Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a jovial and ambitious woman Ms. Gloria Rogers. Gloria has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to achieve.

Gloria Rogers, a resident of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, was born on March 26, 1966 to Alean and Robert. She is a graduate of Rolling Fork High School located in Rolling Fork, MS. After graduation Gloria enrolled at Hinds Community College for one semester before moving to Panama City, Panama for three years.

In November 1987 Gloria moved to Edwards Air Force Base in California where she attended Lancaster Community College. She later moved to San Diego, California and attended San Diego Community College. Gloria then attended Marie College of Medical Careers where she received her certification as Medical Assistant. She began work at Balboa Naval Hospital and the Gastroenterologist Clinic upon receiving her certification.

Gloria later moved to Altamonte Springs, Florida where she lived for three years before returning to Mississippi in 1998. Upon her return to Rolling Fork, Mississippi, Gloria landed a job as a dispatcher for the Sharkey County Sheriff Department. She later began working as a dispatcher in Leland, MS. While working for Leland Police Department, Gloria decided at the ripe age of 38 to go to the Police Academy and become a police officer.

After graduating from the Police Academy, Gloria served in the capacities of Officer, Investigator, Shift Supervisor while working for the Leland Police Department. Upon leaving the Leland Police Department she took a job as a Probation Offic the Mississippi Department of Correction Greenville, MS. Currently, Gloria is a School Resource Officer for the Leland School District Security Officer for Kroger stores.

Gloria has two children: Kendrick and Brittany and three grandchildren: Jaylin, Justin and Kenya. She enjoys being a grandmother.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join m in recognizing Ms. Gloria Rogers for her dedication for change and serving her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable Sheriff, the Honorable Charles L. Jones who is a resident of Clarksdale, Mississippi.

Sheriff Jones was born in Quitman County, Mississippi to Mrs. Georgia Jones and has three brothers who are all law enforcement officers.

Sheriff Jones received his education from Clarksdale High School, Coahoma Agricultural High School, Coahoma Community College, and Almeda University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.

Sheriff Jones began his law enforcement career in 1994 with the Clarksdale Police Department where he received certification in Basic Law Enforcement and moved up in the ranks from patrolman to gang officer, investigator, and to the SWAT Team Squad. In 2002 he ended his tenure with the Clarksdale Police Department and became a deputy sheriff at the Coahoma County Sheriff's Department and was employed their until 2004. He became Chief of Police for the Town of Friars Point where he was instrumental in reducing crime with the assistance of state and federal law enforcement agencies until 2009.

In 2007 he ran for election to become sheriff of Coahoma County. Sheriff Jones challenged the irregularities of that election process and in 2009 a special election was ordered by the Governor of Mississippi upon the direction of the Mississippi Supreme Court and he was elected Sheriff of Coahoma County.

Throughout his law enforcement career he desired to be the best enforcer of the law by taking various seminar classes and making sure his staff participates as well. Sheriff Jones has earned numerous certificates and awards.

Sheriff Jones is married to Mrs. Andrea Jones; and they are the proud parents of five children.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing law enforcement officer Sheriff Charles Jones for his dedication in protecting and serving the citizens of Coahoma County, Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a hardworking and self motivated man, Mr. A.C. Garner.

Mr. Garner, a son of a sharecropper, was born in Grand Gulf, Claiborne County, Mississippi. He was reared on a plantation, educated in the public schools and later joined the United States Armed Forces. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Alcorn State University, Alcorn, Mississippi.

Mr. Garner is a veteran of the U.S. Navy where he was trained as a power plant operator. In 1958 he participated in Nuclear Testing of A and H bombs at Bikini Island. He has worked as a sales representative and also as an engineering inspector for public roads.

Mr. Garner became President of the Claiborne County branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 1980. In that same year he helped to carry a 13 year boycott case from Port Gibson, Claiborne County, Mississippi to the United States Supreme Court known as the ``Port Gibson Boycott''. He personally appeared before the United States Supreme Court as a guest of the court and the case was won in the NAACP's favor.

In that same year of 1980, Mr. Garner was appointed by the Claiborne County Board of Supervisors as director of Emergency Management. At that time he started attending colleges and universities across the United States in order to be certified to help bring the one and only nuclear power plant in Mississippi on line by 1985.

In 1994, Mr. Garner completed all courses and was certified by the Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, MD.

