Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man of noble character from Shaw, MS in Bolivar County.

I believe that when you give honor and recognition to someone they should truly deserve it. I am always happy when I meet someone or hear their story about overcoming, rising from obscurity, coming from meager beginnings but leaving a legacy although unaware; which doesn't get the recognition and thanks it really deserves. This is why I want to honor Mr. Tommy Gunns, Jr. a man of ``noble'' character.

Childhood: Nottie was originally from Egypt, MS in Chickasaw County, MS. He was born in the year 1900 to Mr. Tommy Gunns, Sr. and Mrs. Alberta Gunns. Nottie was raised in a home with his mother, his only sister named Alma, and his stepfather, ``Mr. Brick''. His parents were sharecroppers and struggled; which was the backdrop for an unstable home environment that easily led to abuse. And Nottie was often times the one subjected to the abuse (verbal and physical) by his stepfather. Since his mother would not protect him and because of years of abuse, he developed the drive early in life to want ``better,'' so he planned to run away, someday. In his plan, he always included Alma, his young sister.

The day came when he ran away and took Alma with him, never returning home. Nottie ran away and arrived in Shaw, MS in 1914. He was a young teenager when he ran away. When Nottie arrived in Shaw, he worked as many odd jobs as he could find and raised his sister alone; vowing to never let anyone else abuse him or his little sister. In fact, he was so protective of her that he never eased up until he had approved of the man she married. He had to be assured the man was not abusive and was a good provider for Alma.

A Young Man and Family Man: As a young man working in Shaw he was able to acquire many skills and a reputation as a fast learner, hard worker, and a person of good moral character, which equated to a nonsense type of reputation. He was still determined to have a better life and wanted to be respected and treated like a man so he carried himself like a man. Nottie eventually earned that reputation and people began calling him Mr. Nottie or Mr. Gunns. Some of the jobs he worked included driving trucks to haul logs, a loader at the Shaw lumber yard, and sharecropping as a small farmer. While working at the Shaw lumber yard, he learned the skill of carpentry; and became known as a master carpenter around Shaw. Everyone wanted him to do their work.

Mr. Gunns eventually met and married, Nancy Hunt of Shaw, MS. The couple had ten children, 2 died shortly after child birth. Mr. Gunns wanted a big loving family that was full of happy times but serious about life. He directed his journey and based goals in life on his childhood, all that he never had, he was determined to experience before dying. His and Nancy's children are Berna ``BB'' Gunns-Williams, Nathaniel ``Baby Sister'' Gunns-Clark, Tommy ``Win'' Gunns, Jr. (although he is the 3rd), Christine Gunns-Gardner, Torries Gunns, Maurine ``Morgan'' Gunns-Gray, Shirley Ann ``Shelly'' Gunns-Juette, and Lonnie Lee Gunns.

As a husband, father, and community member, Mr. Gunns saw the need to become more involved. You see he wanted to be a role model for his children; he wanted to make sure they had a good upbringing and education, so he felt he needed to get involved in the community and help make it happen. Mr. Gunns served as a volunteer fireman for the city. He wasn't trying to be a hero or win a popularity campaign; he just wanted a better life for his children. Mr. Gunns number one priority was education for all colored children.

Since he was very vocal about education he was asked to become a member of the Board of Trustees for the Shaw Colored School.

The Shaw Colored School only educated children to the 8th grade. Beyond 8th grade the colored children had to travel to Greenville or surrounding towns for a high school education. Mr. Gunns helped changed that. He convinced the Board of Trustees to agree to vote on establishing a curriculum for 9th through 12th grades for Shaw students to be able to get their high school education. So, under his tutelage the first high school graduating class from the Shaw Colored High School was in 1949.

How did he do it? Mr. Gunns had an unyielding faith. That was the same faith that brought him as a young teenage runaway with his little sister, Alma, safely to Shaw, MS during the early 1900s. His faith in God provided him with jobs to take care of himself and his sister as a young boy, alone in the Mississippi Delta. His ability to pick up on things and learn fast paid off because he became that master carpenter. His daughter, Maurine said he could build a house from the ground up. He was a devoted member and deacon of the Strangers Home M.S. Church in Shaw, where he was laid to rest for eternity. And those trying times were no match for his common sense, the old folks called it ``mother wit'' for survival. It was the foundation of his approach on how to survive in life:

Financial Policy--never spend all your money. Save some for a rainy day.

