Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Davis].

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from California [Mr. Dellums].

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson].

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Frank].

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia [Mr. Bishop]. (Mr. BISHOP asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida [Ms. Brown].

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Virginia [Mr. Scott].

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California, Mr. George Brown.

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina [Mr. Watt].

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands, Ms. Donna Christian-Green.

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York [Mr. Owens]. (Mr. OWENS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina [Mrs. Clayton], the cochair of the CBC budget caucus.

Mr. THOMPSON

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of my constituents, Ms. Margaret McGlown. Ms. McGlown has contributed greatly to insuring her community's place in the future. Ms. McGlown, along with 32 of her sorority sisters from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., have adopted 35 students from J.W. Stampley Elementary School in Clarksdale, MS. She has implemented an intensive mentoring program called HOPE [Helping Other People Emerge]. Under this program, Ms. McGlown has been able to provide a better world for these less fortunate students who otherwise would not have this opportunity. She is an outstanding individual who is helping to shape the minds of our youth so that they may be prepared for the future. Today, Ms. McGlown will be honored for her accomplishments by USA Weekend, the third largest magazine in the country. Her project is one of only 11 chosen from 1,042,467 entrants nationwide on USA Weekend's Make A Difference Day. Ms. McGlown has thoroughly demonstrated her commitment to strengthening the minds of our youth. Her enthusiasm and service are special qualities that make her an individual from whom we can all learn a valuable lesson. Mr. Speaker, I urge you to join me in congratulating Ms. Margaret McGlown and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority for their outstanding service to the Clarksdale, MS community.

Mr. THOMPSON

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pastor Roderick Mitchell, one of my constituents who has had an invaluable role in the lives of many families in the Mississippi Delta. Pastor Mitchell grew up in a troubled household and was forced to spend much of his childhood protecting his mother and younger siblings from his abusive father. He never forgot those mornings he passed crouching, hiding miserably in the cotton fields surrounding his home. Pastor Mitchell now divides his time between his ministry in Cleveland, MS and his many initiatives to speak out against spousal violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. In 1995 he established a desperately needed rape crises program in his church that has evolved into a community-based organization, the Exodus Center for Life, which provides services to all victims of crime. Pastor Mitchell is perhaps best known for his educational programs that use puppets to teach children in Headstart programs about child abuse and also give information about date rape and domestic violence to youths in school. He has implemented a violence prevention program for teenagers called Preparing our Sons for Manhood, and he also serves as a counselor in Men Against Spousal Harm [MASH], a treatment program for batterers in the Mississippi Delta. One of Pastor Mitchell's colleagues summed up his efforts recently, saying, ``his experience as a victim of domestic violence and his deep belief in the power of education transcend cultural and denominational barriers, reaching all crime victims, young and old, as well as at-risk youth with inspirational messages that help to heal and prevent crime.'' Mr. Speaker, Mississippi and this Nation owe a debt of gratitude to Pastor Mitchell. If we are ever to transcend the cycle of violence, hatred, and anger that plagues America, we will need to follow this shining example of selfless determination. I honor Pastor Mitchell, and I thank him for his work.

Mr. THOMPSON

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Vicksburg High School for winning first place at the State competition of the ``We the People . . . The Citizen and the Constitution'' program. This organization works to educate young people about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and their place in American history and our lives. Over the past 10 years, more than 75,000 teachers and 24 million students have developed a better understanding of their responsibilities as American citizens through participation in this program. The following distinguished students will be participating in the ``We the People . . . The Citizen and the Constitution'' national finals which will be held here in Washington on April 26-28: Adrian Brown, Benjamin Bryant, William Campbell, Brian Crawford, Sarah Czaika, Richard Feibelman, Michael Finney, Katherine Flanagan, Stacey George, Beth Hassell, Claude Jarrett, Eric Johnson, David Jones, Quincy Jones, Ormonde Landry, Shelia Lewis, Scott Lovorn, Farrah Martin, Dionne Murphy, Nicole Nixon, Allison Price, Taylor Rowland, Ryan Roy, Amanda Schilling, Anna Sorey, Jason Stewart, Jennifer Sykes, David Thomas, Tonya Tonth, John Vollor, Michael Warren, Emily Weatherly, and Hugh Whitten. I would also like to recognize their teacher, Sherry Fisher, who deserves much of the credit for the team's success. The district coordinator, Sam Habeeb, and the State coordinator, Lynette McBrayer, also made important contributions to the team's efforts. These students set an example for responsible American citizens and scholars. They are a great asset to their families, the Second Congressional District, the State of Mississippi, and this Nation. I wish them the best of luck at the national finals.