Mr. Garner is retired and is a small farmer in Port Gibson, Mississippi. He raises beef cattle. He serves as the President of the Black Farmers Association of Claiborne County. He is the President of the Claiborne County Port Commission and is a lifetime member of the

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Tyrone Lewis, who is a native of Jackson, Mississippi and a proud product of Jackson Public Schools as a 1978 graduate of Lanier High School. Upon completing high school, he went on to attend Jackson State University and graduated in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications. While exploring his career options, Tyrone's desire to serve and build community affirmed to his decision to apply to the Jackson Police Training Academy.

After completing the training and certification process in 1983, Tyrone Lewis began his successful career in law enforcement with the Jackson Police Department.

During his 28-year career, he steadily rose through the ranks; mastering each position he was assigned. Having been directly and indirectly involved with virtually every facet of the Jackson Police Department, Tyrone developed an intense understanding of the importance of transparency, integrity, and communication.

He has become well aware of the law enforcement needs that the citizens of Hinds County have as a whole. Tyrone knows that all citizens deserve a safe and orderly community maintained by firm and fair law enforcement.

Tyrone's career began as a Patrolman. He worked steadily and was later promoted to a Shift Sergeant. Eventually, he was promoted to a Neighborhood Enforcement Team Commander and then Acting Precinct Commander. As his stellar career continued, Tyrone was made Commander/ Director of the Jackson Police Academy where he served until his promotion to Acting Chief of Police in 2009.

In 2010, Tyrone retired from the Jackson Police Department as Deputy Chief of the Community Services Division. While in each position, he provided a solid leadership base for personnel, effectively managing the overall operations and procedures, and handling the fiscal responsibilities with respect to his assignment.

Having worked in so many capacities with the Jackson Police Department, Tyrone underwent extensive training in a wide variety of areas of law enforcement and public safety including: crime prevention, police supervisory training, field officers' training, control & restraint techniques, evidence, crime scene, search & seizure, weapons of mass destruction, Constitutional law, police tactical driving, and diversionary devices.

Throughout his stellar service career, Tyrone has been recognized for his contributions to the community as he was named Jackson's Best in 1994 and Officer of the Year in 1992. He is also a member of the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy and both the Mississippi and National Associations of School Resource Officers. He is also a member of the MS Underage Drinking Prevention Coalition of Hinds County and the Metro Jackson Community Prevention Coalition of Hinds County.

Over the years Tyrone has made it a point to continually participate in a variety of community and civic organizations. He organized the 1st Annual Officer Thomas Catchings Toy Drive in 2008 through the Jackson Police Department and has also served as a Board Member for the Farish Street Heritage Festival since 2008.

Tyrone is a very active member of Stronger Hope Baptist Church where he is a Deacon and Pastor's Armor Bearer. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Apostolic Restoration Ministry. Tyrone is a member of Masonic Lodge #701 and of the Jackson Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.

Tyrone is fully aware of the crime and economic conditions that presently face our community. He is also keenly aware of the perceptions that many citizens have of the Hinds County Sheriff's Department. As such, upon his election his goals include restoring safety to our communities and rebuilding trust in the Sheriff's Department. He will also work to create a greater relationship with all law enforcement agencies and increase the visibility and accountability of the department and its' officers.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sheriff Tyrone Lewis for his dedication to serving.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable Law Enforcer, Deputy Terry Williams, Sr.

On August 4, 1968, Henry and Emma Roberts gave birth to Terry Williams, Sr. He is a 1986 graduate of Quitman County High School in Marks, MS.

Deputy Williams furthered his education by attending Northwest Community College and majoring in Communication.

His first job was a machine operator for the Thermos Company, where he learned leadership skills. After leaving Thermos, he began working at Frame Picture Enterprise in Batesville, MS. During his time there, he supervised for 9 years.

In 2001, Deputy Williams began a job with the Quitman County Sheriff Department as a part-time jailer. Since his employment with the Quitman County Sheriff Department, he has served in many capacities such as County Arson Investigator, Triad Coordinator, Juvenile Resource Officer, Jail Administrator, Dispatcher and Deputy Sheriff. Also he serves and is acting Chief of Police for the town of Sledge, MS.

Deputy Williams is married to Lucille Williams, who has worked for the Quitman County Justice for the past 16 years. He is the father of four children.

Deputy Williams' goal is to continue to serve and protect the citizens of Quitman County for many more years to come.