Child Rearing--everybody has a role and place. Only adults are in charge and children are to stay in their place and do as they are told. He called it his no nonsense approach to raising children. He would often paraphrase Proverbs 13:24, by saying ``Spare the rod and spoil the child.''

Preparation--your future depends on your education. ``All my children are going to college. I had enough children to work and chip in to help pay for everyone's college,'' he would say.

The End: The first of Mr. Gunns' children to go to college was Berna at the age of 16. This was made possible by two reasons: (1) everyone in the family picked and chopped cotton, and (2) his financial policy of saving money. The children all knew their earnings went to their parents to help provide for the family and save for college. Berna went to Tuskegee Institute in 1950 in Tuskegee, AL. Berna graduated before he died. He was able to see the first of his children to get a college education. His daughter, Berna remembers her father and mother faces as they watched her graduate with all her sisters and brothers watching as well. They knew they had to do it too. Berna went on to become a self- employed, self-made millionaire. She started her own company ``Scrubbles Janitorial Service'' in her home and grew it to become a multi-million dollar company in Washington, DC. She was able to live that better life because of her fathers' determination to clear the path.

Mr. Gunns didn't live to see another one of his children to go to college, he died in 1954 but he had already planted the seeds for success. Everyone in the family knew their place and role. Mrs. Gunns, his wife and eldest daughter, Berna carried on his mantra for every child of his going to college. Mrs. Gunns continued to work as the cafeteria manager and cook for the Shaw Colored School.

Tommy, his eldest son, became the father figure for his siblings. Since his father had taught him the carpentry trade, Tommy was able to get his father's job at the Shaw Lumber Yard. It was a year later in 1958 that he got the job because graduating from high school was priority in 1957. The family never missed a check; he knew the money was going to help pay for his siblings to finish high school and attend college. Tommy eventually went to college in 1959 by getting a job with Mississippi Vocational College (now called Mississippi Valley State University-MVSU) driving the school bus picking up students in Bolivar and Sunflower County. That was one of the ways he was able to pay his way through college, as well as it served as his transportation to and from the College. The other way was when Dean Isaac offered him a work study job to help build other buildings on campus (i.e., the auditorium, and campus maintenance) because he had seen his work as a student. As a requirement for graduation, Tommy had to build something to show he had mastered his trade. But the requirement was reconsidered when he drove his instructor to Shaw and showed him the house he built along with the blueprint he had drawn. When asked how, Tommy told him ``My Dad is a master carpenter and he taught me this stuff a long time ago.'' That house was for his best

friend, Roy Magee and the family still lives there. In fact, Tommy still has the blueprints he drew. Tommy was a part of the team that built the first house on campus for the first president of Mississippi Valley State University, Dr. James H. White. The house now serves as the National Alumni House on the campus of the University. Tommy did not graduate until 1964 because of split session with his degree in Industrial Arts. He became the Industrial Art instructor for the Shaw School District, working for 30 years until his retirement.

All of Mr. Gunns' children went to college and became very successful in their own rights with good jobs, homes, cars, money to send their children to college, and blessed to see retirement, etc. But Benam and Tommy stood out as the oldest daughter and son after their father's death. As for Mr. Gunns master carpentry skills, his son, Tommy and grandson, Undra Gunns (son of Torries and Dorothy Washington-Gunns) acquired that skill. So, he lives on in many ways and in many accomplishments without even trying to do so, he left a legacy.

One more mention on how did he do it? Mr. Gunns received only a 2nd grade education. He never learned to read or write. But, his stepfather, ``Mr. Brick'' taught him how to count. And passed that on to his children by teaching them how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. That's all he could do in terms of academics. It was his faith in God, his common sense, determination, and ability to count money and perform mathematical operations in his head, and serve on the school board, which sparked change in education in Shaw. All those things got him through life and he was destined to accomplish the things he did. ``If you don't walk in purpose, you won't walk in destiny. Find your purpose in life and walk it out'' (Quote by: Farrah Gray). Now, that's how he did it.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the legacy of Tommy ``Mr. Nottie'' Gunns, Jr. from the Second Congressional District of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Samuel Osunde, who is a remarkable Leader, Director and Public Servant.

