Terri A. Sewell

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exemplary life and legacy of Reverend Mack Jenkins, who passed away on September 22, 2026, at the age of 85.

Reverend Jenkins was born on January 10, 1941, to the late James, Sr. and Hannah Bracy Jenkins. The youngest of ten children, virtues such as kindness, humility, forgiveness, and unconditional love were cornerstones of his childhood.

Reverend Jenkins began his educational journey at the historic Calhoun School. Following his graduation in 1958, he began his pursuit of a degree in Fashion-Clothing and Tailoring at Wenonah State Technical Institute, which is now known as Lawson State Community College. His pursuit of his degree was suspended when he was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country. He later matriculated at Trenholm State Technical College, where he earned his degree in Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration, which prepared him for his career in the United States Department of Veteran Affairs.

A committed servant of God, Reverend Jenkins confessed Christ at an early age and became an active member of Rock Creek Missionary Baptist Church. While at Rock Creek, he faithfully served in several capacities, such as choir member, deacon, Sunday School teacher, and superintendent. He was also a member of the renowned Beulah Primitive Baptist Church Male Chorus.

A strong believer in Christian education, Reverend Jenkins served as Congress President for the Old Alabama District Association for more than 30 years. Under his leadership, the first nationally certified Baptist Leadership School was established, and numerous Rock Creek members, along with other district associations members from Lowndes, Macon, Dallas, and Monroe counties earned certification. Additionally, he carried and provided funds for members to attend local, state, and national Baptist conventions to stay abreast of the latest trends in Christian education. He also attended the Southeast District State Convention in June and the Alabama Missionary Baptist Congress of Christian Education in July of 2026.

In 1988 he sensed a deep God-given appointment to preach the gospel and accepted a call to the ministry. In February 1989, he was called to serve as pastor of the Rock Creek Missionary Baptist Church. For more than 37 years Reverend Jenkins shepherded the flock entrusted to him. Reverend Jenkins was relied upon to pray for, love, guide, visit, counsel, and help each and every member. He did not simply occupy the role of pastor; he carried the responsibility of shepherding in his heart.

Reverend Mack Jenkins is proceeded in death by his parents, Mr. James, Sr. and Mrs. Hannah Bracy Jenkins; his siblings, James Jenkins, Jr., Willie Jenkins Humphries, Viola Jenkins Gatson, Reverend Leroy Jenkins, Joe Jenkins, Sam Jenkins, Leon Jenkins, Leon Jenkins, Isaiah Jenkins, and Novella Humphries. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Rubye Osborne Jenkins; his sons, Frederick Jose Jenkins and Mack Aldrich (Kecia) Jenkins; one daughter, Gwendolyn (Lewis) Daniel; grandchildren, Fredria (Chris) Jordan, Atravius Smith, Kaylin Jenkins, Brandon (Marquetta) Daniel, Morgan (Gavin) Scott, Deidra (Kamontee) Sigler, Kaitlyn Patterson, and Aerrien Tarrance; 22 great grandchildren; one brother, Willis Jenkins; brothers-in-law, Tom Osborne, Sr. and Benjamin Osborne; sisters-in-law, Juliette Jenkins, Dorothy Gardner Jenkins Sanders, Vanessa Jenkins, Willie Frances Rudolph, Maggie (Eddie) Walker, Johnie Watson, Bonnie Johnson; godchildren, Jackie (Clemmon, Jr.) Barlow, Yvette Patterson, Diane Richardson, Addie (Leon) Bennett, Willie Mack, Jr. (Catha) Patterson, Michelle Jenkins, Barbara (Don) Hill; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

On a personal note, Reverend Mack Jenkins was not only a beloved pastor, but my cherished relative as well. A pillar of the Lowndes County community, Reverend Jenkins was devoted to his family and congregation and was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle, pastor, neighbor, and friend. May we find comfort in knowing that Reverend Jenkins lived a full and blessed life and that his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.

On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the exemplary life and legacy of Reverend Mack Jenkins.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary women of Gee's Bend, Alabama, whose remarkable quiltmaking tradition has become an enduring part of our Nation's artistic and cultural heritage.

The rich tradition of quiltmaking in Gee's Bend dates back to the 19th century, born out of a need to keep warm in unheated homes during the winter months. Using worn clothing, discarded textiles, flour and feed sacks, and other available materials, the women of Gee's Bend created quilts that provided warmth and comfort while carrying the stories of their families and community.

