Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this evening, we gathered on this floor to observe a moment of silence. We have been doing that quite a bit over the last several years, but it seems to me that it is time for us to take some action on something that is very important to the American people.

This week, our Nation is collectively mourning the senseless murder of eight people at the hands of a white supremacist, a neo-Nazi shooter in Allen, Texas. In the days since, we have heard gut-wrenching stories of pain and devastation, like 6-year-old William Cho, who lost his entire family in the massacre, and the deaths of sisters Daniela and Sofia Mendoza, 11 and 8, who were both in elementary school.

Then there is Steven Spainhouer, an everyday citizen who tried to administer aid after the tragedy. I watched him on television this week, and he was very vivid.

If my memory serves, he is a former police officer, and he talked about how he felt when he turned over a body to remove a child from underneath its dead mother's body.

This tragedy comes nearly 1 year after the lives of 19 children and 2 teachers were taken in Uvalde, Texas, and just a few weeks before the 8-year anniversary of the mass shooting perpetrated by another white supremacist at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

We have taken some important steps in response to these tragedies. I have reintroduced my bill to close the deadly Charleston loophole that allowed the Mother Emanuel AME Church shooter to obtain a gun. Because of his record, he should not have been able to get a gun.

Because this Congress has refused to close this loophole, which says if you can't complete the background check in 3 days, irrespective of your background, irrespective of whether or not you are eligible to have a gun, if, for any reason, that background check is not completed in 3 days, you can still get the gun. That is silly.

We have no idea why that young man's information was keyed in wrong. Did he intentionally give the wrong information, or did West Columbia get confused with Columbia? They found the problem, but it was too late. It was more than 3 days. He already had the gun, and nine of my constituents lost their lives because of that loophole.

We refuse to say we will close it. That makes no sense.

We enacted the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to require enhanced background checks for people under 21, provide protection for victims of domestic violence, and institute criminal offenses for Federal and State straw purchasing and gun trafficking and some significant investments in mental health treatment.

In a shocking and long-overdue turn of events, Texas Republicans, on Monday, unexpectedly allowed a bill that would raise the purchase age for semiautomatic rifles from 18 to 21 to advance out of a Texas House committee. I am very pleased to see that, but I am wondering what will happen when that bill gets to the floor.

Raising the age to purchase a gun made for war from 18 to 21, that, to me, tells it all--to allow a teenager that we would not allow to walk into a restaurant and order an alcoholic beverage but will be allowed to purchase a weapon of war.

For all of our progress, more must be done.

There have been over 200 mass shootings this year alone. I think we all know the definition of a mass shooting is four or more injuries, irrespective of whether or not they are fatal.

In 2019 and 2020, we didn't reach this grim milestone until late June. Between 2016 and 2018, the country passed 200 mass shootings in late July. Two years ago, late June; 2 years before that, late July; this year, early May. What will it be next year? This epidemic is growing more and more deadly with each passing year.

My Democratic colleagues understand the weight of these tragedies and are prepared to advance the legislation needed to protect our communities.

To our colleagues across the aisle and in the Senate, I say silence gives consent. For us to remain silent on this issue is to give consent to these tragedies.

It is not enough to denounce the actions of mass shooters and offer thoughts and prayers in tweets and on cable news. My colleagues on the other side's refusal to join House Democrats in advancing serious gun violence prevention measures signifies that your silence and your consent represent your feelings.

Legislative actions such as closing the Charleston loophole, strengthening red flag laws, and getting weapons of war off our streets would not prohibit law-abiding citizens from purchasing a gun.

For the life of me, I cannot understand why it is that all of us can readily agree that there should be a limit on the First Amendment of the United States that protects speech but no limit on the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution that authorizes the possession of firearms.

Nobody wants to take anybody's guns away. We are trying to take measures that will keep guns out of the hands of hateful people like these white supremacists who are killing people because they don't like their skin color, people who are mentally ill who have had all kinds of fantasies that are killing people because we do not have the intestinal fortitude to put constraints on their abilities to purchase these guns.

These policies, which have broad support among the American people, would save lives without infringing on anybody's Second Amendment rights.

Mr. Speaker, I implore my Republican colleagues and the Senate to join us in taking a stand to protect our communities. This epidemic will not end until we act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a former educator, business owner, civic leader, public servant, loving wife, and devoted mother on her 95th birthday. Mamie Williams Garrett of Greenville, South Carolina celebrated this milestone birthday surrounded by family and friends on April 28, 2023. Through her decades of teaching and community service, Mamie has become a pillar of Greenville's African American community. We joyfully celebrate her longevity.