Mr. THOMPSON

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Dr. Cleve McDowell who was born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Fudge McDowell on August 6, 1941, in Drew, MS. Dr. McDowell departed this life on Thursday, March 13, 1997, leaving a proud legacy as a mentor, civil rights leader, and community activist. He received his early education in the Drew (MS) Public School system where he served as class president, editor of the school newspaper, captain of the debating team, and a member of several varsity sports teams. Dr. McDowell was an honor graduate of Jackson State University in 1963, and had done further study on the graduate level during the 1970's. While at Jackson State University, he worked as a student assistant under the last Medgar Evers (1962-63). He became the first African-American student to attend a white graduate school in Mississippi by enrolling in the University of Mississippi Law School with the aid of a Federal Court Order and the U.S. Army troops in June 1963. He later enrolled in Texas Southern University Law School in Houston, TX, where he became president of the Student Bar Association and received several merit awards. He later worked on the field staff for the Mississippi State Conference (1964). Dr. McDowell left the Mississippi Field Staff to join the staff of the Chicago Branch of the NAACP and served on committees of the National Youth Work Committee of the NAACP, where he worked in employment, voter education registration, fund raising, and community development. He served as staff consultant to the Cook County Department of Public Aid (Chicago). He also served as personnel director-program analyst for Coahoma Opportunities, Inc., of Clarksdale, MS. In April 1969, McDowell joined the Mississippi Head Start Training Coordinating Council as its executive director. In October 1973, he joined the Governor's Office of Human Resources and OEO as the Head Start coordinator for the State of Mississippi. In May 1974, McDowell became associate director of the Mississippi Bar Legal Services Program where he served until he started his private practice of law in Drew, MS, in 1975. In addition, he served as managing attorney for the North Mississippi Rural Legal Services in Clarksdale, MS, from 1977 to 1979; served as a member of the Mississippi State Penitentiary Board of Directors (1971-76); and was elected to serve as Tunica County Judge (1978-82). He was a member of the Mississippi State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the Magnolia Bar Association. He was admitted to practice in the Northern and Southern United States District Courts, Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals and the Eleventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. Dr. McDowell was an active member of Epsilon Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and was worshipful master of Drew Lodge No. 6 of the Most Worshipful Stringer Masonic Grand Lodge (Prince Hall) of Mississippi. He was also a member of the Knights Templars Royal Arch, a 32d Degree, and Shriner Masonic units. Dr. McDowell was the senior pastor of the Greater Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church of Drew, MS, and chairman of the Sunflower County, Democratic Party. He also served as the public defender for Sunflower County, MS. He was also a former member of the board of alderman and past vice-mayor of the city of Drew, MS. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me and the civil rights community in saluting Dr. Cleve McDowell for his outstanding contributions to this Nation.

