Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman of the committee for yielding me this time to speak in opposition to the amendment. This amendment would limit the number of urban area security initiative grants to 50. I understand what the gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner) is trying to accomplish; and he has to do it, he is from New York. However, it is unreasonable to set an arbitrary number, in this case 50, for the number of UASI or regional grants. In the bill, we already limit the number of regions by requiring a region to have at least 1.65 million people. This would adequately limit the number of recipients in itself. So I oppose this amendment.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment. This amendment would ensure that the First Responder Grant Board would coordinate with State and local governments. Throughout this process we have sought to ensure that State, local, and tribal governments are consulted throughout this process. This amendment would make it crystal clear to DHS that we expect them to listen to State, local, and tribal governments as they make their funding decisions. I support this amendment.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Berry) allowing me to speak on his amendment. My district is reliant on agriculture. This amendment is very supportive of the agriculture through the APHIS program. If the administrator is allowed to participate in the grants board, it will allow us, from an agricultural standpoint, to be adequately considered. I would like to compliment the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Berry) for bringing this to our attention. It is timely in terms of an amendment, and it is something that I am happy to support.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, let me again thank the chairman of the committee for working with the minority on this legislation. It has been a very bipartisan effort. It speaks well for his leadership. I compliment him on it. I look forward to the passage of this legislation and working on other pieces of legislation of mutual agreement which we have already discussed. It appears that additional legislation will be forthcoming. I would like to thank the ranking member of the committee, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell), for providing me significant leadership in this legislation. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, at this time we do not have another speaker, and I would like to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), who has been a constant reminder to us all about needing to do it better.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Harman), a member of the Committee on Homeland Security as well as the ranking Democrat on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price), a member of the Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. (Mr. PRICE of North Carolina asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes and 15 seconds to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell), ranking Democrat on the subcommittee. (Mr. PASCRELL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like at the outset to follow the conversation, saying this committee has worked very well on this legislation. It is bipartisan. The 14 hours we put in working on it in committee went very well. I would like to compliment the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell), the ranking member of the Emergency Preparedness, Science, and Technology Subcommittee, for his work on this issue. Mr. Chairman, I support H.R. 1544, the Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act. Our first responders, whether they are firefighters, law enforcement, or EMS providers, are the first line of defense. We must provide them with additional resources, training, and information they need in order to meet the challenges. Preparing for, preventing, and responding to any large incident is primarily a local responsibility. Still, the Federal Government has a significant role. H.R. 1544 was introduced in April. It was co- sponsored by all the Democrats and Republicans on the Committee on Homeland Security, and it was approved unanimously by voice vote of that same committee. In addition, this bill is supported by every major first responder organization in the country. This version is a compromise that was reached during the 108th Congress in order to pass out of the House of Representatives at that point. The current system for distributing funding to first responders is fundamentally broken and is not getting the funding where it needs to go in a timely fashion. Currently, funding is distributed solely on the basis of an arbitrary formula that does not consider risk in any part of the country. H.R. 1544 ensures that homeland security funding for first responders is distributed on the basis of risk regardless of community type. As a former mayor and volunteer firefighter from Mississippi, I am very concerned that the needs of rural America are not adequately being considered when DHS allocates homeland security funding. Maintaining a State minimum of .25 percent for most States and .45 for certain border States strikes a difficult, but necessary, balance. On one hand the government must consider risk in distributing the funding. On the other hand, the government must ensure that each State will have the funding to reach a minimum level of preparedness. H.R. 1544 does not mean that all funding will go to States and communities with a high population or high threat. For the first time, DHS will assess risk in every community regardless of whether it is urban, suburban, or rural. After all, we do not know where terrorists will strike next. One issue that is very important to my State is the issue of flood control levees. I worked to ensure that flood control levees are included in the definition of dams on the critical infrastructure. This bill establishes a First Responder Grant Board to prioritize grant applications using threat, vulnerability, and consequences. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 1544 also helps target funding to the essential capabilities of first responders in order to prevent, prepare for, and respond to acts of terrorism. But this bill is not perfect, Mr. Chairman. There are personnel shortages that ought to be covered in this program. There are a number of other things that I look forward to working with the chairman on correcting in other legislation. However, for what we have before us today, I am in support of it from the outset. It is the right thing to do. We have to target the resources based on risk. This legislation does that. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge). (Mr. ETHERIDGE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee), a member of the committee.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 188, a bipartisan resolution that I have offered, along with the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox), honoring the service and sacrifices of our Nation's firefighters. I am a former volunteer firefighter, so I understand what our 1.1 million firefighters give up in the name of service. Our firefighters, whether they are paid or volunteer, put their lives at risk with every call they must answer. Our paid firefighters are active in many charitable activities that benefit our communities. They lose time away from their families. They train and prepare, yet they never complain. Madam Speaker, in the case of volunteer firefighters, they often have to devote time in raising money to purchase equipment and pay for training that will keep them safe while they protect us and our property. Sadly, each year over 100 firefighters lose their lives in the line of duty. I encourage every Member of Congress to pay a visit to the National Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland. From my home State of Mississippi in 2004, two firefighters were killed in the line of duty. Those two firefighters, Elliott Davis, Jr., and Terrie Eiland, paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect their fellow citizens. Recently, Mississippi constructed a memorial park in Pearl, Mississippi, to honor the 67 firefighters from the State who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. We all vividly remember the heroism of the firefighters in New York on 9/11; over 340 firefighters lost their lives on this horrific day. It is impossible to know, Madam Speaker, how many thousands of lives the selfless response of the New York firefighters saved that day. Our firefighters and other first responders are the first line of defense for many incidents of terrorism or national disaster. This week over 2,000 fire service leaders from around the United States are in Washington to attend the 17th annual Natural Fire and Emergency Services dinner and seminar. These fine men and women are here to learn more about what we are doing in Washington to support firefighters. At the same time, we can learn a great deal from them. These men and women are the living embodiment of what makes this country so great. I encourage each Member of Congress to take time from their schedules to meet with their local fire service representatives who are in town. Madam Speaker, it gives me great pride to stand before this body in support of House Resolution 188, a measure that honors and recognizes firefighters for their many contributions throughout our history. In many respects, this measure says thank you to all firefighters for all of the sacrifices, the dedication, and the commitment they continually display in protecting our towns, cities, States, and our Nation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agent David Wilhelm who was killed by a gunman in Atlanta, Georgia this past weekend. I join Agent Wilhelm's family, including the law enforcement community in America, in mourning the tragic loss of Agent Wilhelm. Mr. Wilhelm dedicated his 18-year career in law enforcement to protecting America. He was one of the many men and women who put their lives on the line every single day, no matter what the danger. He was one of the good guys who helped to make America safer by putting away the bad guys. His specialty was investigating financial crimes, narcotics smuggling, and human smuggling. Agent Wilhelm's service was distinguished. He was awarded the 2001 Blue Eagle Award for his work on a narcotics investigation--Operation Prospero. Mr. Wilhelm received the award because he went far beyond the call of duty. Indeed, he was the sole recipient of the award in 2001. Agent Wilhelm's service will not be forgotten. His service will be remembered every day as our law enforcement officers continue his work, carrying on the mission Agent Wilhelm loved so much and did so well. I would also like to extend my sincere sympathies to the families of Superior Court Judge Rowland Barnes, Julie Brandau, and Hoyt Teasley, who were killed at the Fulton County Courthouse. Our hearts go out to their families and loved ones as well. Their lives will be remembered in the work we do here in Congress.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I would like to recognize China's National People Congress current meeting in Beijing. One of the most controversial bills under consideration is the Anti-secession Law targeted at Taiwan. If enacted, the law will give Chinese leaders the authority to annex Taiwan by force if Taiwanese leaders are found promoting Taiwan independence. This law is very unfriendly to Taiwan and I understand it has aroused public outcry and protests throughout Taiwan. Understandably the leaders and people of Taiwan are disturbed by this proposed law. It is their position that Taiwan has never been part of the People's Republic of China. They also feel there is no legal basis or justification for China's territorial claims. I believe the people of Taiwan value a free and democratic way of life and they would like to co-exist with the Chinese people on the mainland peacefully. The economic and cultural relations between Taiwan and China should be developed on the principles of peace, faith, trust and mutual respect. The proposed law represents a unilateral change of the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and threatens regional peace and security. Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian has said that he is willing to dialogue with the Chinese leaders and discuss issues of mutual interest including eventual reunification of Taiwan and China. Both Taiwan and China desire peace and co-existence, and they should be able to work out their differences without enacting this new law. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in urging the Chinese leaders not to enact the Anti-secession law.