Mamie Williams was born on April 28, 1928, in Florence, South Carolina. She was the youngest child of three sisters and one brother. After attending public schools, she matriculated at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. At Benedict, Mamie joined the Upsilon Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and graduated in 1949 with a bachelor's degree in education.

Upon graduating from Benedict, Mamie returned to her hometown to begin her career as a teacher. She taught in Florence schools for four years before moving to Greenville, South Carolina, and teaching at Sullivan Street Elementary School, where she spent most of her career. After briefly serving as an English instructor at Greenville Technical College, she retired from her 30-years of teaching. Her decades-long commitment to educating future generations transformed the lives of many.

In addition to teaching, Mamie played an active role in her family's mortuary business. Mamie and her husband purchased partial ownership of an existing mortuary in 1954. Eventually, under the new name of Watkins, Garrett, and Woods Mortuary, Mamie served as Secretary and Treasurer of the organization for five decades. She was also a member of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association for over 40 years. Today, she remains Vice President of the organization.

Mamie Garrett is also devoted to her faith, community, and family. She has been a member of Springfield Baptist Church for half a century and has become an institution in the congregation. She practiced her faith by employing her musical talents as a featured soloist at events and funeral services. Additionally, Mamie was a member of the community organization THE MOLES, a network of African American women leaders. Mamie was married to the late Fred D. Garrett for over sixty years, and together they raised two daughters and one son. Mamie is now a loving grandmother and great-grandmother to many and has been a personal friend of mine for decades.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in celebrating the remarkable life of Mamie Williams Garrett. Her service as a teacher, business owner, community leader and parishioner continue to impact her community every day. All who are fortunate to know her have been touched by her elegance and fortitude in countless ways. We congratulate her on a life well lived and wish her continued good health and happiness in the days to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Reverend James A. Jamison, who has retired after 32 years of dedicated service as the Assistant Pastor at Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia, South Carolina. Reverend Jamison is a native of Cayce, South Carolina, and is married to the former Marilyn Garvin. He attended the public schools of Lexington School District No. 2 and is a graduate of Brookland-Cayce High School. Prior to his graduation, he received and accepted the call to the ministry.

Rev. Jamison attended Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy. He graduated with the highest average in Religion and Philosophy and was a member of the National Dean's List. He was also named in the 1987 and 1989 Editions of Outstanding Young Men of America.

He pursued seminary studies at Morehouse School of Religion of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, and received a Master of Divinity degree in 1990. Rev. Jamison earned a Master of Sacred Theology from the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina, in May 2014. He also completed one certified year of residency in Clinical Pastoral Education at the Columbia Area Academy in 1991 and completed requirements for a Doctor of Ministry degree at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois in 2019.

Rev. Jamison has pastored Oak Grove Baptist Church of Forest City, North Carolina; Hall Hill Baptist Church of Pelion, South Carolina; and New Hope Baptist Church of Crawfordville, Georgia; and has preached and taught abroad. In 1989, he was invited to do research on the continents of Africa and Europe in Italy, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya.

In June of 1994, he participated in the Kenya Partnership as a preacher, teacher, and group leader. He was invited in 2007 to travel to Liberia on a preaching and mission trip. He is also in demand as a lecturer, and teacher on the state and district level. He is a former member of the faculty of the State Congress of Christian Education and served as an instructor and director of the Minister's Division. He has served as an instructor for the Gethsemane Congress of Christian Education as well as Dean of the Congress and President of the Gethsemane Congress of Christian Education.

Rev. Jamison is a former Commissioner of Education with the Gethsemane Congress of Christian Education and has served as Dean of the Gold Hill Association in Forest City, North Carolina. He also served as an instructor for the Southern Region of the Progressive National Baptist Convention. Rev. Jamison has served as an instructor of religion at Morris College for twenty years and was selected for ``Who's Who among America's Teachers'' in 2003-2004. He previously taught at Claflin University and Dickerson-Green Seminary Allen University and serves as a peer group facilitator for the Styberg Preaching Institute.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in celebrating the retirement of Reverend James A. Jamison and wishing him Godspeed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a community leader, political activist, talented writer, and dedicated entrepreneur. Kevin Alexander Gray transitioned from this life on March 7, 2023, in Columbia, South Carolina. He was a not-so-gentle giant in the community who tirelessly advocated for improving the lives of those in need, and his presence will be sorely missed.

Kevin Gray was born on July 1, 1957, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He was raised with his four siblings, by his parents who owned the Spartanburg establishment, ``Gray's Groceries''. From an early age, Kevin found his voice as a fearless advocate for civil rights and took to political organizing. In 1988, Kevin served as the South Carolina Coordinator for Reverend Jesse Jackson's Presidential campaign. He also worked diligently on the Presidential campaign of Tom Harkin in 1992 and Tom Clements' United States Senate campaign in 2010.