Mr. THOMPSON

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Mississippi [MS] State Representative William ``Bill'' Richardson who was born December 26, 1951, in Indianola, MS. Mr. Richardson suddenly departed his life on Tuesday, March 25, leaving a proud legacy as a husband, father, educator, community activist, and public servant. He was the faithful husband to Doris and the loving father to Hope and Tiffany. Words cannot describe the dedication and devotion he showed to his wonderful family. He received his early education in the Sunflower [MS] County Public Schools and received a bachelor's degree from Mississippi Valley State University [MVSU] and did post graduate work at both MVSU and the University of Southern Mississippi. Mr. Richardson served almost 20 years as an educator in the Indianola [MS] School District where he taught Social Studies and Civics. In 1992, after an active career in the Sunflower County community he was elected to the Mississippi State House of Representatives. While serving in the Mississippi Legislature he was appointed to the Committee on Education, the Committee on Agriculture and the Joint Legislative Parole Commission. During the 1995 Legislative Session, Representative Richardson was elected Sergeant-at-arms of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus. During his illustrative career, he remained active in the Mississippi Association of Educators, he National Educators Association, the Indiana Association of Educators, the Board of Directors for Delta Housing, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Rasberry United Methodist Men's Club, and the Sunflower County Chapter of the MVSU Alumni Association. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring a devoted husband, father, and public servant for his outstanding contributions to the State of Mississippi.

Mr. THOMPSON

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my support for America's Federal credit unions on behalf of at least 35,000 people residing in the Second Congressional District who depend on them to receive financial services. As you may know, the original legislation that created Federal credit unions in the 1930's required that their members share a ``common bond of occupation or association.'' Over the years, this statute has been interpreted in a fashion that allows employees from many different companies to join the same credit union. However, in the 1994 Federal District Court case of National Credit Union Administration versus First National Bank & Trust and its subsequent appeals, it was ruled that credit unions must have a ``single common bond of occupation.'' In other words, all the members of the credit union must work for the same employer. Although the Supreme Court has decided to hear this case, credit unions all across the Nation have been forced to cease accepting new members from employers outside of those who already belong while they wait for the final ruling. In addition to this disruption in the industry, if this case stands, credit unions may be forced to exclude all employers with the exception of the single original employer that the credit union received its charter to serve. Mr. Speaker, credit unions are the last source of financial services for millions of Americans who do not have the credit background to receive help from traditional banking institutions. If this case is allowed to stand, as many as 10 million current credit union members could be expelled from their credit unions, and services could be interrupted for all 70 million American credit union members. Many critics of credit unions feel that they have become a threat to the banking industry. However, according to the Credit Union National Association, the average credit union has less than $28 million in assets--less than one-sixteenth the size of the average bank. In fact, Chase and Citibank, the two largest U.S. banks, combined have more assets than the aggregate holdings of all 12,047 credit unions. I do believe that banks play an important role in America's economy, but I believe that a balance can be found between their needs and those of the credit union industry. Banks are likely to remain America's chief source of financial services, but there is no reason that a thriving credit union industry cannot survive and continue to serve those people who cannot be helped by banks. Mr. Speaker, it could take many months before the Supreme Court makes its final decision on this case. The credit union industry can not hang in limbo while it waits for the Supreme Court to act. Representative LaTourette has introduced a bill to this Congress in order to clarify this issue. The Credit Union Membership Access Act of 1997, of which I am a cosponsor, will protect the status quo by allowing employees from more than one company to become members of the same credit union. I support this legislation wholeheartedly, and I urge this Congress to act to prevent a disaster for America's credit union industry.

Mr. THOMPSON

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Mr. Kermit Wells Holly, Sr., who was born February 9, 1908, in Hinds County, MS, to the late Harvey and Abi Ellen Wells Holly. Mr. Holly departed this life on September 28, 1995, but he left a proud legacy as a husband, father, musician, educator, and mentor. He attended the Jackson Public Schools and received a bachelor's degree from Clark College, Atlanta and the master of music degree from Chicago Musical College. Mr. Holly began his teaching career at Clark College and later returned to Jackson College in 1930 where he made numerous contributions to the college orchestra, band, and the overall financial well-being of the college. In 1937, Mr. Holly joined the faculty at Alcorn College in Lorman, MS, where he organized the Alcorn Marching Band, orchestra, dance band, and the Purple and Gold Serenaders. In 1941, he returned to Jackson and resumed teaching in the Jackson Public School System serving as band director and choir director at Lanier High School. Mr. Holly retired in 1973 after 46 years in the field of music education, he is considered the father of African-American musicians in Jackson and throughout the State of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in saluting the family of Mr. Kermit Holly for the outstanding contributions he made to the world of music.

