Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the extraordinary life of James Sears, a truly remarkable eastern North Carolinian.

Mr. Sears was a dedicated advocate and a steadfast supporter of communities across our region. He served on the Gates County Board of Elections. He was an active member of the NAACP and his home church, New Hope Baptist Church in Gatesville. There are so many organizations, but the one that he loved and devoted over 30 years to was the Eastern North Carolina Civic Group.

He always prioritized the needs of others. His unwavering commitment to families across eastern North Carolina was evident in all that he did. We are incredibly grateful for his contributions and the positive impact he has made on so many lives.

His passing has left a void in our community that will be deeply felt. My heart goes out to his family, the Eastern North Carolina Civic Group, and to the Gates County community as we now remember and celebrate his legacy.

Mr. Speaker, January is National Mentorship Month. It is the perfect time to highlight the transformative work of the Epsilon Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, with their Alpha Academy Leadership Development Program, which serves male students from Edgecombe, Nash, Halifax, and Wilson Counties.

They are empowering middle and high school students in eastern North Carolina through three core pillars: leadership, mentorship, and scholarship.

Since its inception, the Alpha Academy has impacted over 200 young men, continuously shifting life narratives and opening doors to a brighter future. These young men have engaged in impactful local and global service projects from turkey drives and

Socktober; impacting areas such as Haiti and as far as Tanzania.

Mr. Speaker, during National Mentorship Month, we celebrate the Alpha Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Tarboro High School football team for clinching our State's 1A Championship and ending their season with a 14-1 record.

As the reigning champions, they own a whopping nine State titles. The Vikings defeated a physical Corvian Community Cardinal team 45-24.

I am so proud to congratulate Coach Jeff Craddock, also known as the GOAT. I congratulate all of the coaches, parents, the community, and players, including Kamerin McDowell-Moore, who scored a sensational four touchdowns to secure the MVP.

Tarboro High School, in the heart of eastern North Carolina, has produced NFL greats such as Kelvin Bryant, Shaun Draughn, Donald Frank, Todd Gurley, Bill Hull, and Tyquan Lewis. Clearly, the Vikings are a powerhouse. If America didn't know about Tarboro High School, well, now they know.

Mr. Speaker, on August 28, 1963, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered one of the most famous speeches of the century, ``I Have a Dream.''

During the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, he shared his dream, which was deeply rooted in the American Dream. His speech reminded us of our Nation's promises of freedom, justice, and equality.

Mr. Speaker, North Carolina State University Professor Jason Miller discovered a recording of this iconic speech. However, this recording captured Dr. King delivering it to about 1,800 people at Booker T. Washington High School in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, 8 months before the March on Washington. The speech in Rocky Mount is the first recorded evidence of Dr. King's ``I Have a Dream'' speech.

Eastern North Carolina has a rich history, and during this MLK holiday, I encourage all of us to keep the dream alive.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and celebrate the remarkable life of Dr. Suzanne Evans Sheppard, an exceptional member of our community who touched many lives.

She was a devoted mother, educator, and wife, an inspiring figure who cherished her church, Victory & Dominion World Outreach Center.

To serve as a reminder of her tremendous contributions, her church has renamed its family life center in her honor. On her birthday, family and community members gathered to celebrate. We released balloons into the sky, and Pastor Dr. Zebedee Sheppard, her beloved husband, made the heartfelt announcement. The new name is fitting, reflecting the center's role in serving the community to which she dedicated so much of her life.

I am truly grateful for Dr. Suzanne Sheppard, and the new name of this incredible facility in our community now makes it complete.

Madam Speaker, drumroll, please.

I rise to recognize a legendary drummer and, above all, an incredible human being, Sam ``The Man'' Lathan.

Mr. Lathan was born and raised in Wilson, North Carolina. At 94, he has a deep passion for drums, which placed him on many stages, from playing for the iconic singer James Brown and The Monitors band to St. John AME Zion Church, his home church.

Mr. Lathan has also served as an educator and drove a school bus. He is known for mentoring his former students. He has been featured in the African American Music Trails of North Carolina.

Madam Speaker, joining many community members in recognizing Sam ``The Man'' Lathan for his love of drumming and community is indeed an honor.

Mr. Speaker, after an incredible 46.5 years of working at the local McDonald's in Williamston, North Carolina, Flora Speller, affectionately known as Ms. Flo, is hanging up her uniform and retiring.

She started work on June 29, 1978, at 18 years old. At that time, a Big Mac was 90 cents, and since, she has become a beloved fixture in the community.

Nearly half a century, she has not just served meals; she has built strong community relationships with her customers and coworkers. She loves her customers, and they love her.

Ms. Flo described McDonald's as her second home. When asked, she plans to travel more, however, she is contemplating returning to work part time. Where? At McDonald's.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Ms. Flo on her retirement and thank her for the 46.5 amazing years.

Mr. Speaker, all rise. The atmosphere in the courtroom was full of emotion as Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Cy Grant took his seat on the bench to preside in a historic moment for North Carolina: A father and daughter would share the honor of being sworn in as district court judges.

The ceremony was inspiring, with Chief District Court Judge Teresa Freeman administering the oath of office to Judge Rob Lewis, II, who then had the cherished privilege of swearing in his daughter, Takiya Lewis Blalock, with her husband, Nick, and children at her side.

