' Landrum, for their profound service to preemie families and for the hope and strength they bring to the Mississippi Delta.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Marcus D. Young, whose vision, perseverance, and family legacy have transformed H.F. Young Transportation, Inc. into a leading provider of non-emergency medical transportation across the southern United States.

Fifteen years ago, Mr. Young and his wife, Mrs. Toni Wright-Young, founded the company in honor of his grandfather, Harry Young, Sr. What began as a tribute has grown into one of the largest and most trusted non-emergency medical transportation providers in Mississippi, with operations extending into Alabama, Louisiana, and Arkansas.

Under Mr. Young's leadership, H.F. Young Transportation has become known for its reliability, professionalism, and deep commitment to serving vulnerable populations. The company provides safe and accessible transportation for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and others in need of medical care. With a fleet of specialized vehicles and a dedicated staff trained in safety and compassion, the company saves thousands of clients each year--offering both logistical excellence and a personal touch rooted in community care.

Although its reach spans multiple states, H.F. Young Transportation remains deeply connected to Yazoo City, Mississippi, where Mr. Young's family and values were shaped. He continues to give back to his community while expanding the company's services and exploring new innovations to improve healthcare access and mobility across the region.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Marcus D. Young for his leadership, his dedication to service, and his remarkable success in building H.F. Young Transportation, Inc. into both a thriving business and a vital community resource.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mr. Renaldo Scott, a distinguished citizen and veteran whose life reflects exceptional service to his community, his State, and the United States of America.

Mr. Scott, a native of Mound Bayou, Mississippi, has devoted his career to military service, aviation maintenance, community engagement, and public safety. A 2014 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School in Mound Bayou, he enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard soon after completing his studies. Trained as a helicopter mechanic, Mr. Scott served his State and Nation for years through deployments and specialized technical assignments, including a deployment to Afghanistan. While deployed, he was a UH medevac/combat search and rescue chief.

Seeking to deepen his knowledge and advance professionally, Mr. Scott pursued and completed a degree in Aviation/Aerospace Management with a minor in Business Administration. Over the course of his military and technical career, he served in multiple states and capacities, supporting aviation operations in Mississippi, Louisiana, California, and Texas. His duties included working for the Army Aviation Support Facility in Jackson and supporting aircraft maintenance operations in San Antonio.

Despite building a respected career away from home, Mr. Scott ultimately returned to Mound Bayou in 2022 to support his family and re-establish roots in the community he cherishes. He subsequently completed a deployment to Sinai, Egypt, in 2023.

Mr. Scott path reflects the best of American values: service, sacrifice, and leadership. He has balanced demanding careers in the military, aircraft maintenance, and public safety--joining the Lincoln- Parker Fire Protection District as a volunteer firefighter and continuing his long-term goal of enhancing safety and opportunity in his hometown.

Mr. Scott has expressed that helping others is a deeply personal calling. He states that while he grew up in Mound Bayou, his life experiences have strengthened his commitment to serve the community that raised him. Whether through emergency response, local engagement, or mentorship, Mr. Scott exemplifies the spirit of duty and the enduring value of public service.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Renaldo Scott--a son of Mississippi, a dedicated servicemember, and a community leader, whose contributions bring honor to his family, his State, and this Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished life and service of Pastor Larry G. Cozart, a revered member of our community whose dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on countless lives. Born and raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Pastor Cozart has devoted more than 40 years to serving his community through ministry, healthcare, and public service.

Pastor Cozart's journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to service. As the devoted husband of Veleria P. Cozart, father of

five children, and grandfather of seven grandchildren, he has balanced family life with a profound dedication to uplifting those around him. His career began in healthcare, where he served as a certified Physician Assistant, Phlebotomist, and X-ray Technician, among other roles. His leadership further extended into public service, including time as my District Coordinator and as a mentor with the Mississippi Department of Corrections Outreach Program.