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize outstanding African Americans of the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi, and their contribution to Black History. The 23 counties of the 2nd District are well represented from both a local and national perspective. Americans have recognized Black History annually since 1926, first as ``Negro History Week'' and later as ``Black History Month.'' In fact, Black History had barely begun to be studied--or even documented--when the tradition originated. Although blacks have been in America as far back as colonial times, it was not until the 20th century that they gained a presence in our history books. Though scarcely documented in history books, if at all, the crucial role African Americans have played in the development of our Nation must not be overlooked. I would like to recognize Aurelia Jones-Taylor of Coahoma County. In 1989, Ms. Taylor met the challenge to journey to Clarksdale, Coahoma County, MS to assume the position of Executive Director for the Aaron E. Henry Community Health Services Center, Inc. after completion of her training for a community health center director at John-Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Upon her arrival, the center, founded in 1979, was operating on a $190,000 grant. It had lost several Federal grants, the books were in bad shape, many of the staff had left and there were numbers of other administrative problems. The Clarksdale office had closed, only leaving the Tunica office functioning with limited services on limited funding. Ms. Taylor's first task was to build a strong, cooperative management team with good skills. Secondly, she had to develop proposals and write grants to fund the diverse programs needed to serve the community. Today, the Aaron E. Henry Community Health Services Center, Inc., operates clinically in six counties from 10 sites (to include school- based clinics and a mobile medical unit) with over 150 employees on a $10M budget. Among those facilities are two new structures--one erected in 1995 in Tunica, MS--approximately 5,900 square feet and the newest facility in Clarksdale, MS--approximately 12,000 square feet. In addition, Aurelia has built a rural general public transportation program under the name Delta Area Rural Transit System in seven rural Northwest MS Delta counties generating over 207,000 trips per year. These services include employee work routes, TANF eligible work- activity services, elderly and disabled human needs services, healthcare non-emergency transit, mental health work activity, shopping and other social services needs. I take great pride in recognizing and paying tribute to this outstanding African American of the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi who deserves mention, not only in the month of February but year round.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize outstanding African Americans of the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi, and their contribution to Black History. The 23 counties of the 2nd District are well represented from both a local and national perspective. Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, first as ``Negro History Week'' and later as ``Black History Month.'' In fact, black history had barely begun to be studied--or even documented--when the tradition originated. Although blacks have been in America as far back as colonial times, it was not until the 20th century that they gained a presence in our history books. Though scarcely documented in history books, if at all, the crucial role African Americans have played in the development of our nation must not be overlooked. I would like to recognize Judge Tomie Zean Turner Green of Hinds County. Educated in Jackson Public Schools, upon completing the 11th grade at Jim Hill School, Judge Green entered Tougaloo College where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree. She earned a Master of Science degree from Jackson State University, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Mississippi College School of Law. Judge Green served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1992-1998 and served as the Vice Chair of Ethics and as sub-chair of the Judiciary A committee. She also served on the Elections, Insurance, the Managed Care and Local & Private Legislation, Constitution and Investigation of State Offices committees. In 1999, Judge Green took the oath of office to become the first woman elected to the Hinds County Circuit Court. Since that time Judge Green has increased the accessibility and efficiency to the court by shifting judicial operations. Since she took the bench, Judge Green has served on the Judiciary Advisory Committee on Rules, and the Supreme Court's Committee on Media and the Courts. Judge Green is best noted for in Hinds County for her sponsorship and support of the several laws such as the Municipal Public Hazard Law; Illegal Acts on Premises Law; the Professional Licensure and Child Welfare and Child Support Enforcement Act, etc. Additionally, Judge Green has sought legislation to insure fairness for workers injured while on the job; raise the age for minors to legally possess a handgun from 18 to 21 years of age; to build and fund a stadium for Jackson State University; to establish a law school at Jackson State University; and to increase the opportunity and participation of minorities in state contracts for goods and services. In addition to her dedication and commitment to her career, Judge Green has also expressed the same to her community. Judge Green is currently a member of the St. Peter Baptist Church of Jackson, MS. She is a member of the Magnolia Bar Association, Mississippi Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the Hinds County Bar Association, Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity. Other memberships have included: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, the NAACP, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), MS League of Women Voters, American Association of University Women and Central Mississippi Coalition of 100 Black Women. I take great pride in recognizing and paying tribute to this outstanding African American of the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi who deserves mention, not only in the month of February but year round.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, throughout the month of February, I would like to recognize outstanding African Americans of the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi, and their contribution to Black History. The 23 counties of the 2nd District are well represented from both a local and national perspective. Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, first as ``Negro History Week'' and later as ``Black History Month.'' In fact, black history had barely begun to be studied--or even documented--when the tradition originated. Although blacks have been in America as far back as colonial times, it was not until the 20th century that they gained a presence in our history books. Though scarcely documented in history books, if at all, the crucial role African Americans have played in the development of our nation must not be overlooked. I would like to recognize Mayersville's unsung hero, Mrs. Hattie J. Hite. Known as Ms. Hattie, Hite is 70 years old and the mother of one deceased daughter, Lillian Hite. She is very instrumental in the community and her church family. Every morning, Mr. & Mrs. Hite prepare and deliver breakfast to elderly citizens in the community. She prepares meals for all of the church functions. Each May, she hosts a memorial program at church honoring her mother, sister and daughter. She invites family, friends, and community members to come over for breakfast. She is and has been a mother figure to the entire community. I take great pride in recognizing and paying tribute to this outstanding African American of the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi who deserves mention, not only in the month of February but year round.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, throughout the month of February, I would like to recognize outstanding African Americans of the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi, and their contribution to Black History. The 23 counties of the 2nd District are well represented from both a local and national perspective. Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, first as ``Negro History Week'' and later as ``Black History Month.'' In fact, black history had barely begun to be studied--or even documented--when the tradition originated. Although blacks have been in America as far back as colonial times, it was not until the 20th century that they gained a presence in our history books. Though scarcely documented in history books, if at all, the crucial role African Americans have played in the development of our Nation must not be overlooked. I would like to recognize The Honorable Jimmie Holman of Quitman County. Mr. Holman is the first African-American Mayor of Marks, Mississippi. Mr. Holman was elected Mayor of the Town of Marks, Mississippi in 1987 in a special election to fill an unexpired term and was elected to a full term in the following Mayoral Election. He also holds the distinction of being the first African American Sheriff Deputy of Quitman County, MS. In 1969 during the organizing effort of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), ``Poor People Campaign-March on Washington,'' the Holman family opened up their home to civil rights workers, one of them Andrew ``Andy'' Young. In 1968, Mr. Holman supported his family by working as a plumber at Consumer Gas Company for less than minimum wage when Andy Young and his wife Louise convinced him that he would do better working for himself. The Holman family continued to house and support their guest until they left in June of that year. Following the departure of Andy and his team, Mr. Holman declared his economic independence by becoming his own boss. Following a four year apprenticeship under Austin Jones, a master bricklayer, Jimmie Holman built his first house. Their next venture, a discount clothing store was opened in 1985, followed by an Amoco Service station and Convenience Store. The Holman's businesses have been successful because of their appeal to all segments of Quitman County for the past twenty years. Jimmie Holman is more than a businessman and former politician; he is a citizen that supports his community. I take great pride in recognizing and paying tribute to this outstanding African American of the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi who deserves mention, not only in the month of February but year round.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, throughout the month of February, I would like to recognize outstanding African Americans of the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi, and their contribution to Black History. The 23 counties of the 2nd District are well represented from both a local and national perspective. Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, first as ``Negro History Week'' and later as ``Black History Month.'' In fact, black history had barely begun to be studied--or even documented--when the tradition originated. Although blacks have been in America as far back as colonial times, it was not until the 20th century that they gained a presence in our history books. Though scarcely documented in history books, if at all, the crucial role African Americans have played in the development of our Nation must not be overlooked. I would like to recognize Senator Joseph C. Thomas of Yazoo County. Senator Thomas is a graduate of Jackson State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. He is also a graduate of the Mississippi School of Banking at the University of Mississippi. He is retired as Vice President from AmSouth National Bank after 30 years of service. He has served as the National Treasurer and Executive Vice President of the Friends Amistad, a national organization in support of the Amistad Research Center in New Orleans, LA. Senator Thomas currently serves as board member and chairman of the management committee of the Yazoo County Fair and Civic League, Inc. He served as Chairman of the Policy Council of the American Public Power Association (APPA), which represents about 2,000 not-for-profits, community-owned electric utilities. He is the past president of the Yazoo City Municipal School Board and has been a member of the Mississippi Real Estate Appraisal Board. He was selected by the Mississippi Economic Council as on of the outstanding young men under 35 in 1977. Senator Thomas received the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education Award (NAFEO) in 1997. Senator Thomas received the American Public Power Association's Spence Vanderlin Public Official Award in 1997 in Toronto Canada. Senator Thomas loves history and has served as Chairman of the Oakes African American Cultural Center since it started in 1992. Senator Thomas is considered to be a noted historian on the subject of African- American history in Mississippi. In 2003, he won the position of Senator of District 21 for the State of Mississippi. He is serving on the Finance, Insurance, Banking Economic Development & Tourism, Education and Judiciary B Committees. Senator Thomas is married to the former Elizabeth Wilburn of Benton, Mississippi and they are the proud parents of three children, Joseph Jr., Kirk and Whitney. I take great pride in recognizing and paying tribute to this outstanding African American of the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi who deserves mention, not only in the month of February but year round.