Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Chief R.D. Simpson, a native of Jackson, Mississippi.

Chief Simpson began his professional fire service career in 1993 with the City of Jackson Fire Department. Chief Simpson is well respected among firefighters in the City and the County for his professionalism and his ability to build strong relations between career firefighters and volunteers.

In his 20 years of service, he has held the following positions: Firefighter, Lieutenant in the Emergency Service Division, Captain/ Emergency Medical Technician in the Emergency Service Division, Division Chief of Training, and Deputy Chief of the Emergency Service Division.

Chief Simpson's educational background includes: a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Jackson State University and a master's degree in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University. He has served as the Public Information Officer for the Jackson Fire Department for the past ten years.

Chief Simpson resides in Jackson, Mississippi with his wife and their five children.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Chief R.D. Simpson for his dedication to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church Canton, Mississippi.

The population of Madison County, Mississippi has been predominantly African-American since 1840. Prior to 1865, some members of the African-American population, most of whom had arrived in the country as slaves, were permitted to attend worship services, to be baptized and to be married in the area churches. They were also allowed to join established white congregations.

Early county records indicate that slaves were a part of the church communities. The Old Madison Presbyterian Church, the First Presbyterian, and the First Baptist listed a total membership of one hundred and thirty-four. One hundred were slaves and the other thirty- four were whites.

After the Civil War and freedom, African-Americans naturally desired to establish their own houses of worship. In 1865, the newly freed members of the congregation of First Baptist, with encouragement and financial assistance from their white counterparts, organized Mount Zion Baptist Church. Rev. T.J. Drane, pastor of the white church, served as minister receiving for his services a monthly salary of one dollar.

In 1870, Drane and R.B. Johnson donated two acres of land on the northern boundary of the plantation to Mount Zion. The first church was erected on Freedman Hill, located at the corner of North Railroad and Bowman Streets, according to the 1898 George and Dunlap map of Canton. Rev. Drane called for a meeting with council along with Mr. Will Powell from the white Baptist Church to help establish the church.

In addition to serving as pastor, Rev. Drane ran a day school and was assisted by Lillian Highgate, a white female. Rev. Drane received an additional $1.50 a month for his services. He also organized and maintained the first Sunday school class. All other organizations came into existence after Rev. Drane's resignation. Rev. Jordan Williams replaced him.

Newspapers frequently carried announcements concerning Mount Zion's activities. For example, ``Several converts at the Colored Baptist Church were baptized at the railroad culvert,'' or ``Rev. Williams, pastor of the Colored Baptist Church, immersed ten converts last Sunday night''. The second church site was across the street where the TWL parking lot is now located.

The third and fourth pastors were Reverends Mass and Davis. The fifth pastor, Rev. R.T. Sims, served for eighteen years and Rev. W.L. Varnado for seven. The seventh through the tenth pastors were as follows: Rev. Bradley, Rev. Morris, Rev. Drew, and Rev. A.D. Purnell.

By the 1920's, the congregation had outgrown the church and Rev. Purnell, along with members, began raising money for a larger building. The new lot for our present church was purchased from Jack Warren. Rev. Purnell asked Mr. S.M. Reddrick, Vice President of Madison County Bank, to serve as custodian over the church's building funds. He also asked if he would direct the building of the church and issue bonds to underwrite construction costs.

The bank issued $14,000 in bonds. Raymond H. Spencer was the architect of the neoclassical brick structure. He also designed the First Methodist Church of which Reddick was a member. The building was erected in 1929 at the cost of $35,000. The congregation moved into the new structure February 1930.

Rev. P.F. Parker, the eleventh pastor, with the help of God and members, burned the mortgage. Under his leadership the church grew. For example, the following organizations played an active role in missionary work: Senior Missionary Society, Junior Matrons, Young Woman's Auxiliary, Red Circle/Sunshine Band, Sunday school, Baptist Training Union, Senior Choir, Gospel Chorus, Junior/Beginner's Choir, New Membership Club, Pastor's Aide, Boys' Bible Club and Usher Board. Rev. Parker served until his death in 1970.

Mount Zion continued to serve the African-American community religiously and socially. During the summer of 1964, Mount Zion was the location of a pivotal moment in our state's civil rights struggle. In her autobiography, Coming of Age in Mississippi, Ann Moody notes that Mount Zion was the biggest Negro church in Canton and the center of the local marches.

