Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a self-motivated leader and innovator of the community, Mrs. Franchester Coleman Eason, who is the owner of Franchester's Salon.

Franchester was born January 3, 1969 to the late Eddie and Henrietta Coleman. She along with her 13 siblings was raised south of Rolling Fork, MS in a small rural community called Edgermount. Franchester is a graduate of Rolling Fork High School and holds an AA degree from Hinds Community College in the field of Cosmetology. She has worked as a cosmetologist since earning a license from the MS State Board of Cosmetology in 1990.

Franchester began her career working for the late Minnie Pearl Brown at the Rolling Fork Beauty Charm. After working at Rolling Fork Beauty Charm for several years Franchester decided to work for Lee's Hair Care, for the late Mrs. Letha Lee. Upon the passing of Mrs. Lee, Franchester managed the shop as her own for many years. In 2009 she and her husband, Frank, were blessed with the opportunity to buy the business. The beauty shop is now called Franchester's Salon and is located at 153 North 2nd Street; opens at 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday thru Friday. Franchester's Salon offers a wide variety of hair care techniques.

Franchester is a member of the National Beautician Association. She is also a member of Mt. Ollie M. B. Church in Edgermount.

Franchester and her husband, Frank, are the proud parents of Catina, Mariesha, Jeremy and Frank III.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Franchester Coleman Eason for giving back to the community in which she was born and reared.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Jerry Young, who has been selected as President of the National Baptist Convention.

Rev. Jerry Young was born in Scott, Mississippi to Reverend E.L. and Elizabeth Young. He was raised in the Mississippi Delta in the heart of the Civil Rights Era, enduring the pains and struggles of several disappointments, and beating the odds of his predetermined failures. Throughout his life, it became increasingly clear why God called Pastor Young to the ministry at the young age of seventeen. Young's service began at Mt. Tennia Baptist Church in Lamont, Mississippi and led to him serving as pastor of St. John and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Churches, both in Greenville, Mississippi.

Young has faithfully led the congregation of New Hope Baptist Church since 1980. He is the founder and headmaster of New Hope Christian Pre- School and New Hope Christian Elementary School, serving over 300 students.

Pastor Young attended Nugent Center High School in Bolivar County, Mississippi and went on to attain an Associate of Arts in Social Science from Coahoma Junior College in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He received a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Social Welfare from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, where he met and married the love of his life, Mrs. Helen Akins Young. With her support and encouragement, Pastor Young has earned a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi.

Instilling the values of faith, education, and love, they are the proud parents of two daughters, Dr. Jerlen Nelson and Kelli Elizabeth Hart. Adding to their life's joy are their two adorable granddaughters, one grandson, and one step-grandson.

Dr. Young makes history as the first Mississippi pastor chosen to lead the National Baptist Convention. He was elected amongst five candidates nominated for the seat.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pastor Jerry Young.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Attorney Will Ellis Pittman.

Attorney Pittman was born and raised in Tutwiler, MS. Mr. Pittman is 51 years old. He is the owner and managing member of Pittman & Associates, PLLC law firm in Clarksdale, Mississippi where he also serves as the first African-American County Prosecutor for Coahoma County. Attorney Pittman also serves as the board attorney for the Tunica County Board of Supervisors and is the first African-American to represent the Tunica County Board of Supervisors. Attorney Pittman is recognized amongst family, his community, and his colleagues as a man of wisdom, service, a generous spirit, and passion. He regularly attends and serves on the finance committee of the Galena Missionary Baptist Church in Tutwiler, Mississippi which he grew up in and joined at eight years of age.

Ellis attended and graduated from public high school in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi. After earning his high school diploma, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. While in the Marine Corps, Ellis married his high school sweetheart, and they had two (2) children. After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, Ellis returned to his home town in Tutwiler.

However, he was unable to find employment anywhere in the delta area. Ellis returned to work and earned a living on the plantation in Tallahatchie County where he grew up. Ellis worked six (6) sometimes seven (7) days a week to provide food, shelter, and the bare necessities for his family. He always knew that if given the opportunity, he would provide them with a better way of life.