Spiritually, Pastor Cozart has been a guiding light for many. He faithfully served as a youth minister at New Jerusalem M.B. Church and St. John M.B. Church before becoming the pastor of New St. Phillips Missionary Baptist Church in Sledge, Mississippi, where he has served with distinction for 23 years.

Pastor Cozart is also academically accomplished. He holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Counseling, a Doctoral Degree in Theology, and numerous certifications in healthcare and public service. His dedication to education and lifelong learning reflects his deep commitment to personal growth and community advancement.

Today, as the newly appointed County Coroner, Pastor Cozart continues to serve with integrity, compassion, and respect--upholding the dignity of every individual and family he encounters. His leadership and collaboration with the Board of Supervisors have been instrumental in supporting a strong and thriving community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Pastor Larry G. Cozart for his lifelong dedication to service, his community, and his faith. His legacy of leadership, compassion, and commitment will continue to inspire us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Mr. James Anderson of Goodman, Mississippi, a centenarian whose story is a testament to faith, humility, and resilience across generations.

Mr. Anderson was born on September 18, 1923, in rural Sallis, Mississippi, in Attala County, the seventh of eight children in a family of sharecroppers. His early life was rooted in the soil, working the fields with his family and attending school part-time when farming allowed. Like many of his generation, he grew up during a time of deep racial and economic adversity but endured with quiet strength and an abiding belief in community.

He later worked on farms, in factories, and as a bus driver, eventually retiring after decades of service. His career included driving for Dick's Drive-In and the local school system, and he served as a custodian and bus driver at Goodman-Pickens Elementary School, where he left a lasting impact on countless children. He retired from the school in 2005, continuing a life of labor, love, and service.

Mr. Anderson was drafted and completed both basic and combat training in the U.S. military during World War II. Although he was never deployed into combat and was discharged without explanation, he has always maintained a deep respect for those who serve, and he continues to honor veterans with dignity and gratitude.

A pillar in both his family and his faith, Mr. Anderson was ordained a deacon in 1947 and remained steadfast in that calling. He was married to the late Annie Lou Anderson for 73 years, until her passing in 1993. Today, at the remarkable age of 102, he still tends his yard, grows vegetables, and lives beside one of his daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Falls, who lovingly cares for him in Goodman, Mississippi.

Mr. Anderson's philosophy is simple yet profound: ``All I know is love one another and be good to each other.'' In those words, and in the quiet witness of his life, lies the essence of what it means to be a good neighbor, a faithful servant, and a great American.

Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. James Anderson, a living bridge between our Nation's past and future and a reminder that love, work, and faith remain the pillars of a meaningful life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, leadership, and public service of Judge Babatunde Akowe, a distinguished jurist, community advocate, husband, father and public servant whose recent passing leaves a profound void in the many communities he faithfully served.

Judge Akowe's life was defined by family, community and an unwavering belief in the power of civic engagement to transform lives Judge Akowe was born and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and his life's work remained deeply looted in his community.

His public service career was broad and impactful. Before ascending to the bench, he held roles across numerous institutions: he worked in the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, served in the New York State Unified Court System, and served in the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.

In 2015, Judge Akowe completed the Congressional Black Caucus Institute (CBCI) Political Leadership Boot Camp, a significant milestone in his development as a civic leader. When the CBCI began its annual bootcamp, it was conceived to help to train young, ambitious public servants just like Judge Akowe. Notably, he went on to become one of the first members of that cohort to run for and win public office, underscoring both his ambition and his readiness to serve. His success signaled to aspiring leaders across the country that dedication, preparation, and audacity could indeed shape a pathway to elected office.

His distinguished judicial career reflected the same qualities that guided him throughout life: an unshakeable sense of fairness, a commitment to equity, and a belief that justice must be both principled and compassionate. On the bench, Judge Akowe quickly earned a reputation for wisdom, humility, and an extraordinary ability to listen deeply--the facts, to the law, and to the humanity of those before him.

Judge Akowe was not only a public servant--he was a beloved family man. He is survived by his wife, Lauren, and their two daughters, Adia and Amara. His loss has deeply saddened his community, family and friends--with many noting that his life and judicial service were cut far too short. He was a friend to all, and for many, the first call made when visiting New York.