On Friday, May 29, 1964, on the church lawn, six hundred community and church members witnessed the near death beating of McKinley Hamilton, a young African-American man. As a result, eighty church members marched on the Madison County jail in one of the first protest marches in Canton. Mount Zion became known as the ``Church of Refuge''. In 1968, twelve hundred students from Rogers High School marched because they were outraged over the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A group of parents led them to Mount Zion. Rev. Parker opened the doors of the church to them, thus saving them from injury by law enforcement officers waiting for them on Hickory Street in front of High's Funeral Home.

Dr. W.L. Johnson, our twelfth and present pastor, has served for twenty-nine years. His words have power through the Holy Spirit. Under Dr. Johnson's leadership, the church has continued its growth. For example, the church has been air-conditioned, carpeted throughout, a fellowship hall and recreation center built and equipped, four parking lots purchased and surfaced, restrooms were remodeled, a lounge installed, pews padded, a new intercom system purchased, speakers installed in the pulpit and choir loft, additional chairs purchased for the choir and seating areas in the wings, two new copiers, a computer, storage room, and a fifteen passenger van and twenty-seven passenger bus were also purchased. The stained glass windows were repaired, and the pastor study was moved upstairs.

We now have a summer recreation program. Our membership is approximately 500 and still growing. The church is one of the most monumental, intact, and historic resources associated with the Canton African- American Community. As a result of this, the church was recently placed on the registry of Historical Buildings.

Our aim is to give every God-seeking person an opportunity to receive salvation. The church clearly reflects the importance of the social and religious life of the African-American community from its birth in 1865 up to the present. Let us resolve to make service to Christ a priority in our lives.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable veteran and community servant, Sergeant Milton Moore. Sergeant Moore has shown what can be done through hard work, setting goals, and aiming high.

Sergeant Moore attended the Southern Regional Public Safety Institute in Long Beach, MS where he graduated with honors in 2000. He has completed training in: Clandestine Lab Investigations, Interview and Interrogation, Psychological Response to Active Shooter, and numerous other training courses, including, FEMA Incident Command System ICS200, ICS300, ICS400, and ICS700.

Sergeant Milton Moore was hired with the City of Vicksburg in September 1999, as a firefighter. Deciding to follow the footsteps of his father, he became an employee of the Vicksburg Police Department in March 2000. Since that time, he has served as a Patrol Officer and Field Training Officer.

Sergeant Moore was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in February 2010, scoring the highest of all candidates. Sergeant Moore is presently serving as a shift commander, where he currently has 9 officers under his command.

Sergeant Moore was only 6 years old when his father joined the Vicksburg Police Department in 1975. Being around law enforcement all of his life, Sergeant Moore gained interest and respect for the duties of law enforcement. He knew that one day he would be able to wear the uniform and follow his father's footsteps and become an officer at the Vicksburg Police Department. Most of the traits and values that Sergeant Moore's father instilled in him he still practices daily. These attributes have helped Sergeant Moore become a model officer.

February 19, 2014, Sergeant Milton Moore was honored as Officer of the Year by the Vicksburg Homecoming Benevolence Club. Being a recipient of this award, was a very humbling experience for Sergeant Moore. The award is named the ``Artel Moore Award'' after Sergeant Moore's deceased father.

Sergeant Moore is a member of the Mississippi Homeland Security Task Force. Sergeant Moore is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, serving in the U.S. Navy during the first Iraq war, Desert Storm, in 1991.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sergeant Milton Moore for his dedication to serving our great Country and his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable Law Enforcement Officer, Mr. Tony Warren who is a lifelong resident of Mound Bayou, Mississippi.

Mr. Warren is the son of the late William Hampton and the late Roberta Scott Warren.

Mr. Warren entered law enforcement in 1990 as dispatcher for the City of Mound Bayou Police Department, and progressed to the positions of: Patrolman, Fire Chief, and his current position, Chief of Police.

In his desire to expand his law enforcement career in 2007, he became a Correctional Field Officer, formerly known as a Parole Officer. As a Correctional Field Officer he assists former inmates with employment and housing opportunities, as well as addictive behavior placement for reintroduction into family and society. He regularly attends trainings to become aware of societal threats and what technical resolutions will be best for his day-to-day utilization.

His love of law enforcement played a tremendous role in enhancing his love for his hometown and the need to protect and serve the community. Therefore, he has an open door policy for the residents and visitors. Chief Warren believes in communication between the police department and the people they serve to enhance the community.

Mr. Warren has received numerous awards for his community and academic involvement with the Mound Bayou School District, AARP and other civic organizations.

Mr. Warren is the youngest of eight siblings: Joyce, James, Ella, Odis, Ivory, Justeen, Veronica, and Kenny (deceased).