After working one full year and saving every penny that he could, Ellis departed for Dallas, Texas where he obtained a job with a janitorial service, cleaning grocery stores at night. Within two months Ellis saved enough funds for a deposit and first months' rent on an apartment. He then returned to Mississippi to get his wife and child and they returned to Dallas, Texas. Within six months, the store at which Ellis was employed took notice of his hard work and daily attendance and the store manager offered him a job as an apprentice baker that provided health insurance, dental, and vision benefits for both him and his family. With this break, Ellis used the extra earnings to provide a better place for his family to stay. Within six months, Ellis had worked his way from an apprentice baker to a journeyman baker and was able to provide his family with the kind of things that he had always dreamed of having.

Although he excelled in his employment, Ellis realized that in order to do more for his family he would have to obtain a college education. At the same time, Ellis desired to return home to be with his elderly father who became ill. So, he applied for and was hired with the Mississippi Department of Corrections as a correctional officer trainee.

He then made plans to attend Mississippi Valley State University to obtain a college degree. Prior to applying to Mississippi Valley State University, the Pittman's home caught on fire in which Ellis received second and third degree burns over a large portion of his body. His wife received severe burns as well. After a month, she passed away from the injuries she sustained from the fire. Ellis remained in the Greenville Burn Center for a month and half before he was released. After a short period of time, he returned to his place of employment at the Mississippi State Penitentiary. The home that he had purchased for his family had burned down, so the Department of Corrections provided him with a house on the grounds for him and his two minor sons to live.

At this point, he made the decision not to attend Mississippi Valley State University due to the drive because he would have to commute. Being a single parent and still having to work, Ellis applied to Delta State University which was closer to where he was living at the penitentiary and he could make the daily commute. He commuted five days a week for three years until he graduated from Delta State University with a degree in criminal justice and political science.

Prior to graduation from Delta State University, Ellis applied to law school at Mississippi College, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and the University of Mississippi School Of Law. He was accepted for admission at all three law schools. However, he chose to attend the University of Mississippi--School of Law due to the financial aid available for African-American applicants. After obtaining his law degree and license to practice law, Ellis returned to the Mississippi Delta from Memphis, Tennessee and opened Pittman Law Office in Clarksdale, Mississippi in 1996 where he continues to practice to this day.

Ellis has given countless young lawyers, that have recently graduated with no experience and unable to find a job, a position at his law office to give them a start. He realized that most people will do well if given the chance which he learned from personal experience when he needed someone to give him a chance. There has not been a time when a newly admitted lawyer came to Ellis looking for job and was turned down for employment.

Ellis' practice has included representing countless individuals in cases for excessive force, employment discrimination, criminal defense, family law, as well as personal injury and wrongful death.

Attorney Will Ellis Pittman's work ethic, passion, dedication, dependability, and service have made him synonymous with being one of the best, if not the best, attorney around. At the end of the day, Ellis is recognized for his service to God, his family, his country, his community, and the people that seek his help.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Attorney Will Ellis Pittman for his dedication to serving this great state and country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding, highly driven professional duo, Mr. and Mrs. Toney and Shunda Baldwin. Together, the Baldwins have established a reputable law firm with a primary focus of providing high quality legal services with integrity, professionalism, and respect for those they represent and the community.

Toney Baldwin obtained his Juris Doctorate degree in May of 2005 from Southern Law Center in Baton Rouge, LA. He moved back to Mississippi in June of 2005 where he began his career as a law clerk with the Honorable Dennis Sweet. He also clerked with Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith. Toney Baldwin was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 2006. Toney successfully operated and managed Toney Anthony Baldwin, PLLC as a sole practitioner.

In 2008, Toney was offered employment with Richard Schwartz and Associates, P.A. as a result of his zealous representation of a client concerning a personal injury case that was being handled by that firm. Toney received extensive training in the areas of personal injury and trial advocacy, including the NITA Trial Advocacy Program. Toney was the leading producer of attorneys' fees for 2 out of the 3 years that he was with the Schwartz firm. After realizing that the sky was the limit, Toney decided to practice with his wife, Shunda Baldwin.