Dr. Samuel Osunde received his Ph.D. in Mass Communication from Howard University in Washington D.C. Dr. Osunde has more than 28 years of professional, academic and administrative experience. From 1986 to 1989 he served as the Special Assistant to the President for special projects at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

While in Baton Rouge, Louisiana Dr. Osunde served as the Creative Director/Senior Copywriter for Partnership Advertising and Ampoule Advertising Companies. He has produced numerous copywriting for advertisements, publicity packets for release to television, radio, and newspapers, has created visualized concepts for product advertising and serves as advertising consultant to mass media companies throughout the United States, Europe and Africa.

Dr. Osunde's research interests include ``The Role of Mass Media in Perception Influence,'' ``Media Effects Theory,'' ``Intercultural/ International Communication'' and ``Mass Communication Development''. His professional memberships include: Mississippi Communication Association, National Communication Association, Speech Communication Association and the American Communication Association.

Dr. Osunde is the recipient of many academic and professional awards that include, President's Scholar, Chancellor's Scholar Teaching Fellow and the Certificate of Commendation for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an Outstanding Professor, Leader and Extraordinaire, Dr. Samuel O. Osunde, for his dedication to serving others and giving back to the African American community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a courageous and remarkable veteran, Mr. Hasting Bullock.

Mr. Hasting Bullock was born on August 8, 1920 in Yazoo City to the late Elnora Young, and the late Thomas Bullock. They later moved to Pickens, Mississippi where he was reared.

Mr. Hasting Bullock later met his wife of 70 years, the late Elmira Howard, and to this union they had 12 children. He joined the U.S. Army in 1942 and served as a 740 Air crafter for 3 years.

He was stationed at New Ginning, and fought in World War II. After departing from the military he began his farming career from 1946-1983. He retired from his farming career and began to work as a local barber. He is now 94 years old and a widower still residing in Pickens, Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Hasting Bullock for his time and dedication to serving our country and others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a courageous and remarkable veteran, Retired Airman First Class Lawrence David Friar.

Lawrence Friar is a strong believer in the value of family land and property ownership. It is through this belief that prompted him to return to his native home in Lexington, Mississippi in 1972 from Compton, California where he was reared. He was born in Lexington, Mississippi April 20, 1940, but moved out West with his family not long after that.

He returned to his home state to look after his families' land, because so many boundaries and lines were being moved and timber being cut from his property that he had to come home to watch over things for his other siblings. Born to the late Mack Friar and Lettie Wright Friar, Holmes County, Mississippi natives, there were four boys and six girls. He has been a faithful citizen of the Second Congressional District ever since his return in 1972.

Protecting land is nothing new for Friar for he is a proud American Veteran who protected and served his country in the United States Air force from 1958 until 1962.

He joined the military immediately after high school in Compton. ``When I joined the service, the Vietnamese Conflict has started, and it was still going on when I left the service.'' he said. Friar had temporary duty in the War Zone, in which they would leave Hawaii and go to the war and work the jets that needed repairing, and then they would return to Hawaii, where he was stationed.

During his tour of duty in the U.S. Air force, Friar earned and retired with the rank of (E4) Airman First Class.

The Retired Airman First Class Lawrence Friar says ``Most importantly, it taught me patience and how to get along with people.'' he said about his most memorable experience about serving in the U.S. Air force.

Today, one will find this retired U.S. Air force veteran home in Lexington, Mississippi as a local leisurely farmer doing some gardening and planting; what people in the south call ``truck patches.'' He hopes to return to

California one day to check on some siblings there, but for now he will remain with a watchful eye on his family's land.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Retired Airman First Class Lawrence David Friar for his time and dedication to serving our country and others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable business, Choppa Styles Barber Shop.

Choppa Styles Barber Shop is owned by Ramirez Lee, who was born and raised in Leland, Mississippi. ``Choppa Styles'' is the name of his shop and is a new age term for the latest in music, fashion, and even hairstyles.

After Lee graduated from barber school, he went to work for other barbershops, but knew that he wanted his own business. He was very particular and wanted to please his customers while giving them the advantage of his knowledge.

Many people have the mistaken belief that men just walk into a barbershop, sit down and get a haircut. Lee doesn't have that attitude at all.

Lee states that ``it's very important for a professional barber to look at the person's facial structure, the type of hair he might have as to whether it is thick or thinning, curly, straight, all those things. A good barber will then style that person's hair to compliment his facial structure.''