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing law enforcement officer for his dedication and service to his profession.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable enforcement officer and community servant, Under Sheriff Derrick Cubit.

Derrick Cubit was born on a warm, sunny day of September 1, 1970 in Jackson, MS. As a youngster, he lived in Hazlehurst, Mississippi with his mother, Bobbie, his brother, Travis, and his late grandmother, Sarah.

Derrick Cubit started school when he was six-years-old. He went to kindergarten through fifth grades at Hazlehurst Elementary, attended Hazlehurst Middle School, and graduated from Hazlehurst High School in 1988. He continued his education by attending Hinds Community College and Jackson State University where he majored in Criminal Justice.

``Life has been a means of friends and family who you can trust and who trusts you,'' says Mr. Cubit. He is pretty happy with what life brings and is accustomed to being around primarily adults, those who he received wisdom from. He met lots of people who invested and took time with him, and helped him to excel at most of his many and various hobbies. He did well in school because of this and fortunately, self- awareness was something that was learned later on in his years.

Under Sheriff Cubit is a member of the Phi Beta Fraternity and of the Golden Square Lodge #88. There was always an interest in being a public servant, and he finally got an opportunity to work for the Copiah County Sheriff Department in October of 1997. He gives all thanks to the late Chief Deputy Joe L. Young, who gave him the opportunity to become a Deputy Sheriff with the Copiah County Sheriff Department. The trend was set by just meeting his potential, and taking on new challenges when someone brought it to his attention that he'd be perfect for the opportunity to work through the ranks at the Sheriff Department. He started out being a Deputy Sheriff, later was promoted to Juvenile Officer, after that he was promoted to Captain of Patrol, and now he serves as the Under Sheriff for the Copiah County Sheriff Department.

Under Sheriff Cubit always assumed he'd never get married because he was a hard worker and thought that if he was tied down by the constraints of a wife and kids his work might hinder family growth. But then, he met the beautiful Ms. Semekia Jones in 1994 and they agreed to marry in 2001. He had one son before this union and now his new family role suits him as being a father and husband. He's driven to spur his son on to even greater accomplishments.

Despite a lifetime of challenges and accomplishments Under Sheriff Cubit has held on to a quote by James Baldwin: ``The world is before you, and you need not take it or leave it as it was when you came in.'' His goal is to achieve what James Baldwin speaks about. Although he would question, ``How?'' he believes that the moment his son entered this world, he then knew that he had achieved it.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Under Sheriff Derrick Cubit for his dedication to serving our great Country and his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary community leader, Sheriff Oliver Parker, Jr.

Sheriff Oliver Parker, Jr.'s life began in Duncan, MS. Sheriff Parker's mother, Mrs. Eddie Mae Parker, relocated to Hinchcliff, MS when he was ten years old. Sheriff Parker has resided in Quitman County for over 50 years. He is a graduate of Quitman County High School, Northwest Junior College, and the Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Academy. Parker completed the Mississippi Fire Investigation Training Academy as a requirement to become an Arson Investigator. He has one daughter, Fatina Parker Elliott; one granddaughter, Ashley-Faith Elliott; and one god-daughter, Detra Foster-Webb.

Sheriff Parker has never been a stranger to hard work. He worked assiduously as a teenager to help his single-mother provide for his siblings. He has always had a desire to help others. He knew at an early age that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of the citizens of Quitman County. He pursued his dreams of helping the citizens of Quitman County by beginning a career in law enforcement. He served in the capacity of Deputy Sheriff for the Quitman County Sheriffs Department for 23 years. In 1999 he pursued his life-long dream of becoming the Sheriff of Quitman County. He was elected the first African-American Sheriff of Quitman County in November of 1999 and took the Oath of Office on December 9, 1999. He began his responsibilities as Sheriff of Quitman County on January 1, 2000. He has humbly served as Sheriff of Quitman County for 14 years.

Since the beginning of his career as Sheriff of Quitman County, Sheriff Parker has instituted change in a variety of ways and made major contributions to the Quitman County Sheriffs Department. Jailed youth are offered a variety of programs designed to help them avoid returning to jail, as well as GED tutoring and testing. The elderly are assisted via the TRIAD Program. Sheriff Parker also initiated the employment of a full-time School Resource Officer at Madison Shannon Palmer High School. Under Sheriff Parker's leadership, a full-time detective and additional deputies and dispatchers were hired to assist with protecting and serving the citizens of Quitman County. Sheriff Parker's leadership has proven

to be successful, as there were no unsolved murders in Quitman County until February 8, 2013.