The practice of reusing old materials often resulted in bold colors, inventive compositions, asymmetry, and improvisational designs. Known locally as ``my way'' quilts, many Gee's Bend quiltmakers start with basic forms and then follow their own individual artistic paths (``their way'') to create unexpected patterns, shapes, and colors. This unique aesthetic tradition was passed from generation to generation, enduring through slavery, the antebellum South, and Jim Crow, and continues to be used by the quilters of Gee's Bend today.

The quilts of Gee's Bend not only provided warmth, they created economic independence for the women of Wilcox County, in 1966, more than 60 quilters from Gee's Bend, Alberta, and surrounding communities met in Camden's Antioch Baptist Church to found the Freedom Quilting Bee (FBQ). As one of the few Black women's cooperatives in the United States, the Freedom Quilting Bee quickly grew into a robust organization, landing contracts with New York decorators and Bloomindale's to produce made-to order quilts, helping to inspire a national revival of interest in patchwork.

Three years later, in 1969, the Freedom Quilting Bee built a 4,500- square-foot sewing center, allowing it to expand its offerings to include direct-to-consumer sales. The new building also allowed the Freedom Quilting Bee to extend and offer its members and surrounding communities other tyles of services, such as daycare, an after-school tutoring program, and a summer reading program. At its height, the Freedom Quilting Bee had 150 members, making it one of the largest employers in the area.

While the women of Gee's Bend began quilting in the 19th century out of a physical need for warmth, their craft reinvented an artform and their work has come to be recognized more broadly as one of the most significant artistic contributions to American art history. Today, Gee's Bend quilts are in the permanent collections of over 40 museums on three continents. Yet their importance cannot be measured solely by their place in galleries or museums. These quilts remain deeply connected to the people, families, and communities of the Alabama Blackbelt from which they came.

The quiltmakers of Gee's Bend remind us that American history is woven not only through famous events and public monuments, but also through the hands of ordinary people whose creativity, determination, and traditions endure across generations.

On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and honoring the quiltmakers of Gee's Bend, Alabama, for their extraordinary contributions to American art, history, and culture. May their work continue to inspire generations to come,

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ostomy Awareness Day, which will be observed on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

An ostomy can be a difficult and deeply personal journey, but for many individuals, it is also a second chance at life. Ostomy surgery can provide a path forward for people facing serious illnesses and conditions, including colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, traumatic injuries because of domestic abuse or military engagement, and any other number of medical challenges. These procedures can be lifesaving and life-restoring, allowing individuals to return to their families, their workplaces, their communities, and the activities they love. Yet too often, people living with an ostomy face misunderstanding, stigma, and unnecessary barriers. Ostomy Awareness Day provides an important opportunity to educate the public, dispel misconceptions, and remind us that an ostomy does not define a person or diminish the quality of a life.

In Alabama, approximately 13,000 people are living with an ostomy. They are our neighbors, friends, family members, coworkers, veterans, caregivers, students, and community leaders. Their experiences demonstrate the strength and resilience of people who have overcome significant medical challenges and continue to live full and meaningful lives.

I also want to recognize the families, caregivers, physicians, nurses and certified ostomy nurse specialists, and other health care professionals who provide essential care and

support to those living with an ostomy. Their compassion and expertise make an enormous difference in helping patients adjust to life after surgery and thrive.

This year's Ostomy Awareness Day theme, ``One Community--Stronger Together,'' is a fitting reminder that no one should have to navigate life with an ostomy alone. Awareness, education, peer support, and access to quality care can help ensure that every person who needs an ostomy has the resources and support necessary to live with confidence and dignity.

On Ostomy Awareness Day, we celebrate the resilience of the ostomy community and recognize the medical advances and dedicated professionals that have made these lifesaving surgeries possible. Most importantly, we affirm that an ostomy is not the end of a person's story--it can be the beginning of a healthier and more hopeful chapter.

I am proud to stand with the Alabama ostomy community and with ostomy communities across our Nation. I encourage my colleagues and all Americans to join me in raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and celebrating those whose lives have been saved and restored through ostomy surgery.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing October 3, 2026, as Ostomy Awareness Day.