Judge Lewis gave his daughter a heartfelt hug as she donned her black robe. The courtroom erupted in applause. Judge Blalock's son, Preston, spoke with great admiration for his mother while Judge Lewis broke down in tears, reminiscing how as a child she had envisioned them practicing together. There was a special recognition of her friend, Judge Brenda Branch.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate this dynamic father-daughter duo for making history.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Brigadier General Ralph Ronald Griffin, known as Ronnie back home.

Ronnie's life of dedication, military service, and leadership has left a mark on both our country and eastern North Carolina.

He began his military career by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Ronnie later received his commission from the North Carolina Military Academy and rose up the ranks, eventually pinning on the rank of brigadier general. He spent over 38 years in a military uniform.

His career took him to Vietnam, not once, but twice. Ronnie was inducted into the North Carolina Military Academy Hall of Fame, and he was awarded our State's high honor of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Hunt and Governor Easley for his exceptional contributions to our State.

Beyond his military service, Ronnie loved his family. He stood at his late wife, Annalee's, side. I will never forget our conversation. He shared with me how her passing was difficult for him.

Ronnie loved his children, and he especially loved his grandchildren.

Serving in the military, he developed lifelong friends. Ronnie had many friends that served with him, and one in particular was Mike, who was more like a brother. They shared so many stories and laughed together, even their children call each other uncle. It was Uncle Mike and General Uncle Ronnie.

Mr. Speaker, Ronnie was a humble person, and he came from humble beginnings. He was driven by faith and his deep love for our country. We owe a great deal of gratitude and respect to Brigadier General Ronnie Griffin and his family.

Mr. Speaker, I am glad to honor a true American hero and one that I just so happen to call my friend, Ronnie. God speed.

Mr. Speaker, the East Carolina University Pirates will be taking on the North Carolina State University Wolfpack in what is sure to be an exciting 2024 Go Bowling Military Bowl at the Navy-Marine Memorial Stadium in Annapolis on December 28.

It will be an evening of incredible State pride, sportsmanship, and hard-hitting football by an intense in-State rivalry.

The Go Bowling Military Bowl matches top teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and American Athletic Conference. Above all, it aims to benefit active and former servicemembers and their families. It will be fantastic to see two North Carolina teams in an excellent end to the season, especially for those players who are graduating.

It should not be any surprise who I will be cheering on, Coach Harrell and the ESU Pirates. Loyal and bold. We are purple and gold.

Aargh.

Mr. Speaker, I was told sometime ago that a good name will carry you a long way.

I rise to congratulate Attorney Borden Parker on the recent naming of the new Wayne County Department of Health and Human Services building in his honor.

Borden has a long history of public service. He served our Nation in the United States Army Judge Advocate General's Corps.

Borden returned home to follow in his father's footsteps and became the county's attorney. I may add that he has also provided incredible counsel to the Greene County Board of Commissioners.

The naming of this building is not just a tribute to Borden's extraordinary career, but it is a symbol of the lasting impact he has made in improving lives across eastern North Carolina.

I congratulate Borden. His good name has made a difference.

Madam Speaker, jobs, jobs, jobs.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 prevents the elimination of over 500 jobs at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

To be clear, cutting one squadron would have a devastating impact on this economically distressed community and strip away a vital national security asset in a dangerous world.

Amidst ongoing conflict around the globe, without any doubt, the F- 15E Strike Eagle remains critical to the mission.

When visiting Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, the need for constructing a new combat arms training range couldn't be made clearer.

The NDAA also includes a provision authorizing $41 million to help airmen with deployment readiness and weapon proficiency.

I say to the 4th Fighter Wing and the Wayne County community: I see them, hear them, and will stay in this fight with them.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support Barton College's initiative to construct a new health sciences building on their Wilson campus.

The initial funding phase is estimated at $19 million, and it will be a wonderful investment.

It is essential to ensure a more robust talent pipeline for North Carolina's healthcare industry. Given the health disparities across eastern North Carolina, Barton College aims to ensure a brighter future for our State's healthcare system and the residents who rely on it daily for their mental and physical well-being.

A new health sciences building will provide additional labs, research space, and improved technology for students which will yield huge dividends for Wilson County and eastern North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate our 2024 Congressional App Challenge winners during Computer Science Education Week.

Lydia Denton, an 11th grader, and Bethany Denton, a 9th grader from Wilson Early College Academy, were inspired to create BITES Bento Box after seeing a friend with diabetes struggle to track blood sugar and accurately dose insulin levels.

The BITES Bento app pairs a hardware Bento Box with an app to dynamically calculate the macros consumed in food. Using the Bento Box to get the most accurate information, the user can weigh food before and after eating.

Our winners, who are also sisters, demonstrated great application and innovation.

Congratulations to Lydia and Bethany on this fantastic accomplishment.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Disability Awareness Month, we celebrate the inspiring work of Blue Collie Coffee Shop in Louisburg, North Carolina.

Since creating Blue Collie Coffee Shop, Al and Paige Sayles have provided meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Blue Collie has employed over 16 individuals, helping them gain meaningful skills and confidence while fostering an inclusive work environment where everyone has a chance to thrive.

Al and Paige's dedication to creating opportunities and building a more inclusive community is nothing short of remarkable. Their work transforms lives, opening doors and breaking down barriers one cup of coffee at a time. I thank Al and Paige.