Sheriff Parker was present at a major milestone in the history of Quitman County which was the unveiling of the Mule Train sign at the city limits of Marks, Mississippi.

Sheriff Parker possesses sound judgment; he has a great sense of accountability to the citizens of Quitman County; and he has an irreproachable professionalism. Sheriff Parker constantly seeks to establish relationships with the community that ensures continued trust and dependability. He is a God-fearing individual who seeks to serve the citizens of Quitman County with the utmost respect, dignity and honesty.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sheriff Oliver Parker, Jr. for his dedication in being a respected community leader.

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

Mrs. Takiya Frye-Lewis is the daughter of Ms. Carolyn Frye and the late Mr. Levester Frye, Sr. She is married to Mr. Casey T. Lewis and is the mother of two girls; Ciera and Keziah and is expecting a son in July of 2014 who will be named Casey, Jr. Although born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Takiya Frye-Lewis has been a resident of Bolivar County, Mississippi for 17 years and she considers herself a ``transplanted native.''

Mrs. Lewis graduated from Willow Run High School in Ypsilanti, Michigan in 1997 and received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Mississippi Valley State University in 2005 and her Master of Arts in Criminal Justice in 2008 from Mississippi Valley State University.

Mrs. Lewis serves in the capacity of a Pre-K teacher at the Coahoma Opportunities Incorporated Head Start Center in Clarksdale, Mississippi. During her 7 years of teaching diverse socio-economic youths ranging in the ages of 3 to 5 years old, she has found it challenging and rewarding. She desires that all of the children in her classroom and care receive the necessary tools to advance their understanding, knowledge of all subject matter which is taught, even devoting time for individualized coaching and tutoring.

Mrs. Lewis loves teaching and believes in helping children and adults strive towards their life endeavors. Her future objectives are to take the teachers exam and become a kindergarten teacher in a public school district.

Mrs. Lewis devoted endless hours to running errands, home care needs, feeding and clothing the less fortunate. Also, she is active in her church by serving as Vice President of the Youth Department, President of the Purity Class, and President of the Youth and Adult choirs.

Mrs. Lewis is a member of the NAACP and Congressman Bennie Thompson's Bi-Monthly Municipal Meetings which is hosted by his Mound Bayou District Office where she is outspoken on issues which affects her community and our great nation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing Head Start professional for her dedication and service to educating the youths.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dignity & Mercy Adult Daycare Services.

Tamekia Renix Jackson was born on September 18, 1974 to Albert Black III and Fannie Renix Johnson. Tamekia is the oldest of her seven siblings. She is a graduate of the North Panola High School Class of 1992. She currently resides in Como, MS, where she was born and raised. She attends the First Baptist Church in Como, where she serves faithfully as associate minister, choir president, and youth advisor. She serves on the Board of Directors for Aaron E. Henry Community Health Center and as President of the Mississippi Association of Adult Day Services.

In 1995 Tamekia graduated from the Licensed Practical Nursing Course at Northwest Community College in Senatobia, MS. She decided to further her education by enrolling in the Registered Nurse Curriculum in Senatobia, MS. She graduated in 2005 and passed her NCLEX as a RN.

Tamekia began working at the age of 15 at Wendy's in Senatobia, MS. After passing her LPN NCLEX, she became employed with Golden Living Center in Batesville, MS and remained with the company for three years learning that she really desired the role of RN. After becoming an RN she was gainfully employed with Baptist Desoto Hospital, where she remained for 2 years working in critical care. She later moved on to the position of travel nurse where she traveled extensively and enhanced her skills, gained friends, and encountered remarkable experiences. After becoming home sick, she accepted a position as Director of Nursing for Monette Hospice until it closed in 2009. She was then led to open Dignity & Mercy Adult Day Services, LLC.

During her first year as an entrepreneur, she also gave birth to her first born, Mckenzie Janae Jackson on July 2, 2009. On September 6, 2010 she gave birth to her 2nd born, Cayden Allen Jackson. They are outgoing, intelligent, inquisitive children. She also has a son, Alex Shaw, 17 years old, whom she adopted from a prior marriage.

While working at Monette Hospice, the owner opened an Adult Daycare next door. Tamekia found herself drawn to the participants of this center. She also realized there was no such program at home for the elderly and disabled. She began to research adult daycare and sought information in the community regarding funding, transportation, and other services needed in Panola and the 8 surrounding counties. In August of 2010, Dignity & Mercy Adult Day Services received a provider number for Adult Daycare in the state of MS. Later Dignity & Mercy also received a provider number for Respite and Homemaker Services. In January of 2014 Tamekia felt lead to open a facility in Oxford, MS. On July 1, 2014 Dignity & Mercy received a contract for Non Emergency Transportation with Division of Medicaid via MTM.