Shunda Baldwin graduated in the top percentile of the 2004 class of Mississippi College School of Law. While completing the Juris Doctorate program, Shunda served as a member of Law Review and was the Clerk of the Moot Court Board. As a result of her academic excellence and outstanding community service, Shunda was offered a clerkship with Justice Jess Dickinson of the Mississippi Supreme Court. Shunda was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 2004 and was also admitted to practice in the Federal District Courts and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals during that time. She has received various accolades, including: selection for Who's Who Among American Law Students; selection as student participant of the Charles Clark Inn of Courts; receipt of the Outstanding Service Award from the Magnolia Bar Association; and various nominations. Shunda has co-chaired and/or served on the Capital Area Bar Association's diversity committee during several administrations. Shunda Baldwin is regarded as one of the leading attorneys under the age of 40. For almost seven years prior to creating Baldwin & Baldwin, Shunda practiced for one of the largest and most prestigious defense firms in Mississippi.

Both Toney and Shunda take great pride and joy through their involvement with the community. Toney is an active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., while Shunda also engages in community service through her membership with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Toney and Shunda Baldwin as remarkable attorneys in the Jackson Metropolitan area.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a resourceful and ambitious woman, Ms. Barbara Kendrick. Barbara has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to serve others.

Ms. Kendrick was born in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest of nine children. She moved to Carthage, MS at five months old to live with her aunt and uncle upon the death of her mother.

Barbara earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1993 from Mississippi College and her Master of Science in Nursing in 2004 from Alcorn State University. She is certified through the American Accredited Nurses Association.

Barbara has practiced nursing for about 20 years; she has worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner for 10 years and has worked at the G. V. Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center for 7 years. She has served about 933 veterans at the VA Medical Center. Barbara has a great appreciation for veterans because she was raised by her uncle who was a Korean Veteran.

Barbara is an active member of the American Nurses Association and volunteer with the American Kidney Foundation by conducting screenings. She also assists with outreach for Veteran enrollment. She is a member of Faith for Life Church located in Jackson, MS. Barbara enjoys singing gospel in her spare time.

Barbara lives in Clinton, MS along with her three sons. She strives every day to have a positive impact on her patients while remembering her motto, ``If I can't help you, I'll find someone who can.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Barbara Kendrick for her passion and dedication to serving our great Country and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Noland Smith who is a native Jacksonian and was reared in the Virden Addition Community. He attended Lake, Brinkley and G. N. Smith Elementary Schools. He continued his education at Lanier High and graduated from Brinkley High School. Continuing his education, he graduated from Tennessee State University.

Mr. Smith played professional football with the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49'ers.

He has had tenure with the City of Jackson in the Public Service Careers Department. He has served as Director of Youth Division/Allied Service Department, Contract Supervision-CATEC and Employer Service Representative.

Mr. Smith has received many special honors: Inducted into the Tennessee State University Hall of Fame, March of Dimes Hall of Fame, Heart of Gold Volunteer Award, Co-Founder/Co-Chairman of the National Football League Player Association of Mississippi Chapter and received the Jefferson Award for Community Service sponsored by Cablevision. He retired as the coordinator of the Medgar Evers Community Center.

Mr. Noland Smith is married to Gloria J. McKinnie Smith and they have three children: Nolan Jr., Tonya and Kelvin.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Noland Smith.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding, highly driven professional, Doris Haynes Miller.

Doris Haynes Miller was born, raised and educated in Clarksdale, Mississippi where she

attended public schools until she graduated from Clarksdale High School. She was baptized at the age of 12 at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. After graduation, she left Clarksdale to attend Jackson State University where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Marketing. She later moved to Europe and lived there for 8 1/2 years; primarily in Germany. While in Europe, she attended Boston University and the University of Southern California as she pursued a Master's degree in Human Resource Management. She was employed by the Department of Defense and the Department of the Army as a Social Service Representative until her return to the United States.

Ms. Miller attests that it was the love of family and divine intervention that brought her back to Clarksdale. She lost her father, a cousin and two uncles to cancer within the past fifteen years. As a result of her loses, she has become strongly involved in cancer awareness. She is a champion for education and an advocate for youth, young people and the working class grassroots' community.

She was previously employed by Comprehensive Urban/Rural Ensemble with Tourism, a non-profit agency she assisted in creating during 1998 to spur positive economic and social change in Coahoma County and throughout the Mid-South Delta Region. It was primarily funded by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation.

She served as the first Executive Director of the Mississippi Conference of Black Mayors. She is the first African-American female member as well as the first African-American President of the Clarksdale Exchange Club. She has served as Vice-President and President of Clarksdale-Coahoma County Crime Stoppers, Inc. She has served as Vice-President of the Clarksdale/Coahoma County Association of Educators. She is also a member of the Clarksdale Community Council of The Mastery Foundation where she has assisted in planning, organizing and coordinating Community Empowerment Meetings since 2002.