In addition to organizing both state and national political campaigns, Kevin was also a skilled writer. He worked as an editor for Black News of Columbia, South Carolina and as a writer and editor for other African American newspapers across the state. He went on to write, Waiting for Lightning to Strike: The Fundamentals of Black Politics, and edit Killing Trayvons, among other pieces on activism and the fight for equality.

Kevin understood the connection between good political discussions and good food, and he opened the well-loved Barbeque restaurant

``Railroad BBQ'' on Hampton Street, in the shadows of Benedict College and Allen University. The restaurant is adorned with political posters and created a space for enjoying fulfilling food and conversation. Despite opening at the early onset of COVID, it quickly became a cornerstone of the community.

Throughout his life, Kevin was a highly involved member of the community, offering support to families who had lost loved ones to poverty, violence, drug use, or were imprisoned. In formal civic roles he served as head of the Rainbow Coalition, a civil rights organization originally founded by Rev. Jackson and led protests against apartheid in South Africa. He also served eight terms as President of the South Carolina American Civil Liberties Union, and for four years on the national board of the American Civil Liberties Union. He was a key voice in advocating for the removal of the confederate flag from the dome of the South Carolina State House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring the inspiring life of Kevin Gray. Throughout his life, he remained steadfast in his dedication to his state and furthering the opportunities of all who lived there. His commitment to public service touched the lives of all who knew him, and he will remain cemented in the bedrock of Columbia, South Carolina forever.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an esteemed legal trailblazer, beloved community leader, and great mentor. Judge Richard E. Fields transitioned from this life on March 3, 2023, in his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. His wisdom and character were universally respected and will be sorely missed.

Judge Fields was born on October 1, 1920, in Charleston County, South Carolina. He attended public schools in Charleston before achieving a bachelor's degree in business administration from West Virginia State College. His desire to pursue equal justice for the African American community led him to obtaining a law degree from Howard University, where he graduated in 1947.

Upon graduating from Howard, Judge Fields returned to Charleston and was promptly admitted into the South Carolina Bar Association. He became the first African American attorney to open a law office in Charleston since the early 1900s and the first ever African American litigator. Even during an era of widespread and debilitating discrimination in the South, the quality of Judge Fields' work and character quickly gained the admiration and respect of Charleston's legal community.

After many years in private practice, Judge Fields was selected as a municipal judge for the City of Charleston in 1969 and as a family court judge in 1975, once again breaking barriers as the first African American to serve in each respective position. He continued in that capacity until he was elected to the Circuit Court of South Carolina in 1980, becoming the first African American elected judicial official in the Southeast. After faithfully serving on the Circuit Court bench for twelve years, Judge Fields retired in 1992. His judicial tenure was marked by the unwavering respect he showed to all who appeared before him.

In addition to his law practice and judgeships, Judge Fields employed his passion and intellect to serve his community in countless other ways. In 1950, he formed the Charleston County Political Action Committee to educate African American voters of the power of voting and to elect more African American individuals to office. It was in this capacity that I met and got to know him. He had an astute political mind and became a great friend and mentor. He also served on the boards of many civic and educational organizations, most notably the Board of Trustees of Claflin College, where he served for almost 50 years. Throughout his life, Judge fields accumulated countless awards and honors for his leadership.

Judge Fields was a man of deep faith. Upon returning to Charleston after law school, he rejoined the Centenary Methodist Church that he attended as a child. He was quickly elected treasurer by the Congregation, a position he retained for many decades. He also represented his Church at the United Methodist Church South Carolina Annual Conference for more than 50 years. Judge Fields was a dedicated family man and was married to Myrtle T.

Evans for almost 6 decades before her passing. Together they had 2 children, Mary Diane Fields-Reed and Richard E. Fields, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring the remarkable life of Judge Richard E. Fields. His service as a judge, attorney, community leader, and parishioner made an enduring impact on his community. His brilliance and decency will be remembered by all who were fortunate to meet him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a distinguished South Carolina organization for its unwavering commitment to our reserve service members. The Charleston County Sheriffs Office was recently awarded the highest honor given by the United States government to employers who show exemplary support for their National Guard and Reserve employees. Their contributions to these service members deserve our respect and recognition.

The Department of Defense established the Employer Support Freedom Award in 1996. The award honors private and public sector employers that demonstrate a strong commitment to military service through their continued support of enlisted employees. In August of 2022, the Department of Defense announced that the Charleston County Sheriffs Office was one of fifteen recipients of the 2022 Employer Support Freedom Award. Out of over 2,700 nominations, it was one of just four law enforcement agencies across the country to receive this prestigious national award.