Mr. Speaker, the passing of Judge Babatunde Akowe is a tremendous loss to his family, his community, and the many institutions enriched by his service. Yet his legacy endures--as a trailblazer in political leadership training, as a respected judge, and as a public servant who believed deeply in democracy's promise.

I ask my colleagues to join me and the board and many alumni of the Congressional Black Caucus Institute's leadership training programs in honoring his memory, celebrating his service, and extending our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and admired him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Rural Health Day and to bring attention to the crisis gripping rural communities in Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District. My district is majority Black, deeply rural, and medically underserved. Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress continue to push policies that weaken our health care system, close rural hospitals, and leave families with fewer providers, fewer services, and fewer places to turn in an emergency. Their so called ``One Big Ugly Bill'' drives 338 rural hospitals nationwide closer to shutting down, including eight in Mississippi and four of them are in my district. Five counties I represent have no hospital at all, and some families must travel more than 90 miles just to see a doctor. These failures have devastating consequences. Harmony Ball Stribling of Humphreys County, nine months pregnant, died on the way to the nearest hospital because the one that could have saved her closed years earlier. When a mass shooting devastated a rural Mississippi Delta town during the 2025 homecoming season, victims were rushed to a hospital that often operates with limited staff and what it needed. Rural America is being left behind. Access is shrinking, costs are rising, and entire counties are without essential care. My constituents are scared, frustrated, and tired of being treated like their lives do not matter. We must act now to protect the health, safety, and dignity of every rural family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend British Conley.

Reverend British Conley, a native of Lambert, Mississippi, was born to the late Robert Gross, Sr. and the late Gertrude Conley. He is a distinguished United States Navy veteran who served honorably on active duty from 1998 to 2002, followed by four additional years in the United States Navy Reserve from 2002 to 2006. His military service instilled in him the values of duty, integrity, and perseverance--principles that have guided his lifelong commitment to service. Following his time in the Navy, he continued to serve his state and community as a Correctional Officer at the Mississippi State Penitentiary, where he worked diligently for four years to uphold safety and order.

A 1997 graduate of Madison Shannon Palmer High School--formerly Quitman County High School--Reverend Conley demonstrated resilience and determination early in life. His perseverance was recognized when he received the Against All Odds Award and a Scholarship from Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He went on the earn a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi. His passion for education and leadership led him to the University of Mississippi, where he achieved multiple advanced degrees: a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Special Education, an Educational Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Specialist Degree in K-12 Educational Leadership.

Beyond his academic and professional accomplishments, Reverend Conley is a servant-leader in both education and faith. He continues to impact lives as an educational leader and as Pastor of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Belen, Mississippi. His ministry and career embody his belief in building stronger communities through faith, education, and service.

He has been blessed in life and love, married to his high school sweetheart, Mrs. Terry Lashell Geter-Conley, for 17 years. Mrs. Conley is an accomplished entrepreneur and owner of Sweetie's Home Event and Decor. Together, they find joy and renewal through their shared passion for camping, traveling, and nurturing their garden.

From Lambert, Mississippi, to the U.S. Navy, to the classroom, and to the pulpit, Reverend Conley's life reflects resilience, faith, and the transformative power of service, leadership, and love.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Reverend British Conley for his dedication and service to the State of Mississippi and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Kristen Harris on her recent dual appointment as Executive Assistant to Vicksburg Police Department Chief Larry Burns and as the Department's Data and Compliance Specialist.

Ms. Harris is uniquely qualified for these positions. When the department received its National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) certification in 2020, she served as the sole NIBRS trainer for the State of Mississippi. In her new role, she will also leverage NIBRS data to pursue federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants, the leading source of criminal justice funding for state and local jurisdictions.

A 2008 graduate of Vicksburg High School, Ms. Harris earned her bachelor's degree in sociology from Tougaloo College, where she graduated as valedictorian. She went on to complete a master's degree in criminal justice from the University of Memphis. Her professional career includes service with the Department of Public Safety, where she first worked with the NIBRS system.