As a result of her work and passion towards racial reconciliation and improving race relations in her community and the Delta Region, she was the only African-American selected to represent the state of Mississippi for the 2004 Ireland Intensive in Derry, Londonderry, Ireland. This global intensive was focused on bridging racial equality, religious beliefs and religion to positively impact lives internationally.

During the 2005 Clarksdale mayoral election, Ms. Miller was the first woman to seek the position. She presently serves as Chairperson of the Voter Registration Committee for the Mississippi State Democratic Party as well as a member of the Mississippi Democratic Administrative Committee. She also presently serves as a member of the Coahoma County Democratic Committee.

She is currently employed by a subsidiary of Homeland Security as a Field Research Traveler and the Alcorn State University Extension Program as a Marketing Associate. Ms. Miller has other ongoing contracts as an Independent Consultant in the areas of Research, Community Development, Evaluation, Public Relations, Marketing, Education and Event Planning.

Ms. Miller enjoys traveling, cooking, entertaining family and friends, walking, attending concerts and watching good movies. She is the oldest of two sisters and one brother. Her favorite mottos are ``always be true to yourself'' and ``wear life like a big t-shirt''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing Professional Woman for her dedication and service to mankind, Ms. Doris Haynes Miller.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable Future Inc. Daycare & Early Childhood Learning Center (F.U.T.U.R.E.).

Future Inc. Daycare & Early Childhood Learning Center (F.U.T.U.R.E.) was established on August 1, 2005. This is a Walk of Faith Church Ministry Product that offered a program that is child oriented. Children ``learn by doing'' in an environment which encourages the development of a joy for learning. Recognizing the uniqueness of each child, age-appropriate learning experiences are provided in an accepting, warm environment.

The play environment encourages positive development across a wide range of domains while building self-confidence, independence, and self-discipline.

Opportunities are provided for discovery, learning through concrete experiences, imaginative free play, observation, and positive peer and adult interaction.

F.U.T.U.R.E., Inc.'s Mission Statement is: To build competent families, competitive children, complimentary communities, and convincing futures. To provide a high quality early childhood program in a safe, nurturing environment that promotes the physical, social,

emotional and cognitive development of young children, while responding to the needs of families; and the vision of F.U.T.U.R.E., Inc. is to serve with excellence and integrity. This organization improves and enhances the quality of life for youth and families in the Copiah County area.

F.U.T.U.R.E., Inc. seeks to continue to have an accredited outreach program that prepares participants to become academically, physically, economically, mentally, spiritually, and socially ready to function at their highest levels in society and the ever changing world.

The fundamental goal of F.U.T.U.R.E., Inc. is to serve, improve, and enhance the quality of life for youth and parents of the Copiah County area. The philosophy, methodology, and program curriculums are based on the premise that all participants have ``absorbent minds'' and an innate desire to learn and function at their highest level of ability. Given the proper environment and stimulation, one will function at a high level in life in which they can demonstrate adequate behavior and success, individuals learn more when they are stimulated by their surroundings and will benefit most when both teacher and participants are consistent and supportive with the FUTURE philosophy.

Actions to provide high-quality services to children and families are to:

Maintain a quality partnership with ICS Head Start; Participate in QRS with a goal of five stars; Implement the Head Start Program Performance Standards and Regulations into the Pinnacle curriculum; Implement the Mississippi Early Learning Guidelines into the Pinnacle curriculum using the All About Preschoolers and The Creative Curriculum for Preschool as a basis for curriculum development, Implement quality early childhood practices through the use of the ITERS-R and ECERS-R guidelines.

F.U.T.U.R.E., Inc.'s desire is to maintain a partnership with ICS Head Start by following the Program Goals and Objectives which are to: Provide a classroom environment where children ``learn by doing.'' Encourage the development of a joy for learning and provide age- appropriate learning experiences in an accepting, warm environment.

F.U.T.U.R.E., Inc. promotes physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of young children. They use basic health and developmental screenings as a means to determine the need for additional screening, referral for a comprehensive assessment, or needed professional services.