The Charleston County Sheriffs office was selected because of its long-standing commitment to their Guard and Reserve members and families. The agency has implemented a Military Support Liaison program to effectively attend to members' needs; provide generous paid leave and retirements benefits; engender a community of support for the families of members on active duty; and privately and publicly recognize members' patriotic service to our state and Nation. The Charleston County Sheriffs Office is proud to employ more than a dozen members of the South Carolina National Guard and Reserve, and I am pleased they are receiving this well-deserved recognition.

South Carolina's Guardsmen and Reservists are unmatched in their service to our state and Nation. These honorable men and women sacrifice time away from their families and civilian careers to prepare for duty, and it is their courage and leadership during crises that ensures our communities remain prosperous and secure. The support provided by civilian employers to these service members is essential to the strength, readiness, and diversity of our Reserve forces.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in celebrating the outstanding support of our National Guard and Reserve employees by the Charleston County Sheriffs Office. Their actions ought to serve as an example to other organizations dedicated to the wellbeing of service members, their families, and the preparedness of our military. Our great state and Nation are safer as a result of Charleston County Sheriff's Office's commitment to these service members.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated Congressional staffer, trusted confidante, and friend. Hope Derrick has served the people of South Carolina's 6th Congressional District as a member of my staff for over 20 years throughout the last 3 decades. She is the model image of a public servant and deserves to be celebrated and congratulated on her retirement.

Hope was born on July 13, 1968, in Birmingham, Alabama to the late Charles Warren Derrick of Marion, South Carolina and Ann Berry Derrick of Spartanburg, South Carolina. They returned to the Palmetto state when she was 8 years old. She has called Columbia, South Carolina home ever since. Hope attended Spring Valley High School and upon her graduation pursued further education at Boston University, where she received a bachelor's in journalism with a concentration in broadcasting.

After graduation, Hope began her career as a reporter for a local TV and radio station, covering political news relating to the South Carolina Congressional Delegation. In 1993, she became Communications Director for the South Carolina Democratic Party. Two years after I began my Congressional career, Hope joined my staff as Communications Director in my district office. In 1998, shortly after giving birth to her son, Ethan, she left for a year to live in London with her husband, Marc Turner, during his teaching Fulbright. She returned to my office in 1999 and shortly thereafter gave birth to her daughter Emery in 2000.

Hope served diligently in this role for almost 19 years, until stepping away from congressional work in 2013, to work at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. She first served as the Associate Director for Strategic Communications, and later as the Assistant to the Dean of Libraries for Special Projects.

During this time Hope al earned a master's degree in Library and Information Science. In 2019, after 5 years at the University, Hope returned to my staff as Communications Director in my Majority Whip office.

Throughout her many years in my office, Hope has been crucial in navigating the press and helping to communicate my message to constituents. From my highly charged efforts to name the Matthew J. Perry, Jr. United States Court House to my controversial establishment of the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency; to hosting innumerable Presidential candidates at my ``World Famous Fish Fry'' to assisting in the production of my memoir, Blessed Experiences; and truly countless other moments, Hope was there. She has played a critical role in the development of my career and service, and in her retirement, I hope to continue utilizing her talents.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in recognizing this dedicated public servant. Hope Derrick's retirement is well-earned and well-deserved. I wish her all the best as she embarks upon new adventures in the state she and I hold so dear.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a distinguished military veteran. Mr. Arthur William Frazier transitioned from this life on January 21, 2023, in Fort Gordon, Georgia. He dedicated his life to serving our great Nation and should be honored and celebrated for his service.

Arthur Frazier was born on July 25, 1953, to the late Hubert Same and Julia Mae ``Molly'' Frazier in Cope, South Carolina. One of 5 siblings, he developed deep roots to his community, attending school at the George Washington Carver School as well as Edisto High School. He graduated from Edisto High School in 1971, and shortly thereafter embarked on what would become a lifetime of military service.

In 1971, Mr. Frazier joined the United States Army. He was a trailblazer, becoming the first African American 1st Sergeant in the South Carolina National Guard Armory in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He was also the first African American to serve as Surface Maintenance Supervisor at the Field Maintenance Shop No. 14 in Varnville, South Carolina. Mr. Frazier received his Warrant Officer commission in 2003. From 2007 to 2008, he served a tour in Afghanistan, and honorably retired in 2013.