Lee said that he tries to influence his customers on the necessity of a healthy scalp. Lee also said that he hopes to include hair care products at his shop soon.

Lee doesn't make appointments. All of his customers are walk-ins He welcomes new customers and invites them to stop by his shop.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Choppa Styles Barber Shop for its dedication to serving and giving back to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a courageous and remarkable veteran, Mr. George Reed, Jr.

Mr. Reed was born in Enid, Oklahoma in April of 1943. He is the only child of the late Mr. George Reed, Sr., who was a World War II Veteran, and Mrs. Estella Hunt Reed.

Mr. Reed graduated from Gentry High School in 1962. In May of 1963, he did basic training in San Diego, California for the United States Navy.

From 1964-1965, Mr. Reed did two tours in Vietnam on the USS Oriskany CVA-34. Then, he transferred to USS John Archibald Bole DD 755 and served the next four years on this ship. Two of the places he toured on this ship are Japan and Fort Malaysia.

Mr. Reed served six years, and retired in 1969 as a Machinist Mate E5. He now serves as Post Adjutant at the American Legion Post #205, where they have 30 active members.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. George Reed, Jr. for his time and dedication to serving our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a courageous and remarkable veteran, Dr. Haskell S. Bingham.

Dr. Bingham was a native son of Vicksburg, Mississippi, born to the late Rev. Judge R. Bingham, Sr. and Mrs. Julia E. Bingham.

Dr. Bingham attended Vicksburg schools, Jackson State College, University of Denver, Peabody College/Vanderbilt University and served in the U.S. Army, and became a Korean War veteran.

Dr. Bingham was a former teacher at Brinkley High School in Jackson, Mississippi. He also retired having served as former Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Virginia State University, former Assistant to the President at St. Paul's College (Virginia) and former Dean of Admissions and Records at Jackson State University.

Dr. Bingham was greatly respected and loved as the historian/ genealogist of the Bingham's of African descent in America. He identified over 2500 relatives in his historical research in South Africa and the United States. He also achieved recognition for his ancestors including the Freedom Fighter Gabriel of Gabriel's Rebellion in Virginia, from the National Parks Service, City of Richmond City Council, and former Governor Kaine of Virginia.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Haskell S. Bingham for his time and dedication to serving our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of legislation naming this facility after Ms. Juanita Millender-McDonald, a wonderful lady. She served this institution well up until her final moments. Most of us were not aware of the terminal illness she had. She served with grace, dignity, and honor, and our respect. She will be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to speak on behalf of this bill, H.R. 579, 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.

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

After teaching at Alcorn State University, R. Jess Brown moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where he taught industrial arts at Lanier High School, the only Black high school in the city at the time. While teaching at Lanier, R. Jess Brown 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 career in Vicksburg, Mississippi, R. Jess Brown 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 African Americans in the State of Mississippi. That lawsuit, on behalf of a Jefferson County minister, challenged laws that prevented Blacks from voting.

Mr. Speaker, Jess Brown has an extensive record as a civil rights lawyer. His list of clients included 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 Court, and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Brown also served on the executive board of the National Bar Association for approximately 15 years.

On December 3, 1989, R. Jess Brown died of cancer 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. 579.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Aaron Shirley, a public health visionary and trailblazer in the medical profession, who dedicated his life to bringing medical services to underserved rural and urban communities in Mississippi. Not only was he great for his medical acumen and creativity in conceiving unique and innovative service delivery methods but also for his commitment to the cause of equality and civil rights.

Born in Gluckstadt, MS, Dr. Shirley eventually moved with his family to Jackson, MS, where he graduated from Lanier High School. In 1955, Dr. Shirley graduated from Tougaloo College and then received a scholarship to attend Meharry Medical School in Nashville, TN. After he graduated from Meharry in 1959, he moved back to Mississippi to begin a general practice. During this time, he held on to a desire to practice pediatric medicine. In Mississippi, in 1960, this type of specialization seemed an impossibility. Still, Dr. Shirley forged ahead, gaining valuable experience practicing family medicine.

In 1965, Dr. Shirley was invited into the pediatric residency program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. There, he became the first Black pediatrician in Mississippi and the first Black resident trained at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Dr. Shirley often related a story of being advised by one of his mentors to be prepared for white people to not want him to touch their kids. However, he quickly saw that this was never the case. He saw that when people are in need of medical attention or need help for their kids, the divides of race, color, or ideology simply evaporate. This realization made him understand that there are often bridges between individuals and communities, and from that point on, Dr. Shirley was consistently effective at building bridges across communities.