Dignity & Mercy is located at 569 Hwy 6 West in Batesville, MS. Dignity & Mercy recently purchased and renovated a 13,000 sq. ft. facility located at 405 Hwy 51 south in Batesville, MS. The date for occupancy is set for Oct. 1, 2014. They are excited about the grace of God affording them such an opportunity.

Dignity & Mercy services 50 to 60 clients per day at the Batesville location and 10 to 15 clients at the Oxford location. Their participants range from 21 years of age to 99 and provide the transportation to and from the center along with breakfast, lunch and a snack before they leave. The participants attend movies monthly, visit schools and nursing homes. The Adult Day Care offers exercise class daily and other activities including shooting pool, reading, cooking, quilting, gardening, basketball, checkers, bowling, wii sports, ring toss, crocheting, coloring, and various arts and crafts.

Dignity & Mercy has faced numerous challenges but God has delivered them from them all. When Tamekia is faced with struggles she takes comfort in the scripture from Jeremiah 29:11 ``For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dignity & Mercy Adult Daycare Services for their dedication to serving their community and this great state and country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Dr. Geraldine B. Chaney, M.D., who is a native of Mississippi. She was born into a family of nine children (six girls and three boys), with parents who stressed the importance of strong religious beliefs. Dr. Chaney's parents were not formally educated, but possessed a wealth of knowledge. They taught God first, family and education next.

Dr. Chaney chose to attend Tougaloo College and major in Biology and Chemistry. As tradition would have it, Dr. Chaney's brothers and sisters who had gone to college before her, went to school to become school teachers. All of that changed when she heard some of her classmates talking about going to medical school. At that moment without telling anyone, Dr. Chaney closeted in her mind that she wanted to become a physician. She thought that her idea was a bit farfetched. She had never seen or known a black or white female physician.

However, Tougaloo offered unique experience. Dr. Chaney excelled in her studies and took the exam for entry into medical school. Her score was good enough to get her into her choice of four schools. She chose the University of Mississippi, because she wanted to practice in Mississippi.

Dr. Chaney entered medical school with only five other African Americans. There were five black males, and she was the only black female. It was a very grueling experience, but they all managed to finish. Dr. Chaney admits that she did better in medical school than in college. Probably because she really wanted to be a doctor. It was also important to her that the medical community get to know her and see what she was capable of doing.

When Dr. Chaney completed her residency in 1977, there was only one other black pediatrician in the Jackson area. She knew that she couldn't start a private practice right out of school, because she would be swamped by those looking for a black physician to care for their children. So, she spent the first ten years working at the clinic, the University Medical Center, with another physician, and volunteering. She also worked part-time in public health and consulting.

Dr. Chaney is one of the most prominent pediatricians in the state of Mississippi, serving patients of all races and nationalities.

Dr. Chaney is quick to point out that her husband played a huge part in her success. She left her salaried position at the Health Center to start her own business, and he stood with her 100%. When she began the practice, her earnings were only half of what she had made from the clinic and consulting. But, she knew that was only temporary. In her own words, ``To build a business, there has to be some sacrifice.'' She and her family decided that they could make the sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr Geraldine B. Chaney for her dedication to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable Entrepreneur of Clarksdale, Mound Bayou, Mississippi.

Clarksdale business owner, Eugene Hicks, Sr., continues to receive recognition for his world famous hot tamales. He has been featured on the Food Networks television show, Rachel Ray's, Chile Pepper, Southern Living, Esquire magazines and other national magazines. He has also been featured in the local and national newspapers.

Mr. Hicks has hosted and served quite a few famous people and celebrities from the late, John F. Kennedy Jr., and John Amos, Blues entertainers, Bobbie Rush, Rufus Thomas, Tyrone Davis, and many worldwide tourist travelers. The most exciting historical event hosting and serving President Bill Clinton, Rev. Jessie Jackson, and several Mississippi governors including Governor Ray Mabus, Governor Ronnie Musgrove, and Governor Haley Barbour, and many more distinguished customers.

Mr. Hicks, who is now 70 years old, has been making tamales since age 16 when he was introduced to the cooking craft by the late Angelo Thompson who was the owner of Liberty Super Market in Clarksdale. Mr. Thompson instructed him on how to properly cut meat and how to manage a store and a restaurant. Mr. Hicks started working at the Liberty Super Market at the age of 12 years. He would work after school and worked at local stores doing various types jobs.