Throughout his 42 years of military service, he was recognized with many awards and accolades. For his domestic service, he received

the Legion of Merit, the Army Achievement Medal 2nd Award, the Army Good Conduct 2nd Award, and the South Carolina Palmetto Service Ribbon, among many others. For his service abroad, he received the Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

Mr. Frazier was a man of faith and a lifelong member of Emmanuel AME Church in his hometown of Cope. South Carolina. He was an active participant in the church, serving at various times as a Class Leader, Choir Member, President of the Sunday School Department, and Financial Administrator. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 42 years, Helen ``Judy'' Frazier, as well as their 3 children, Shenika Frederick, CoSaundra Rivers, Arthur ``AJ'' Frazier, Jr., and 5 grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in recognizing the highly decorated life of service led by Mr. Arthur W. Frazier. He served his country with dignity and pride for over 4 decades. He will be sorely missed and well-remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a beloved faith and community leader. Reverend Lewis Gunter transitioned from this life on January 11, 2023, but indelible mark on the State of South Carolina remains.

Rev. Gunter was born on April 13, 1930, in Lexington County, South Carolina to the late Mr. Cellus and Mrs. Beulah Gunter. He attended public school in Lexington County before moving to Aiken, South Carolina, where he graduated from Schofield High School. He pursued higher education at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. He was committed to helping those in need and earned his bachelor's degree in social work.

Rev. Gunter got his early spiritual education at Hall Hill Baptist Church in Pelion, South Carolina. The first church he pastored was Mt. Olive Baptist Church, in Gadsden, South Carolina. He would continue to preach the gospel in Richland County, pastoring Gill Creek Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina, and Jerusalem Baptist Church in Hopkins, South Carolina. On October 20, 1976, Rev. Gunter founded Gunter's Chapel Baptist Church with 22 charter members in a temporary space. Under his leadership the congregation grew and prospered, and in 1993 the church opened the doors of its newly-built sanctuary. Throughout his career, he traveled the country conducting revivals and was active in several Christian organizations. After loyally guiding his congregation for 46 years and serving in the Ministry for 60 years, Rev. Gunter retired in 2022. I was pleased to be invited by his family and friends to keynote the retirement banquet that was held in his honor.

He lived out his values through other channels of service to his community, city, state, and country. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years, in addition to his work with the U.S. Postal Service. Rev. Gunter was deeply connected to the land and was elected to serve as the Soil and Water District Commissioner for Richland County for six years. He additionally served as Minority Advisor for the Department of Agriculture for Calhoun and Richland Counties and was the state chaplain for the South Carolina Soil and Water Conservation.

Rev. Gunter was a dedicated family man and was married to Lue E. Pearson Gunter for fifty-five years before her passing. They are lovingly remembered by their son, three grandchildren, and seven great- grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring the life of Reverend Lewis Gunter. He faithfully pastored those in his congregation, dedicating his life to his church and his community. His legacy will live on in all those who were blessed to know him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a community leader and political activist. Arthur A. Murphy transitioned from this life on January 2, 2023, in Hardeeville, South Carolina. His work to better the lives of those in Jasper County, as well as his commitment to increase diverse representation were honorable and deserve recognition.

Arthur Murphy was born in Robertville, South Carolina on December 11, 1943, to the late Mr. Clarence and Mrs. Beatrice Brown Murphy. He attended public schools in Jasper County, South Carolina. Upon graduation, he moved to Brooklyn, New York to pursue further education at the School of Printing. He remained in New York for more than 30 years working in the printing profession. In 1993, he returned to South Carolina, where he founded his own printing company, Repro Graphics.

In addition to his company, Arthur was an active member of the community. In 1994, just 1 year after moving back to South Carolina, he became Chairman of the Jasper County Democratic Party. He continued to serve in this role on and off throughout the rest of his life. It was in this capacity that I was fortunate to get to know Arthur. He was committed to getting the best candidates possible into public office in his county, especially those who would represent the diverse voices of the community. Arthur was also an active member of the NAACP. Through his various community leadership roles, Arthur received several awards and honors.

Arthur was guided by his faith from a young age at Bethel Baptist Church, where he was a member throughout the entirety of his life. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Louise J. Murphy, with whom he had 2 sons, Kenneth Murphy and F. Michael (Tanya) Murphy, Sr., 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring the full life of Arthur A. Murphy. His commitment to public service and his community touched the lives of all who knew him. He will be dearly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated community servant. Brian DeQuincy Newman was called too soon to his heavenly home on January 3, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. Throughout his life, his bright spirit and brilliant mind was beloved and will be sorely missed.

Brian Newman was born on December 22, 1982 in Columbia, South Carolina. He attended Spring Valley High School, where he excelled in basketball and found an early passion for public service with his role on the student council. He graduated from Spring Valley in 2001, and went on to pursue further education at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia on a full academic scholarship. He graduated Cum Laude in 2005 after completing a course of study in Business Administration.