Through God and determination, Deputy Williams will continue to make a difference in his community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Deputy Terry Williams, Sr. for his dedication in being an outstanding Law Enforcer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a well-established rural town minority owned business, Riley's Bookkeeping Service.

Riley's Bookkeeping Service is owned and operated by Mr. LeRoy Riley. Riley's Bookkeeping Service has served its customers for more than 30 years. It has provided over 30 years of income tax preparation and currently offers bookkeeping service, full processing of payroll checks, along with quarter report forms and also batch provider for

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ---honor a

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a well-established rural town minority owned business, Mack's Cafee.

Mack's Cafee opened for business August 2001 in Bolton, Mississippi. The owner, Mrs. Flora Bell Watson, has been known in the community as an extraordinary chef. Alongside her daughter, Anitra Watson, Ms. ``Flo Bell'' (as she is affectionately called) has nurtured her masterful skills of seasoning and marinating soul food meals for most of her life.

Mrs. Watson spent most of her life in Bolton and was employed with SOS Truck Stop in Clinton, Mississippi for nearly 30 years. She served as cook and waitress while working alongside her daughter Anitra, who worked with the same company for 22 years.

Once SOS Truck Stop went out of business, Mrs. Watson and her daughter took the opportunity to open her own restaurant in the town

she grew up in. She acquired restaurant space for lease in the heart of town and after a few modifications, she opened for business. At the time of her opening, there was only one other restaurant in town.

Throughout the years, Mrs. Watson has had to make small modifications to keep up with the change of time, but overall her restaurant has remained a constant staple within the community. Many people come from various locations daily to indulge in the soulfully cooked meals of Mack's Cafee. Her business is only open Monday through Friday for full spread lunch and short orders. Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays reduce business the most, and the closing of her town's Boys & Girls Club also noticeably decreased her clientele. She currently employs four other workers.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Flora Bell Watson and Anitra Watson for their steadfast dedication to serving the Bolton community through great, dependable, and compassionately prepared meals and service in Mack's Cafee.

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

Mr. LeShaun McWright is a lifelong resident of Leland, Mississippi. He is a 1989 honor graduate of Leland High School. In March 1990 he graduated from the U.S. Marine Corps Basic Training in Paris Island, South Carolina. LeShaun served in the Marine Corp during Desert Shield/ Desert Storm from December 1990 to July 1991. He received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Marine Corp in December of 1993.

Mr. McWright joined the Leland Police Department as a Patrol Officer in April 1995. In June 1996 he graduated from the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer Training Academy. LeShaun worked as a Patrol Officer for the Greenville Police Department from May 1997 to August 1999. From 2000 to 2002 he was a Contract Security Officer at Federal Buildings in the Central and Northern Districts of Mississippi while still working with local law enforcement agencies in the MS Delta.

Mr. McWright worked as a Patrolman with the Oxford, Mississippi Police Department from 2002-2004 and later returned to Greenville, MS Police Department from 2005-2006 as a First Class Patrolman and later a Juvenile/Gang Officer.

Mr. McWright was deployed with Mississippi National Guard to Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2007-2008. Upon his return from deployment LeShaun returned to the Greenville Police Department's Juvenile/Gang Division and also worked with the Mayor's Protective Services Division. In October of 2011 LeShaun joined the Greenville Public School District as a Resource Officer where he is the Captain/Commander of Ground Operations.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. LeShaun McWright for his dedication to serving our great Country, his community and Greenville Public Schools.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Khiquita ``Keke'' Young.

Khiquita Young is the founder of Independent Survival Living (ISL) and owner of K's Farm and Ranch in Crystal Springs, MS. ISL originated in Jackson, Mississippi. Young presents agriculture methods at church conferences with families and local farmers and ranchers.

In 2007 Mrs. Young's mother had a stroke that left her disabled on the left side of her body and troubled in her speech. Khiquita was frustrated to discover the lack of assistance for much needed help not only for her mother, but others as well.

This journey led Young to encourage those who are broken spiritually and financially to become self sufficient. It is her desire for the elderly and stroke victims to become independent individuals again. She doesn't want the elderly and stroke victims to depend on others who do not offer genuine help or who neglect disabled people.

Young is a visionary who actively pursues change in destiny. The vision she was given in 2007 was to pursue the mission in agriculture, to establish urban gardens and farms for the elderly and stroke victims. Participation gives them some control in their lives allowing them to manage, operate and become profitable to survive.