During the same time around the age of 12, an older black gentleman named Acy Ware befriended him. Mr. Ware made and sold tamales to the public by push cart and Mr. Hicks would go back and forth to the local grocery stores on his bike to pick up the different spices and shucks that Mr. Ware needed to make his tamales. A couple of years later, Mr. Ware taught Mr. Hicks how to make tamales

and informed him that the skill of making tamales can assist in him becoming an entrepreneur.

Mr. Hicks was drafted into the military at the age of 21 and worked in the mess hall preparing and cooking for the officers and his fellow soldiers. His ability to cook afforded him the opportunity to stay state side and be shipped off to Vietnam. After his military service he went back to work at Liberty Super Market, and at the federal building before opening his own grocery store. He opened Hicks' Superette in 1973, on 109-5th Street at the age of 26 with $52 dollars where he sold groceries and his tamales.

Business was booming and people from all over the world came to eat his tamales. Customers liked his tamales and the word spread that he had the best tamales in the Mississippi Delta and they would request orders to be shipped to them in various parts of the United States and foreign countries.

``The mid-90s were really tough,'' Hicks said. However, he had to close down Hicks' Superette. In 2000 because of high crime and drug usage in that area of down town, people began to move out.

Mr. Hicks moved and opened a restaurant/ banquet hall, called Hicks' World Famous Hot Tamales & More on 305 South State Street. He has independently own his business for 41 years now. Hicks is one of the oldest independent black business in Clarksdale.

Mr. Hicks is amazed that these years his business still attracts people from all over the world.

So, what is the secret to Mr. Hick's success? It is the shucks he uses to wrap the tamales in before cooking. Many people use wax paper which is cheaper. It's kind of expensive the way he does it, but it is the way he was taught 50 years ago and it has paid off. He does not believe in cutting comers like most people may.

His wife, Betty, of 44 years has worked in the business for the last 11 years after retiring from the Clarksdale Public School System. She said, ``Eugene has recently contemplated retirement.''

Mr. Hicks stated that his career has been a blessed one, because he has had a chance to meet a lot of people due to his tamales. Mr. Hicks lives by the motto of: ``What you do--do it well.''

Mr. Hicks and his wife are the proud parents of 3 children.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing entrepreneur for his dedication and service to his profession.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable veteran and community servant, Mr. Timothy Crudup. Mr. Crudup has shown what can be done through hand work, setting goals, and aiming high.

Timothy Crudup, the fourth child of Mr. Jonas Crudup and Mrs. Tommie Lyles Crudup, was born in Scott County, Forest, Mississippi. He lived in Forest all of his childhood and young adult life, where he attended elementary school and the ninth and tenth grades of high school. While in high school, he was drafted in 1943, to serve in the United States Navy, during WWII. After his tour of duty, Mr. Crudup received an honorable discharge from the United States Navy in January 1946.

In the fall of 1946, having a desire to complete his high school education, he enrolled in the Alcorn Laboratory High School in Lorman, MS. With an interest in furthering his education, after graduating from high school, he enrolled in Alcorn College, with a major in education. Later, he received the Master's degree from Jackson State University in Administration and Supervision.

In 1952, Mr. Crudup began his teaching career in the Madison County School System and remained with this school system until his retirement in 1985. His first position was as a high school teacher at the Farmhaven High School in Farmhaven, MS. After teaching for one year, his leadership abilities were recognized, and he was offered the position of principal of that school. Later the school was relocated to a new school building with the name changed to Luther Branson. He continued to serve as principal in that community for 14 years. Then he was asked to accept the principal position at Rosa Scott High School, in Madison, MS, where he served in that position for 19 years, retiring in 1985.

He married his college sweetheart, Miss Annie Camille Jefferson of Yazoo City, Mississippi. They have one child, Linda Crudup Gladney, and one grandchild, Brian Timothy Gladney.

Although Mr. Crudup's career as an educator was in the Madison County School System, he and his wife made their home in Yazoo City, Mississippi. He was active in both communities. Upon his retirement, he was recognized by the Madison Ridgeland branch of the NAACP for his dedicated service in the field of education and his pivotal role in school desegregation in Mississippi, specifically, in Madison County. Also, he was recognized by Rosa Scott Parent/Teacher Association for his leadership and unceasing efforts to provide quality education for all students of Madison County Schools.