The same year, Brian enrolled in the University of South Carolina School of Law. In 2008, he graduated with his Juris Doctorate and passed the bar exam. At the beginning of his legal career, Brian worked for the Fifth Circuit Solicitors Office in Columbia, South Carolina as assistant Solicitor. He then worked for Rikard and Protopapas, LLC before going into private practice.

In 2010, Brian was elected to the Columbia City Council, where he became the youngest person ever elected to serve in the role at 26 years old. He quickly found his stride and immersed himself in service to the city of Columbia, making essential contributions to the life of city residents by championing projects like the COMET bus system and the Edgewood and Bull Street Developments. He served as the Chair of the City's Committees on Public Safety and Budget and Finances, and as a representative on the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority Board of Directors. Brian also occasionally served as Mayor Pro Tempore. He remained on the council until 2015.

Brian was a man of God and was a charter member of I. DeQuincey Newman United Methodist Church. He was inspired to lead a life that would make his Great Uncle, civil rights leader I. DeQuincey Newman, proud.

He is remembered by his parents, Clifton and Patricia Newman, his brother, Corwyn and sisters, Jocelyn and Kellee.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in celebrating the impactful life of Brian DeQuincy Newman. In his short time with us, he brought light into the lives of all who knew him. We will miss him and remember him fondly.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a trailblazing judge, military veteran, and cherished community leader. Judge Jasper Cureton transitioned on December 6, 2022, in his home state of South Carolina. His work in and out of the court room broke barriers for many, and his legacy has left an indelible mark on the state.

Judge Cureton was born on April 26, 1938, in Walhalla, South Carolina to the late Jasper and Corrine Cureton. He attended Blue Ridge High School in Greer, South Carolina, where he was valedictorian of his graduating class in 1956. Despite facing economic difficulty, Judge Cureton recognized the value of education and went on to become a schoolmate of mine at South Carolina State College where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree. Throughout his time in college, he worked delivering milk to afford his education. He was also a member of the ROTC program. After graduating third in his class in 1960, he became a Social Investigator for New York City's Department of Welfare. During his time in New York, he was called into active duty in the U.S. Army.

After two years of service in the Army, Judge Cureton obtained the rank of First Lieutenant. Upon satisfactory completion of his service, Cureton returned to South Carolina and taught school for a year, before making the decision to attend law school. Judge Cureton attended South Carolina State's law school for his first year. The following year S.C. State law school was closed, and he transferred to the University of South Carolina Law School in Columbia, South Carolina. In 1967, he would make history as the first African American since post- reconstruction to graduate from the University of South Carolina Law School. He was exemplary and finished second in his class.

Judge Cureton first worked for the Richland County Legal Aid Service, and briefly ran a private practice. In 1976, the state Senate elected Judge Cureton to serve as Richland County Master-In-Equity. In 1982, the Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court appointed him to a one-year term as a Special Circuit Judge. The same year, he was elected to serve as a Judge for the Family Court for the Fifth Circuit. In 1983, Judge Cureton once again made history when he became one of six men elected by the state Senate to the South Carolina Court of Appeals in its inaugural year. Throughout his service, he was respected by all and a mentor to many. Judge Cureton retired from the Bench in 2003, having served a remarkable 27 years.

Throughout his career and even after retirement, Judge Cureton was an active member and volunteer for several civic and social organizations in the greater Midlands community. He served in leadership positions in United Way of the Midlands, Boy Scouts of America, Big Brothers of Columbia, The Family Service Center, the Nurturing Center, March of Dimes, Legal Services Corporation, Columbia Area Mental Health Center, and the Columbia Community Relations Council.

Through his community leadership, Judge Cureton was duly recognized with several awards and honors. In the 1972 edition, he was listed as one of the Outstanding Young Men of America, and he later received a Presidential Citation from the National Association for Equal Opportunities in Higher Education. For his military service, he was awarded the Presidential Certificate of Appreciation for his work in the Selective Service System, a Legion of Merit from the U.S. Army, and was inducted into the South Carolina State University ROTC Hall of Fame.

Jasper Cureton was grounded in his faith and was an active member of Zion Baptist Church, serving as Chairman of its Trustee Board for several years. He was married to the late Jean Burkins and was the father of two children, Jason Marshall Cureton and Indira Cureton.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring the historic life of my dear friend, Judge Jasper Cureton. His rise from humble beginnings in rural South Carolina to his service on the South Carolina appellate court is inspirational. He broke many barriers and served his country, state, and community with distinction. I cannot think of a greater legacy. May he rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a community leader and

longtime friend, Henry Vincent Ford. Vince, as he was affectionately known, transitioned from this life on December 6, 2022, in Columbia, South Carolina. His work fighting for equity in historically underserved communities has left an indelible mark on the Midlands of South Carolina.