They use positive guidance techniques to provide a foundation for appropriate social interaction, positive self-esteem, and successful academic performance; Provide an environment in which diversity is a part of daily routines and activities; Teach hand washing and other health practices as part of the daily routine; Provide positive mealtimes to encourage the development of healthy lifetime eating habits; Provide outdoor play for the development of healthy bodies and minds; Provide activities for children which encourages a positive transition from preschool into the kindergarten setting; Provide a safe and secure environment in which learning is optimal; Provide a positive supporting environment in which children will develop self-directed, cooperative, trusting relationships; and Provide a high quality early childhood program which reaches beyond childcare to support the needs of families.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Future Inc. Daycare & Early Childhood Learning Center (F.U.T.U.R.E.) for its dedication to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable Rainbow Learning & Daycare Center.

Rainbow, opened in June 2007, is operated by the owner/director, Mrs. Pernada Jackson. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rainbow's mission is to provide child care services and a safe learning environment that focuses on the developmental needs of the children. The center serves families in Leland, Mississippi, and the surrounding towns.

Rainbow strives to provide a quality early childhood education program filled with love and compassion for children. They believe that children are the most important resource and that the early childhood experiences are crucial in the development of their future.

Rainbow's belief is that the family is the strongest influence in the child's growth and development. They extend the child's home experience and provide new and different experiences of value. Rainbow's program is based on the knowledge that children learn best through play and active hands-on activities. Using developmental appropriate materials to stimulate and explore their potential is their goal.

Growth occurs in developmental stages and each stage must be offered, encouraged and supported. Rainbow's classrooms are arranged in an environment that presents maximum opportunities for cognitive development, discovery learning and an awareness of cultural diversity. They offer clean and spacious learning centers that offer a wide variety of daily activities to encourage and challenge each child.

Raibow's learning environment will empower children and enhance self- esteem by creating an atmosphere where social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development can take place. By encouraging children to learn and develop at their own level, they will gain the confidence of self- importance. Rainbow offers children guidance and understanding, so they will have the opportunity to explore their world in a safe and controlled environment.

Rainbow provides nutritional meals and snacks. All meals meet the nutritional guidelines set by the USDA.

Each caregiver receives on-going training through staff meetings and during early childhood conferences and workshops that are held throughout the year. All Rainbow employees are trained in Pediatric CPR and First Aid. Rainbow accepts all children regardless of race, color, creed, and sex, religious or ethnic backgrounds.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Rainbow Learning & Daycare Center for its dedication to serving others.

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 could 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 just 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.B. 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 Berna 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 Reverend Thaddeus J. Williams, a native of Yazoo City, Mississippi.

Reverend Thaddeus J. Williams is married to the former Teresa L. Buckner and the father

to four children: Sam, Dante', Philip, and Alexandria. He is a Licensed and Ordained Minister of the Gospel and currently serves as Minister of Membership Assimilation at Greater Fairview Baptist Church.

Reverend Williams is currently enrolled in Mississippi Baptist Seminary and Bible College pursuing a Master in Christian Education. He earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Mississippi Valley State University in 1987 and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Mississippi in 1991. He is a graduate of the Mississippi Certified Public Manager Program, the John C. Stennis Institute of Government, Leadership Yazoo City's Inaugural Class in 1992, and the 2008 Inaugural Class of FOCUS--DMH's Succession Planning/Accelerated Leadership Development Program.

Reverend Williams organized and has facilitated T and T (Thad and Teresa) Food/Outreach Ministry since 2000 where they have received both national and local recognition for their service to the community including the 2014 ``WJTV Jefferson Award'' and the 2013 Southern Christian Services ``Hands of Providence Award.''

Reverend Williams has served as Chaplain for the Mississippi Valley State University National Alumni Association, employed with the State of Mississippi since 1992 and currently with Mississippi Department of Mental Health's Central Office where he was voted by his peers as the 2012 Employee of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Reverend Thaddeus J. Williams.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a determined young lady, LaTonya Denise Cotton. Ms. Cotton has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to make a positive difference in her community.

LaTonya Denise Cotton, a resident of Anguilla, Mississippi, was born on January 29, 1976 to Diane Cotton and Tom Davis in Hollandale Mississippi. She is a graduate of Anguilla High School.

LaTonya is the author of a historical novel called ``A Small Payton Place in a Town Called Anguilla''. She has plans to make a movie based on the novel. LaTonya has served as a volunteer through the AmeriCorps program as a career trainer in Sharkey County.