Khiquita is the National Women in Agriculture Association Chairwoman of Southwest River Region in Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Khiquita ``Keke'' Young for being a visionary and giving back to others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a rural town minority owned business, Robinson's Grocery, LLC.

Robinson's Grocery, LLC opened for business on November 27, 2006 in Bolton, Mississippi. Mr. Pelvia Rene Robinson, owner and operator, saw a need for a small town grocery store that could supply the community with quality products and friendly service without traveling to the neighboring city, which is approximately six to seven miles away.

As a lifelong resident of Bolton, Mr. Robinson understood the hardships many in the community faced in acquiring necessities, such as, fresh deli meats, eggs, and cheeses. In addition to meat and dairy products, his store offered hot meals, such as chicken and pork or beef ribs and a variety of household items that many in the community would use on a daily basis.

Establishment of Robinson's Grocery rallied the community together, giving the townspeople a sense of community pride knowing that a grocery store was within walking distance, helping to tremendously decrease the need for sometimes weekly trips to neighboring towns for relatively simple household goods and groceries.

Robinson's Grocery grew as various vendors solicited commercial space for their wares on the store shelves. Currently, the store is in the process of renovating and restructuring its look. Upon completion, the store will also provide a fresh look and an overall enhanced shopping experience in addition to new products and services.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Pelvia Robinson and Robinson's Grocery, LLC for its remarkable contribution to the thriving rural Bolton community.

Mr. Speaker, Kelvin Williams, Sr., was born in Chicago, Illinois and is the son of Ms. Bobbie J. Williams, a lovely and proud lady. The Sheriffs father, Vick Foster, is deceased. During his school days, Kelvin attended I.T. Montgomery Elementary School and John F. Kennedy Middle School in Mound Bayou; also he attended Ruleville Middle School and Ruleville Central High School in Ruleville. He earned a diploma from Ruleville Central High School in 1986.

Sheriff Williams thereafter attended Mississippi Valley State University, where he majored in Criminal Justice. He then moved to St. Louis and continued his education at Webster University, from which he obtained a B.S. Degree in Management in 1994.

Sheriff Williams chose law enforcement as a career because he wanted to work in a field that had great job stability and a field that allowed him to make a positive difference on the community. Sheriff Williams is a former Cleveland Police Officer.

He was assigned to the Cleveland School District as a School Resource and D.A.R.E. Officer. Prior to returning to Cleveland, Kelvin served with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for over 10 years. Kelvin is a former business owner and Investigator for the State of Mississippi.

Kelvin took the oath of office as Sheriff of Bolivar County in January, 2012. On a square mile basis, this County is the second largest county in the State of Mississippi. When observing the three largest counties in this State, we see that Yazoo County has 920 square miles, Bolivar County has 876 square miles, and Hinds County has 869 square miles. Alcorn, the smallest county land-wise, has 400 square miles. When comparing the 876 square miles of Bolivar County to the 570 square miles of the average county size in this State, you may correctly say that Sheriff Williams has a lot of ground to roll over.

In addition to policing 876 square miles of territory, Sheriff Williams maintains control over the Bolivar County Regional Correctional Facility, which houses 432 inmates. There are 120 employees who assist with the awesome duties of the chief law enforcement officer of Bolivar County.

The Sheriff remains steadfastly committed to law enforcement in Bolivar County. In addition to that, he is still committed to the schools, playgrounds and streets where some children hang-out. The Sheriff coaches youths for the Cleveland Park Commission and the United Family Life Center. He serves as volunteer coach for football, basketball, baseball and soccer each year. He has had the opportunity to coach: 8 year olds, 9 year olds, 11 year olds and 12 year olds' baseball teams in the Dixie Youth State Championship games.

His passion for the youths and sensitivity to their needs remain at the top of his priority list. He counsels youths and conducts presentations for them, which enhances their participation in wholesome activities, uplifts their aspirations, and encourages them to do the right thing. I suggest that this kind of motivation should be applauded.

Sheriff Williams is a member of the Delmar Street Church of Christ, where he serves as a Sunday school Teacher and member of the Finance Committee. He serves on various boards and committees throughout Bolivar County.

His recent awards are DARE Officer of the Year for the State of Mississippi; President volunteer Award; community Image Award; Community Service Award; Politician of the Year Award; Cleveland Currents Volunteer of the Year Award, and his most prestigious award-- the ``award'' which was bestowed upon him by the voters of Bolivar is called Sheriff.