With this knack for building bridges, and a brilliant mind that eventually led to him receiving a MacAuthur `Genius Award' Fellowship, Dr. Shirley embarked on a mission to help communities that had very little access to the medical care that they badly needed.

In 1970, Dr. Shirley helped to establish the Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center which has since become the largest provider of primary health care services to the poor, uninsured and underserved population in central Mississippi. Additionally, he created a comprehensive school-based clinic addressing myriad community health issues including, drug abuse, mental health issues, and teen violence. Both the health center and the clinical program have become models for similar programs across the country.

Dr. Shirley was a visionary. He saw solutions where some people had not even recognized that a problem existed. This was the case with the Jackson Medical Mall--a one stop shop for medical services and treatment. Where most people looked at the dilapidated Jackson Mall building and saw an eyesore, Dr. Shirley saw an opportunity, and in 1997, after much hard work to get stakeholders to buy into the idea, he helped establish the Jackson Medical Mall facility which has subsequently become one of America's most unique and important community health ventures.

Dr. Shirley was committed to achieving quality outcomes and access to medical care. To that end, he looked to a medical system that seemed very effective in Iran--using community health workers in `health houses' to provide certain services, especially in rural places.

He saw these health houses as a way of bridging the gap and providing a network, through the community health worker, to assure that the patient receives the best and most complete care. With this concept in mind, in 2010, he founded the HealthConnect program that helps prevent unnecessary emergency room visits by sending physicians and nurses directly into the homes of people in underserved communities.

Aaron Shirley's legacy is well-established in this country. Dr. Shirley challenged the system to provide services to the less fortunate and became a tireless advocate for civil and human rights. He provided immeasurable guidance to me during my entire tenure in elective office, making me personally indebted to him. Dr. Shirley's impact on our community cannot be overstated and his accomplishments will benefit generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life of Dr. Aaron Shirley, a visionary in American medicine, trailblazer for rural and underserved communities, and dedicated community leader.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Marion Barry, former Mayor of Washington, D.C., civil rights activist, community organizer, and Mississippi native.

Born in Itta Bena, MS, on March 6, 1936, into a family of sharecroppers, Marion Barry immediately developed a work ethic that would be on display throughout his entire life. Even as a child growing up in the Mississippi Delta and later in Memphis, TN, he would work jobs as a paperboy, a waiter, and a bag boy at a grocery store to help his family in which he was the third of 10 children.

Mr. Barry was always a great student and graduated with a degree in chemistry from Lemoyne-Owen College in Memphis and later received a master's degree in organic chemistry from Fisk University in Nashville, TN. While a graduate student at Fisk, Mr. Barry began what would be a long, storied life in public service and civil rights and helped found the campus's chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and, subsequently, helped to form and became the first National Chairman of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

As Chairman of SNCC, Mr. Barry led protests against racial segregation and discrimination, played a central role in many voter registration efforts, worked for the recognition of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and, despite the imminent danger involved, participated in the Freedom Rides organized by the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), during the spring and summer of 1961, to help African- Americans in the South register to vote.

In 1965, Mr. Barry came to D.C. to manage the local SNCC office. His advocacy for the people of Washington, D.C., started that year and would continue for nearly five decades. At the time Mr. Barry arrived in Washington, D.C., the city, though more than fifty percent Black, had few Black people in the ranks of the city's leadership and was being held under the thumb of often all-white congressional committees whose members' segregationist

policies worked to prevent the black community from growing and thriving.

In response to these conditions, Mr. Barry organized a ``Free D.C. Movement'' to advocate for D.C. Home Rule. Additionally, he often spoke against the policies and regulations put in place by the House Committee on the District of Columbia.

In 1967, Mr. Barry resigned from his leadership position in the D.C., SNCC office and organized Pride, Inc.--a program that provided job training to uplift unemployed black men in Washington, D.C., and put them in a better position to be contributing members of the community. This program helped to build and develop a generation of Black men who may have otherwise been lost.

Mr. Barry began his life in electoral politics in 1971, when he was elected to the Washington, D.C., school board. He would go on to serve as president of the board from 1972 to 1974. Mr. Barry would then go on to run for and be elected to an at-large seat on the D.C. City Council. Mr. Barry immediately became a leader on the council and helped to make real changes in the city including, getting a pay raise for the police department and defeating a gross-receipts tax on all city businesses.