LaTonya has been a devout member of Union Chapel Baptist Church in Anguilla, MS for thirty one years. She is the proud parent of two girls, Dominique and Sumonia Cotton. She enjoys time with family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. LaTonya Denise Cotton for her dedication to serving her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a former educator and longtime community activist from Tallahatchie County, MS, Mrs. Mary Lee Taylor.

Mrs. Taylor is 101 years old. She was born January 17, 1913 in Paynes, MS. Her years have been long and her mind is full of many stories her eyes have seen. I am talking about trying times, historical eras, blue skies, and personal achievements.

Mrs. Taylor is a 1936 graduate of the Tallahatchie County Training School. She went on to continue her education at Rust College in Holly Springs, MS and at the Mississippi Vocational College (now referred to as Mississippi Valley State University) in Itta Bena, MS. There she received her Bachelor of Science Degree.

Her age has not had an effect on her memory which brings smiles to her face. One of her personal achievements is that Mrs. Taylor is the only person in her family who received an education, according to her son, Mervyn Leon Taylor.

Mrs. Taylor taught 1st grade and adult education classes. Another achievement of Mrs. Taylor is that she was one of the original pioneers who led the effort to bring the Head Start program to Charleston and across Tallahatchie County. Her list of fighting for the citizens of Tallahatchie County and surrounding communities goes on to include road improvements in the Black community, and bringing electricity and telephone service to the Black communities.

Her son, Mervyn, said his mother wasn't just active locally but also overseas. She traveled to poverty stricken areas on mission trips. Mrs. Taylor was also an active member in her church, St. Paul Christian Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E.) Church. She served as president of the local missionary, president of the Northern District Episcopal faith domination, and missionary president of the northern and southern Mississippi C.M.E. conferences.

Mrs. Taylor is the widow of the late Mr. Jimmy M. Taylor. She now lives in the Blue Cane Community, right outside of Charleston.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Mary Lee Taylor a pioneer in her community who has helped to pave the way for others, like you and me, to come along.

I thank the gentleman from Colorado for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H. Res. 696. This rule would provide for consideration of a supplemental appropriations bill that clearly demonstrates its Republican authors either have no idea what is needed to address the current situation at the border, or they are more concerned with scoring political points than making public policy.

The resources provided under the bill are both inadequate to provide the necessary humanitarian relief and misdirected toward so-called border security efforts that are unlikely to have any real effect on the number of unlawful border crossings.

For example, deploying the National Guard to the border when children and families are already running to the Border Patrol agents is a waste of taxpayer money; instead, we should be providing the Border Patrol with the funding necessary to move additional experienced agents to the Rio Grande Valley, which is what their leadership has indicated they need.

This misguided bill has also included provisions to undermine due process for unaccompanied children, many of whom are refugees fleeing terrible violence in their home countries.

Mr. Speaker, we are better than this as a Congress and as a Nation. I urge my colleagues to oppose this rule and the underlying supplemental.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable Town of Elizabeth, Mississippi.

The town of Elizabeth, Mississippi is located on U.S. Highway 61, approximately 1 mile north of Leland and 2 miles east of Stoneville. In March 1889, a deed was issued to Mr. Joshua Skinner for a railroad depot in the area. At the time, the place was named ``Athol'', but it was later changed to its current name ``Elizabeth''.

In 1889, Elizabeth was advertised as ``a new town with an unparalleled future, located in the heart of the famous Yazoo Delta . . . the richest and most fertile section of the earth where king cotton reigns supreme.'' Elizabeth had the unique distinction of being located at the crossroads of the first two main railroads in the Delta: the Louisville, New Orleans, and Texas RR (which later became the Illinois Central RR) and the Georgia Pacific RR (which eventually became the Columbus and Greenville RR).

The town of Elizabeth was designed along the west and south sides of both railroads. Elizabeth emerged early on as a mercantile city, with numerous businesses started up due to the existence of the rail lines. The town can no longer boast a commercial center. Leland has taken that role. However, it does retain its identity as Elizabeth. It boasts a modest population of nearly 200 people and a beautiful roadside park. In 2013, DuPont Pioneer opened a new 30,000 square foot research center near Elizabeth that focuses on soybean breeding and product development as well as corn product testing and characterization for farmers in the Delta.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Town of Elizabeth for its dedication to serving others.