In 2021, Ms. Harris returned to her hometown of Vicksburg to help the city manage a $3 million COVID relief grant. She later served as Chief of Staff for former Mayor George Flaggs, Jr., bringing her leadership and expertise to City government.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Kristen Harris for her commitment to public service, her professional excellence, and her continued contributions to the City of Vicksburg and the State of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an enthusiastic and self-motivated community organization, Griot Arts Inc. This dynamic organization is composed of dedicated educators, artists, and community leaders who have tirelessly served the youth and citizens in the City of Clarksdale and Coahoma County, Mississippi.

Based in Clarksdale, MS, Griot Arts Inc. is commitment to nurturing creativity, empowering individuals and fostering strong sense of community belonging. The organization's focus lies in the arts education and workforce development--two powerful tools for creating a brighter and more equitable future. Griot Arts is more than an organization; it is a movement where every brushstroke, every melody, and every creative expression contributes to building a better tomorrow. Through its comprehensive arts education programs, Griot Arts inspires and cultivates the next generation of artists, equipping them with the skills and confidence to excel in their chosen fields and to make meaningful contributions to society. They believe that artistic expression is not only a personal outlet but also a powerful catalyst for community growth and positive change.

In addition to arts education, Griot Arts is deeply dedicated to workforce development. The organization recognizes the importance of preparing individuals for success in today's evolving job market. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, they provide participants with the tools, training, and opportunities needed to achieve economic stability and professional fulfillment.

Furthermore, Griot Arts demonstrates its commitment to community health and wellness by hosting annual events during October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, including the Zumba-A-Thon ``Glow in the Dark,'' Sunset Yoga, and Boots & Boogie for the Cure at no charge. These events bring the community together in support of awareness, education, and hope.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Griot Arts, Inc. for their unwavering dedication and commitment to empowering youth through art, education, and workforce development continues to enrich the lives of the people of Clarksdale and Coahoma County, Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable servant, Joyce T. Arceneaux-Mathis.

Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis is a cum laude graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she earned a degree in Music Education. She later received a magna cum laude Master of Music Education degree from Loyola University.

Mrs. Arceneaux-Mathis has 38 years of experience in education, including 30 years of dedicated service to students in the Natchez- Adams County School District, four years in the Detroit Public Schools, and four years as President of the Mississippi Association of Educators. She currently serves as an adjunct instructor at Copiah- Lincoln Community College's Natchez Campus, where she teaches Music Appreciation.

In 1996, Mrs. Arceneaux-Mathis became the first Black woman elected to the Natchez Board of Aldermen, representing Ward 1. In that position, she has chaired the Utilities, Public Properties, Fire, and Recreation Committees. In 2008, she was selected by the Board of Aldermen to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore, a role she held until 2020. She was inducted into the Mississippi Municipal League's Hall of Fame in 2016.

Mrs. Arceneaux-Mathis has also been deeply involved in civic and political engagement. She was elected as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention for three assemblies--1992, 1996, and 2000--and served as an At-Large Member of the Democratic National Committee from 1993 to 2001. In 1998, she made an historic run for Congress to represent Mississippi's Fourth Congressional District.

Joyce is the daughter of Eddie and Thelma Turner. She is married to Jewell Mathis and is the proud mother of Joycelyn Yvette Hooker. She is a member of St. John United Methodist Church, a retired member of the Retired Education Personnel of Mississippi, and Director of The Mathis School of Music. She currently serves as President of the Natchez NAACP and is a founding member of the Natchez Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Mrs. Arceneaux-Mathis has been named Woman of the Year by the Bluff City Post and has received three citations from the Natchez NAACP, including the Medgar Evers Award for ``Enhancing the Dream'' (2014), Woman of the year (2016), and the Phillip ``Bucket'' West Public Official Award (2018).