A strong spiritual foundation has always been central in Mr. Crudup's personal and family life. He has been very active in Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, Superintendent of the Sunday School and Church Treasurer. He dedicated much of his time in service through his church, in whatever capacity needed. The church formally recognized his many years of service in 2005.

In the Yazoo City community, he served on the Board of Trustees for the King's Daughter's Hospital from October, 2002 through March, 2005. Other organizations he was affiliated with are: Masons, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Phi Delta Kappa, Yazoo County Alcorn Alumni Club, American Legion, the Yazoo County Fair and Civic League, Inc. On March 26, 2006, the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Mississippi and Senator Joseph Thomas, commended the civic and charitable accomplishments of Mr. Crudup and designated that day as ``Timothy Crudup Day'' in Yazoo City, Mississippi.

Mr. Crudup has been a role model to many and is spoken highly of by so many citizens of various segments of the community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Timothy Crudup for his dedication to serving our great Country and his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable Professional woman of Mound Bayou, Mississippi.

Ms. Carla Ross is an effective, skilled and professional community developer. Carla has used her education and work experience to transform her community. She is a native of the Mississippi Delta, having been born and raised in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. She has worked for Mound Bayou Public School District and St. Gabriel Mercy Center. As the Parent Center Coordinator, she supervised daily operations of the center, conducted workshops and seminars, provided educational materials and equipments, and served as a link between home and school to improve parental involvement in the education of their children.

During her time at St. Gabriel Mercy Center, Carla served as the Assistant Director supervising all educational programs, coordinated community service group activities and worked independently to develop methods and procedures to enhance existing programs. She is presently serving on the Board of Trustees for St. Gabriel Mercy Center. Carla previously served as the Regional Coordinator for America Reads Mississippi, the largest AmeriCorps program in the state of Mississippi for the Mississippi Delta Region at Delta State University. During that time she was instrumental in placing individuals from the community in various school districts to tutor students in the area of reading.

Carla is presently employed with Southern Bancorp Community Partners as an Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Program Coordinator. She is helping the Mississippi Delta residents save funds to purchase a home, start a small business or further their education.

Also, teaching financial literacy classes to program participants. Carla has earned a Masters Degree in Community Development from Delta State University and a Bachelors Degree in Family Human and Development from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, Mississippi.

Carla is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated and serves as the Vice President of the Theta Phi Zeta Chapter located in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. The organization focuses on community service, academic achievement and mentorship. Serving to educate the public, assist youth, provide scholarship, support charities and promote legislation for social and civic change. Supporting such projects as Breast Cancer Awareness, Prematurity Awareness, Highway Cleanup and Youth Literacy Rallies.

Carla is the daughter of Ms. Carolyn Ross and sister to Mr. Chance Ross of Mound Bayou, Mississippi. Carla is the niece to Ms. Portia Burton of Mound Bayou, Mr. Carlton Ross of Conyers, Georgia, Mr. Stanley Burton of Memphis, Tennessee and Mr. Ozzie Ross of Waco, Texas. Carla is the grand-daughter of the late Dorothy Ross Grady and niece to the late Brenda J. Grady and Bruce K. Burton of Mound Bayou, Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing Professional for her dedication and service to her profession.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man of noble character and determination, Mr. Albert A. Curtis, Jr. of Tallahatchie County. He is the son of Lucille and Albert Curtis, Sr.

As a child: Like his father, Albert A. Curtis, Sr., he was a shrewd manager of a few assets. But here is how he got started. This was during a time when racism was considered acceptable. Albert, Sr. saw no racism in money. And as a little boy Albert, Jr. learned that as he watched his father conduct business with Blacks, Whites and everyone else. Albert Sr. had several mantra's his son would often hear him say like, ``A lil negotiation don't hurt, but don't compromise your beliefs and dignity.'' or ``A bicycle of your own is better than someone else's Cadillac . . . always work hard cause nobody is going to give you anything'' and ``Sometimes you got to lose to win.''

Time to grow-up: Albert, Jr.'s mother, Lucille died suddenly when he was eight (8) years old. But because of his strong belief in family and deep love for his wife, Albert, Sr. felt that was all gone when she died. He was broken hearted and turned to alcohol to escape the reality of that inevitable change. Albert, Jr. saw his father lose his will to live and began losing the businesses he had worked so hard to build. Those businesses also provided the financial support for the family. The family began moving around from place to place until Mattie Curtis took the family in, which is Albert Jr.'s grandmother. The family began to hire out, young Albert, Jr. to work on other farms for money and to work odd jobs. Unfortunately, young Albert remembers how his father would take the money from him to buy alcohol instead of support the family. Rather than defy his father in any way, he simply quit school to increase his work hours, believing he could continue giving his father the ``little'' money and the extra money he would make by increasing his hours, he thought some money would go to the family. This was a life changing decision for a young boy--who didn't truly understand.