On March 9, 1977, Mr. Barry's personal will and courage were on display as he survived a gunshot wound he received when radical terrorists took siege of the City Council building during a hostage crisis. This event would only add to the reverence that was building for the man and his leadership abilities.

In 1978, Mr. Barry was elected as the Mayor of Washington, D.C.--a post he would hold for 16 years between 1979 and 1999. Like me, Mr. Barry was one of the nearly 250 black mayors elected in the years following Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination and he became one of the many black elected leaders who rose from the struggles of the civil rights era.

As mayor of Washington, D.C., Marion Barry was a powerhouse. He helped to create a local government that had barely existed before his arrival at City Hall. He was an advocate for diversity and inclusivity in City government hiring and appointed new and talented black leaders who, ultimately, proved the viability of self-governance by Black leaders in D.C.

Mr. Barry instituted budget reforms that had not previously existed and was able to get the city's financial books in order. Additionally, Mr. Barry worked to build up downtown Washington, D.C., and turn it into a thriving business center that would eventually include the Verizon Center--home to the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals. Moreover, Mr. Barry would raise the national and international profile of Washington, D.C., through his charismatic leadership and effective results.

Though he moved the city forward and became an ally to the business community, the upper middle class and the professional working class alike, Marion Barry never forgot where he came from and the people who he was elected to serve. During his mayoralty, Mr. Barry continued to be a champion for the poor and downtrodden. He would often say that he could ``walk with kings but not lose the common touch.'' He helped steer millions of dollars into job training, employment, senior citizen, and social welfare programs. He also hired thousands of blue- collar workers into his administration to perform many of the jobs that helped build a thriving metropolis.

Marion Barry was often referred to as ``Mayor for Life'' due in part to the unyielding support he received from his constituents. This support would often be tested in his political life. But even in the face of controversy that prevented him from seeking mayoral office in 1990 and eventually cost him his freedom, the people of D.C. trusted the leadership of Mr. Barry enough to re-elect him as D.C.'s Mayor in 1994 and subsequently to several more terms as a City Council member.

Despite any of Mr. Barry's personal struggles and downfalls, he always kept one thing front and center in his mind--the well being and progression of the people of his beloved Washington, D.C., and the continued advancement of the black community. Until his dying day, Marion Barry carried the flag for his city.

Marion Barry is a great example of what can happen when the system tries to choose our heroes for us and the people push back.

While the media and various individuals worked as hard as they could to break him down and turn their collective backs on him, the people-- the ones who should be the most important to an elected official-- always welcomed him with open arms and received him even more warmly at the ballot box. This speaks volumes about the kind of man and the kind of leader Marion Barry was in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mayor Marion Barry, an undaunted activist, a community leader, a devoted public servant, and an unforgettable personality in American politics.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable Unsung Hero in Cleveland, Mississippi.

Deborah Moore is the Associate Vice President of Community Relations at Delta Health Alliance. Mrs. Moore is assigned to the Indianola Promise Community where she provides administrative oversight and technical assistance to the community and organizations. Mrs. Moore worked one year as Project Manager IV at Delta Health Alliance before being promoted to Assistant Vice President and then to Associate Vice President.

Mrs. Moore is a retiree from the state of Mississippi where she served 27 years in community and economic development. She spent the last 12 years of her career before coming to Delta Health Alliance at Delta State University's Center for Community and Economic Development in Cleveland, MS where she served as AmeriCorps director for two programs and then as director of the Center for Community and Economic Development the last five years. In her role as director of the Center for Community and Economic Development she assisted grass-root communities by empowering individuals, strengthening relationships and developing projects and programs to strengthen communities. Moore has extensive work with proposal writing having secured grants in excess of $15,000,000.00.

Mrs. Moore is a member of several nonprofit boards, the Mississippi Center for Nonprofits, Cleveland Youth Council and Friends of the Environment. She currently serves as chair of the board for the Delta Fresh Foods Initiative. Moore serves in an advisory capacity for the Breast Education-Early Detection Project and the School-based Asthma Management Project at Delta State University. She also

serves on the advisory board of the Excel By 5 program in Cleveland, MS and is a member of the Excel By 5 Coalition in Indianola, MS.