Vince Ford was born on March 18, 1958, in Columbia, South Carolina. He graduated from A.C. Flora High School and went on to pursue a bachelor's degree at Benedict College in Columbia. He received a master's degree from my alma mater, South Carolina State University. Vince dedicated his life to bettering the Columbia community and Midlands' area, and I was fortunate to get to know Vince well throughout his service to his county and state.

In 1992, Vince was elected to the Richland One School Board. During his nearly quarter century tenure on the Board, he served as chairman a remarkable eight times. Vince was a fierce advocate for children. He led the charge on a bond referendum which led to both the improvement and building of several school buildings. He also spearheaded the vote to create a tax increment financing district which would lead to the creation of important community projects, such as EdVenture Children's Museum, Three Rivers Greenway, and Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

In 1997, at the same time of his service on the School Board, Vince was invited to establish and lead the Office of Community Health at Prisma Health. Throughout his time there, he fought for the needs of the community's uninsured and medically underserved. After his retirement from the School Board in 2016, he officially became the Vice President of Community Affairs at Prisma Health. He was a faithful advocate of community health through his work with Prisma for over 25 years. He was fully committed to tackling disparities in health treatment in the Midlands, impacting the lives of countless people.

Through his community leadership, Vince earned several awards and accolades. For his time on the School Board, he was named Outstanding School Board Member for the Sixth Congressional District and All-State School Board Member by the South Carolina School Boards Association. In 2018, he was inducted into the Richland One Hall of Fame. He was also recognized on the Columbia Housing Authority Wall of Fame and received the Elaine Whitelaw Volunteer Service Award from the March of Dimes. The programs he led were also recognized for their success, with his program for drug and alcohol school prevention earning national recognition.

Vince was also an active member of several civic and social organizations in the community. He previously served as the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands and the James R. Clark Memorial Sickle Cell Foundation. In addition, he served as chairperson on the State Education and the Columbia Branch Education committees. He was a proud and very active supporter of Benedict College throughout his life and was a member of its Board of Trustees. He was also a lifelong member of the NAACP and a fellow brother of Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

Vince is survived by his wife, Patricia, and their two children, Marcus and Robyn.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in celebrating the remarkable life of Vince Ford. His unwavering commitment to serving his community should be an inspiration to us all. He will be sorely missed and well-remembered by all who had the honor of knowing him.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a brilliant student and gifted athlete. Lavel Norman Davis, Jr., affectionately known as Tyler, was called too soon to his heavenly home on November 13, 2022, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Although he is no longer with us, memory of his unbreakable spirit will remain a beacon for all who knew him.

Tyler Davis was born on January 7, 2002, in Ridgeville, South Carolina to Thaddeus Lavel

Davis and Fallom Simone Davis. Tyler attended Harleyville-Ridgeville Elementary, Clay Hill Elementary, Harleyville-Ridgeville Middle School and Woodland High School in Dorchester, South Carolina. Throughout his primary education, Tyler established his excellence both on and off the field. He maintained a 3.577 GPA, A-B Honor Roll status, and concurrently earned certification as a Nursing Assistant through the Dorchester County Career School. Tyler was also a dedicated multi-sport athlete, playing football, soccer, basketball, and running track. Tyler graduated from Woodland in June of 2020.

After receiving several football scholarship offers, Tyler selected the University of Virginia in Charlottesville in order to benefit from both their rigorous academic and athletic programs. He immediately rose to the occasion and would finish his freshman season ranked second in the nation and first in the ACC for wide receivers. Even after suffering a knee injury that sidelined him for his sophomore season, he remained a force of inspiration and motivation to his teammates. He was anticipated to graduate in December of 2023 with a bachelor's degree in African American Studies, after which he aspired to play football professionally and give back to the community by opening a local Boys and Girls Club.

As a giant on the field, Tyler was recognized with several athletic honors. After just his first game with the Cavaliers, he was named the ACC's ``Receiver of the Week.'' Tyler was an All-American and became two-time ``Rookie of the Year.'' His persistent leadership throughout his athletic injury in 2021 earned him the 2022-2023 Danny Lee Fassio Family Bicentennial Scholarship. He was also nominated by the College Sports Communicators, the Associated Press, and the Fiesta Bowl Organization to the ``Come Back Player of the Year'' Watch List for the 2022 season, as he was projected to thrive in his return from his injury. His high school jersey, #13, was also retired in his honor.