His schoolmates started seeing him around and they began to make fun of Albert, Jr. with words like ``He done quit school and ain't gon' mount to nothin' . . . plus he smells like horses and mules.'' Well, Albert just kept on because his father's words and work ethics were deep inside of him, ``Never give up and make people's ideas of you a lie!'' As he grew older, people began to notice him never wavering, never quitting, steadfast, and focused, but they just didn't see anything--material that is.

Time to start a family: In 1964, Albert, Jr. met and married Alma ``Emma'' Jean Blackburn. She was his soul-mate and helpmate--heaven sent. She was strong in areas he was weak. He was hard working and could make money while she was strong minded and book smart (as they called it). Emma managed the books, opened up bank accounts, paid the bills . . . she took care of the family business. Soon the couple had acquired enough money and assets that they were able to purchase their own home and leave Grandma Curtis' home.

Albert, Jr. then with the support of this wife, set out to re-acquire all the land and holding his father had lost. He began buying land back from his family members (e.g., aunts and uncles and anyone who had his daddy's land). He was the only one who had the money to do this. Eventually Albert, Jr. was able to buy back all the property and land his father had owned but two (2) pieces of property.--Now, it's not known of anyone else accomplishing this, but Albert deserves being recognized and applauded.

But wait, this story is not over . . . Remember, Albert, Jr. was never wavering, never quitting, always steadfast and focused, and didn't understand because they just didn't see anything--material that is. Well, by now he managed to acquire a wife, home of his own, money in the bank, all his daddy's previously owned property (but 2 pieces) and now property of his own. Albert continued until he was able to acquire 52 residential properties, commercial properties, more acres of land, several types of businesses of his own (e.g., plumbing, and financing for other small business owners) and work a full-time job for the City of Public Works in the community he lived.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the legacy of Mr. Albert A. Curtis, Jr. of Tallahatchie County, from the Second Congressional District of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable Entrepreneur Ms. Cherisse Marshall from Lexington, Mississippi.

Cherisse Marshall was born in Chicago, IL and at an early age her parents moved to Flint, Michigan along with her other five siblings. She was raised in Flint, MI where she attended school. After graduating from high school, she later attended Ferris State University where she studied journalism. After graduating from Ferris State University, she later entered into the corporate world in an administrative support role that would be the beginning of a long rewarding career in administration.

After a few years of working at home in Flint, MI, she decided to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia where she continued to tune and develop her administrative expertise.

As a detail-oriented, results-oriented professional, she has effectively utilized her diverse skills to benefit companies in the engineering, financial, insurance, information technology, and advertising industries. Throughout her corporate career that spans over 17 years, she has provided diverse administrative support in the areas of office administration, customer support, contract administration, problem resolution, information technology, project management, as well as everyday administrative support.

She later relocated to Lexington, Mississippi where she created OfficeStar Administrative Consulting, LLC to provide the same administrative expertise to entrepreneurs and small businesses to help them focus on growing their business instead of worrying about everyday administrative tasks.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing entrepreneur for her dedication and service to her profession.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mr. Fred T. Nolan, a native of Dyer, Tennessee, but raised in Paducah, Kentucky, and has lived in Jackson, Mississippi since his graduation from Tougaloo College in the early 1960s.

One of his early career choices was teaching in the Jackson Public School District (JPS). Mr. Nolan taught two years at the then Brinkley High School located on Livingston Road and was a ninth grade teacher of Social Studies and Mathematics. He left JPS to pursue other career options and worked briefly for the Urban League of Jackson as director. The majority of his career spanned 25 years as the executive director of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, a division of Housing Urban Development (HUD).

After fully retiring from HUD in 1996, Mr. Nolan rejoined the JPS family as a substitute and limited service teacher. He worked three years in a limited service capacity at Siwell Middle, Lanier High, and Forest Hill High schools.

Mr. Fred Nolan is married to Mrs. Kisiah Nolan, a former JPS Board member and president. His son, Fredrick Nolan, is coordinator of the JPS WATCH D.O.G.S. program. The Nolan's also have two daughters: Renee Nolan Johnson of Huntsville, Alabama, and Adrienne Nolan Colar of Smyrna, Georgia. All three of their children are graduates of the Jackson Public School District.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Fred T. Nolan for his dedication to serving others.