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Joyce T. Arceneaux-Mathis for her outstanding leadership, dedication, and lifelong service to the Natchez, Mississippi community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding healthcare professional, Mrs. Yakitta Landrum-Lovett, for her dedication, compassion, and exemplary service to her patients, colleagues, and community.

Mrs. Lovett has been employed at The Medical Center for 23 years, where she continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in patient care and leadership. Her professionalism, integrity, and service-minded spirit have earned her the respect and admiration of her peers.

She has been married for 22 years to Mr. Larry R. Lovett, Jr., and together they have two children, Lailah and Keelan. Beyond her professional achievements, Mrs. Lovett is deeply rooted in her faith and community. She is an active member of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves on the Health Ministry and as a Youth Advisor.

Mrs. Lovett's passion for nursing extends beyond the workplace. She is a member of the Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses Association for District 2, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and serves on the board of My Preemie & Me, Inc.--a testament to her commitment to advancing the field of nursing and supporting families in need.

Her colleague, Chrissy Nicholson, Chief Human Resources Officer, shared, ``Yakitta displays true leadership in her role with the added bonus of a caring, dedicated, and compassionate nurse. I am grateful that she is on our team.''

In here own words, Mrs. Lovett said, ``I enjoy helping my community become healthier one step at a time. I like working here because of the close-knit family atmosphere and how we show up for each other in times of need and adversity.''

Outside of her professional and community endeavors, Mrs. Lovett enjoys shopping, traveling, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Yakitta Landrum-Lovett for her outstanding service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her profession and community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable educator, musician, and mentor whose influence has shaped generations of students and preserved the musical legacy of a historic institution, Dr. Bobby G. Cooper.

Perhaps Dr. Cooper's most enduring contribution is the revival of the renowned Utica Jubilee Singers. Originally formed in the early 1900s by Dr. William Holtzclaw, founder of Utica Institute, the Jubilee Singers carried forward a tradition of spirituals rooted in the heritage of the Tuskegee model. Inspired by Holtzclaw's book Black Man's Burden and the collected works of J. Roseman Johnson (brother to poet James Weldon Johnson). Dr. Cooper reimagined this historic group in 1980. For forty- five years, he was a pillar of Hinds Community College's Utica Campus, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to education, culture, and community.

What began as a small quartet soon grew choir of young men who carried the soul of Mississippi's spiritual legacy across the Nation and abroad, performing everywhere from community gatherings to international stages in Italy. Though their musical range has broadened over time, Dr. Cooper ensured their foundation remained the spirituals that tell the story of faith, struggle, perseverance.

Born and raised in Bolton, Mississippi, Dr. Cooper's love of music began in childhood. Without a piano of his own, he practiced on a wooden apple crate until, by a stroke of generosity, a local family gifted him a piano. That simple act helped set the course of a lifetime. His journey took him from the Bolton Colored School to Tougaloo Prep and Tougaloo College, and later to advanced studies that culminated in a doctorate.

Before joining the Utica faculty in 1972, Dr. Cooper taught at E.T. Hawkins High School in Forest, Mississippi, and later held positions in Scott County and Colorado, where he pursued his doctoral studies. Over the years, he became not only an educator but a cultural bridge, using music to teach discipline, unity, and pride.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Cooper shaped the lives of young people in his hometown of Bolton, offering piano lessons and encouragement during a time when there were few Black pianists in the area. His mentorship opened doors for countless children who might never have otherwise discovered their musical gifts.

His home walls are filled with plaques and awards, yet his truest legacy is found in the lives of those he mentored. Many of his former students, including educators and professional musicians, continue to honor him by keeping the Jubilee spirit alive.

Even after 45 years of service, Dr. Cooper continues to share his gift of music every Sunday at Asbury Methodist Church in Bolton, where he has faithfully played for decades. With humility and grace, he reflects on a life of purpose, service, and song, one that has inspired students throughout Mississippi and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Bobby G. Cooper, an extraordinary Mississippian whose lifelong devotion to education and music has preserved an invaluable cultural legacy for generations to come.