Tyler was an active member of several social organizations. In high school, he was a proud member of the National Technical Honor Society and the Athletics Leading in Literacy (ALL) Program. He used his Nursing Assistant certification to volunteer with the elderly in his community. In college, Tyler was a participant of the UVA Football Thursday's Heroes Program, which supports local residents who are facing medical challenges. He was also an exemplary member of the ``Groundskeepers,'' a group of fellow UVA football players who advocate for racial and social justice. Despite his busy social, academic, and athletic life in Charlottesville, Tyler never forgot his roots in South Carolina and returned regularly to Woodland High School to mentor and motivate students to pursue their dreams.

Tyler was a devout Christian, and his love of God was fostered at Bethel AME Church. The principles of his faith guided him throughout his life and shaped his resilient character. He is lovingly remembered by his parents, Thaddeus and Fallom, his two younger siblings, Taniya Skylar and Teigan Jeremiah Hollins Davis, his grandparents, Monroe and Cynthia Lampkin, Thaddeus (Deloris) Davis and Linda Varner, and his great grandfather, Herman Davis.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring the life of Lavel ``Tyler'' Norman Davis, Jr. Despite his youth, he touched the lives of many and will be sorely missed. As we remember him and mourn his loss, may we draw strength from the very resilience and kindheartedness that led Tyler to live such an impactful life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a devoted librarian, avid researcher, and dedicated preservationist, as well as a longtime friend. Dr. Barbara Williams Jenkins transitioned from this life on October 27, 2022, in Sumter, South Carolina. Her work to preserve African American history in the state of South Carolina will have profound implications for generations to come.

Dr. Barbara Williams Jenkins was born on August 17, 1934, in Union, South Carolina to the late Ernest Nesbit Williams and Johncie Sartor Williams. She graduated from Wilkinson High School in Orangeburg, South Carolina in 1951. She attended Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina, and graduated in 1955 with her bachelor's degree in English Literature and minors in Library Science and French.

Dr. Jenkins then went on to get her Master of Science in Library Science at the University of Illinois in 1956. She later continued her studies at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, Atlanta University, and Clemson University, and received her Ph.D. in Library and Information Services from Rutgers University in 1980.

I knew Dr. Jenkins well through her transformational work in the state. She inherited her love of learning from her parents, who were both graduates of Claflin University. Despite facing adversity as a young Black woman in academia, she was unflinching in her pursuit of academic excellence.

Dr. Jenkins spent the first 40 years of her career at my alma mater, South Carolina State University, where she was a staunch advocate for the library science program and a mentor to many. She started as their Reserve and Circulation Librarian in 1956, and soon

transitioned to Reference and Documents Librarian. In 1962, she was elevated to the position of Library Director. She served in that position for 25 years. She concluded her tenure at South Carolina State University in 1997 after serving for 10 years as Dean of Library and Information Services.

Throughout her time there, she played a crucial part in the creation and oversight of the South Carolina State College Historical Collection and the South Carolina State College Historic District, and memorialized many significant historical structures and sites in Orangeburg. She became the first African American President of the South Carolina Library Association in 1986.

After her retirement from South Carolina State University, she went on to be a founding--member of the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission. Throughout the next 30 years, she would be a leader in the effort to document underrepresented sites in the state's archives related to African American History, adding an incredible 300 markers throughout her time with the Commission. Earlier this year, the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission released the ``Green Book of South Carolina'', which featured sites originally documented by Dr. Jenkins. Even after her retirement from the Commission, she remained involved in training and mentoring the next generation of librarians and historians to carry these efforts forward.

She was acknowledged as a giant both on campus and in the field of historical preservation, and she earned many awards and accolades for her work. These included the Land-Grant Director's Association Award (1978), ``Boss of the Year'' (1980) from the Orangeburg Chapter of Professional Secretaries, the President's Award from the South Carolina Library Association (1987), the South Carolina State College Distinguished Service Award (1991), the University's First President's Service Award (1997), the SOLINET Board of Directors Service Award (1992) and the University's first Emeritus Award (2000). In 2019, she was also awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor in the state.

Throughout her life, Dr. Jenkins was an active member of several civil and social organizations. Some of the historical and library boards of which she was a part include the African American Heritage Council, the Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation, the South Carolina Library Association, and the South Carolina Archives and History Commission. She was also a lifelong member of the NAACP, a member of The Links, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, for which she previously served as the Regional Director for the South Atlantic Region.

Dr. Jenkins, a woman of faith, was a longtime member of Williams Chapel AME Church. She was married to my high school baseball and football coach, the late Robert ``Bobby'' Alvah Jenkins. They raised two children, Ronald Robert and Pamela Ruth, and shared several grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Barbara Williams Jenkins. She dedicated her nearly 70-year long career to ensuring African American history was woven into the fabric of our state's history. She will be sorely missed and ought to be well-remembered.