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, throughout the month of February, I would like to recognize outstanding African Americans of the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi, and their contribution to Black History. The 23 counties of the 2nd District are well represented from both a local and national perspective. Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, first as ``Negro History Week'' and later as ``Black History Month.'' In fact, black history had barely begun to be studied--or even documented--when the tradition originated. Although blacks have been in America as far back as colonial times, it was not until the 20th century that they gained a presence in our history books. Though scarcely documented in history books, if at all, the crucial role African Americans have played in the development of our Nation must not be overlooked. I would like to recognize Mr. James Gales of Jefferson County, Mississippi, born May 18, 1922. Mr. Gales attended the Jefferson County Training School until sixth grade. In 1940, Mr. Gales began public work as a construction worker for Shepp Time Construction Company and helped build the Natchez Trace. Following his work at Shepp Time Construction he went on to work for the WPA and construct many of the streets in Jefferson County. In addition, he assisted in erecting the Jefferson County Jail in 1942. He later went on to work for the Illinois Central Railroad. In February 1944 he volunteered for the United States Army and started his service at Camp Shelby and later to Fort Bennitt, Georgia. After basic training he worked in the battalion headquarters breaking down rations, supplies, for four companies in the Services. In 1946, Mr. Gales attended Alcorn A & M College and later worked for the International Paper Company, working there until 1984. Mr. Gales was very active in the civil rights movement and joined the NAACP in 1954. Through his commitment and activism in the civil rights movement, he played significant role in electing Jefferson County's first black mayor since Reconstruction, Charles Evers, as well as five city aldermen. I take great pride in recognizing and paying tribute to this outstanding African American of the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi who deserves mention, not only in the month of February but year round.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, throughout the month of February, I would like to recognize outstanding African Americans of the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi, and their contribution to Black History. The 23 counties of the 2nd District are well represented from both a local and national perspective. Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, first as ``Negro History Week'' and later as ``Black History Month.'' In fact, black history had barely begun to be studied--or even documented--when the tradition originated. Although blacks have been in America as far back as colonial times, it was not until the 20th century that they gained a presence in our history books. Though scarcely documented in history books, if at all, the crucial role African Americans have played in the development of our nation must not be overlooked. I would like to recognize Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Pippins Gates, of Leake County, Mississippi. Mrs. Gates is a graduate of Baldwyn High School and received her high school diploma at the age of 15. Ms. Gates continued her education and entered Mississippi Industrial College in Holly Springs, MS where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Mrs. Gates later received Master's degrees in Library Science from Delta State University, Cleveland, MS and in School Administration from Jackson State University, Jackson, MS. In addition, she has done additional study at Mississippi State University and at the University of Southern University. Mrs. Gates began her teaching career at Conway Attendance Center in Conway, Mississippi. She also served as an elementary teacher at South Leake Attendance Center in Walnut Grove, MS. Mrs. Gates served as President of the Bolivar County Teachers Association and the Leake County Association of Educators. She served as full-time state president of the Mississippi Association of Educators in 1982-1983. She was appointed by Governor William Winter to serve on the first Commission on Teacher and Administrator Education, Certification, and Development. She served as chairperson of the Board of Directors of the East Central Community Action Agency for eight years. Mrs. Gates retired from the Leake County School district after 40 years of dedicated service to education. Mrs. Gates served as First Vice-President of the Leake County Branch NAACP for twenty years and is presently serving her 4th year as President. She is a member of the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She is currently serving as a member of the Thomastown Attendance Center Improvement Committee. Mrs. Gates has received numerous awards for distinguished service to public education and civil rights which have included Outstanding Achievement in Education presented by the Leake County Branch NAACP, Outstanding Achievement in Human Relations from the Mississippi Association of Educators, Exemplary Service in the Promotion of Literacy from the International Reading Association and Distinguished and Dedicated Service as President of the Mississippi Association of Educators. I take great pride in recognizing and paying tribute to this outstanding African American of the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi who deserves mention, not only in the month of February but year round.