Mrs. Moore works tirelessly in assisting: the elderly by running errands and doing other tasks they may desire; mentoring youth in diverse subject areas, so they can become an asset to society and work faithful with her husband's ministry to enhance congregants both spiritually and naturally.

Mrs. Moore is a native of Cleveland, MS. She is a graduate of Delta State University with a B.B.A. degree and a M.B.A. degree. She has a certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional from the National Development Council (NDC) and received her PhD from the University of Southern Mississippi in Human Capital Development.

Mrs. Moore is married to Dr. Billy Moore and they are the proud parents of two daughters, A'ndrea and Alicia.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Deborah Moore, an amazing Unsung Hero, for her dedication and service to mankind.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my disappointment in Former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour's offensive remarks regarding President Barack Obama. On a post-election conference call Barbour referred to President Obama's policies as ``tar baby.''

Although some may feel as though Barbour's remarks were a ``slip of the tongue'' or not offensive I, as an African American who has been the recipient of such references find such remarks reprehensible.

As the former governor of a state such as Mississippi, Barbour's remarks were particularly degrading to those citizens who still remember being raised in an era of extreme racial criticism and hatred. Remarks such as these demonstrate a lack of racial sensitivity and foster a culture of prejudice.

Mr. Speaker, I am highly offended by Barbour's comments and am offended by his insensitivity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable veteran and community servant, Chief of Police, Anthony ``Stoney'' Parker. Chief Parker has shown what can be done through hard work, setting goals, and aiming high.

Anthony ``Stoney'' Parker was born in Montgomery, Alabama to the late Cornie and Lillian Parker. Chief Parker graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama in May 1974 where he received a scholarship in football to attend the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Chief Parker is a 1979 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. After graduation he played one year of professional football for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League before being injured. He was later inducted into the University of Southern Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame for football in April of 1992.

Chief Parker is a member of the University of Southern Mississippi M- Club Board of Directors. He is a member of Seven Springs United Methodist Church in Raymond, Mississippi.

Chief Parker became a Mississippi State Trooper in December of 1982 and retired from the Mississippi Highway Patrol in June of 2009, as a Master Sergeant serving in the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation Division (MBI). While working in MBI, he was assigned to the DEA as a Task Force Officer for four years. Chief Parker was a founding member of the Mississippi Black Troopers Coalition and the National Black Troopers Coalition.

Chief Parker started working as a patrolman with the Crystal Springs Police Department after retiring from the Mississippi Highway Patrol. He served as a Sergeant and Lieutenant at the Crystal Springs Police Department before being appointed Chief of Police for the Crystal Springs Police Department in October, 2013. Chief Parker has thirty two years of combined law enforcement experience with the State and Local Government.

Chief Parker and his wife, Bettie, have been married for thirty three years and have two beautiful children: Christopher and Stefanie.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Chief Anthony ``Stoney'' Parker for his dedication to sewing our great Country and his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable former Law Enforcement Officer, Mr. Willie L. Hudson, who is a lifelong resident of Jonestown, Mississippi.

Willie Lee Hudson, Jr. was born to the late Willie Lee Hudson, Sr. and Alouis Hudson on February 14, 1959 in Marks, Mississippi. He is a graduate of Coahoma Agricultural High School in Clarksdale, Mississippi and furthered his education at Coahoma Community College and North Carolina College. In May, 1977 he joined the U.S. Marine Corp, where he served three years and received an honorable discharge. On August 4, 1981 he became a police officer with the Clarksdale Police Department in Clarksdale, Mississippi. While at the Clarksdale Police Department, Willie moved up in rank as: Sergeant, Warrant Sergeant, and Warrant Captain.

In 2012 he retired from the Clarksdale Police Department. During his tenure as a police officer, he worked for municipal police departments in Friars Point, Mississippi, Greenville, Mississippi and Jonestown, Mississippi. In 2014 he was appointed Chief of Police for the Jonestown Police Department, but, due to health reasons, he retired from law enforcement in September.

Mr. Hudson has been an Associate Minister for 10 years at St. Luke Baptist Church in Jonestown, Mississippi. He is married to Annie Thomas-Hudson and they have eight children: Willie, III, Michael, Cherise, Paris, Willexia, Whitney, Andrenett, and Iesha; and four grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing former law enforcement officer.