He has been happily married to Mrs. Glendscene Hall-Williams for 22 years, and they are the parents of three sons: Kelvin Jr., Glenn and Allen. Sheriff Williams and his wife are also proud Godparents of Jaylen Jones.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing law enforcement officer Sheriff Kelvin Williams for his dedication in protecting and serving the citizens of Bolivar County, Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a well respected rural town minority owned business, Super Auto Shop.

Super Auto Shop was established in 1985 in Bolton, Mississippi by Mr. Terry Williams. Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, Mr. Williams has always maintained an interest in auto body work from a very young age.

In 1970, he moved to Chicago, Illinois and in 1979, he moved to Gary, Indiana, where he worked for Inland Steele Company for approximately 13 years. While working at Inland Steele, Mr. Williams performed auto body work as a hobby. In 1985, Mr. Williams married his wife Joanna and they both moved back to her hometown of Bolton. After acquiring a mechanic shop previously owned by Mr. Mitchell Reese, Mr. Williams took the opportunity to establish an auto body work shop.

Upon its establishment, Mr. Williams performed all auto body work and two other individuals performed auto mechanical services. Over time, his business began to grow and all of Mr. Williams' sons became an integral part of his now auto body and mechanic shop. Because of the need to expand and the coincidental availability of a much larger auto shop, Mr. Williams moved his shop in 2005. With the expansion of his business, Mr. Williams has a wide variety of clientele, both near and far. His services to the Bolton community have been invaluable over the past 28 years. Currently, he employs an auto body painter and a mechanic.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Terry Williams and Super Auto Shop for its remarkable contribution and undying commitment to provide reliable auto body and mechanic work to the citizens of Bolton and neighboring rural communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable school, Tougaloo College. Tougaloo College is one of the United States' premier historically black college and universities. The American Missionary Association (AMA) founded Tougaloo in 1869. Early in that year the AMA had commissioned Allen P. Huggins, a former Union officer, to look for land for a normal-agricultural school. He found the former plantation of John Boddie about seven miles north of Jackson, Mississippi and negotiated to buy it from its owner, George McKee, for $10,500. The money for the plantation was provided by the Freedman's Bureau.

In 1871 the Mississippi State Legislature granted the school a charter with the name ``Tougaloo University.'' In 1892 the state discontinued funding but the Normal Department was recognized as a teacher training school. College credit first became available in 1897, but qualifying for accreditation by the Southern Association took a number of years to achieve. Improvements in the library, academic degrees for teachers, and endowments led to state accreditation in the 1930s. With this, graduates who had taken 18 semester hours of education courses were granted a lifelong professional teaching license. Tougaloo had again undergone a name change in 1916 to Tougaloo College.

In 1954 Tougaloo College merged with the Southern Christian Institute (SCI) in Edwards, Mississippi, because the two schools had similar missions and goals. The new school was called the Tougaloo Southern Christian College, but in 1962 was once again renamed Tougaloo College. Tougaloo was very active in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and maintains a reputation for strong social commitment.

Today Tougaloo, with approximately 1,000 students, is a private, coeducational, four-year, liberal arts school. It has a selective admittance rate, but is committed to providing those from challenging circumstances with a good education. The student population is primarily African American, but all are welcome to apply. Nearly 40 percent of the practicing African American physicians and dentists in the state of Mississippi are Tougaloo graduates, and 35 percent of all current Mississippi educators are. More than 66 percent of Tougaloo graduates enroll in graduate or Ph.D. programs immediately after graduating. Tougaloo has won national respect for its high academic standards.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Tougaloo College for their dedication to serving.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an innovator of the community, Mr. Albert ``Al'' Little and Al's Flower Shop.

Albert, a native of Yazoo City, Mississippi, decided to return to Yazoo County, MS after living in Chicago for 40 years, where he worked in real estate. Upon retirement Al decided that Chicago was too cold and decided to make a change.

After returning to Yazoo City in 1995, Al worked with Mary Anderson, who handled landscaping for the city. Mr. Little credits Mary for teaching him about plants and flowers. Al is the owner of Al's Flower Shop located on Broadway in Yazoo City, Mississippi.

Inside the shop, the static clears and the antique radio picks up some lively tune from the 1930s. ``This business is really just a fun hobby to me. I love doing it, and that's all there is to tell.'' says Al Little.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Albert ``Al'' Little for giving back to the community in which he was born.