Mr. THOMPSON

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of Mississippi's most out-spoken heroes and one of America's greatest treasures. Although the contributions that Americans of African descent have made to this country are inexplicably woven into the very fiber of freedom and democracy upon which this country was founded, they are consistently overlooked and seldom find their place in history books alongside those of their white counterparts. However, because the recognition of these contributions has been relegated to 1 month out of the year--this month--instead of everyday, I would like to take a moment to share with you an article from ``The Mississippi Link'', a paper in the district I represent. This article commemorates the life of Mr. R. Jess Brown--Civil Rights pioneer and true supporter of democracy. ``R. Jess Brown: A Memorial Tribute to Keep His Memory Alive'' (By Nettie Stowers) special to the mississippi link R. Jess Brown, a citizen of Mississippi residing in the city of Jackson, in September, 1988 was summoned by the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. to the Nation's Capitol. Brown had been invited to attend and participate in ``A Special Tribute To A Great American, The Honorable Thurgood Marshall, U.S. Supreme Court Justice'' that was hosted by the Black Caucus and Foundation. This invitation to attend and participate in the tribute was due Brown, in part, because the Jackson, Miss. attorney had been a member of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund which had also included Justice Marshall. According to the Magnolia Bar Association, in his august career, Brown ``played a major role with the NAACP Legal Defense lawyers in (ending) the discrimination against Blacks in the areas of transportation and other public accommodations along with (the) Honorable Thurgood Marshall, then Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court (now deceased); (the) Honorable Constance Baker Motley and Robert L. Carter, now (both are) residing judges in the United States District Court for the State of New York; and other NAACP Legal Defense lawyers.'' At this tribute, billed as ``A Special Tribute To Thurgood Marshall . . . The Lifetime Companion For Justice For All People . . .'', Brown was rubbing elbows with people who held esteem for equal justice for all Americans such as Wiley Branton, Sr., Esquire, (now deceased); U.S. Representatives Louis Stokes, Michael Espy, Mervyn Dymally, Walter Fauntroy and Julian Dixon; William Coleman, Jr., former Secretary of the Department of Transportation; Ramsey Clark, former U.S. Attorney General; and AME Bishop H. H. Brookins. Brown was accustomed to such invitations and honors: a civil rights lawyer, he had served as a member of the team lawyers who had systematically dismantled the discriminatory segregationists and ``Jim Crow'' laws in America, especially in the South and Mississippi. Brown's contributions to American society are a reading of U.S. History and Mississippi History. In 1948, Brown joined Gladys Noel Bates in seeking equal salaries for black teachers in Jackson when very few, if any, blacks dared to oppose the historically white supremacy power structure in the Magnolia State. Jether Walker Brown, his widow who still lives in Jackson, said ``when Jess stepped in to help Mrs. Bates, almost no one was speaking to her because of intimidation by whites. Jess stepped in and almost immediately made the Black people feel ashamed for their actions.'' Jether Brown went on to say that ``things were not easy for him (Jess) or any of us during this time. Anyone or any group associated with helping Blacks get equal treatment ``receiving death threats harassment and vindictive and cruel intimidation; this included men, women and children. This was especially true for Jess, me and our two children. Oh Lord, it wasn't easy!'' Mrs. Brown also said that her husband represented a lot of Black people in cases where Mississippi sought the death penalty; but, these Black folk were never executed because her husband would keep on appealing their cases until some judge or court would overrule Mississippi's decision to execute. In the 1950's Brown filed the first civil rights suit in Mississippi in Jefferson Davis County seeking the enforcement of the right of Black citizens to become registered voters. He was successful in obtaining Clyde Kennard's release after Kennard was convicted for the theft of chicken feed after attempting to register to vote at Mississippi Southern University. In the 1960's, Brown was among the team of lawyers who represented James Meredith in opening the doors of Ole Miss to Blacks. The civil rights lawyer represented Mack Charles Parker in the Circuit Court in Pearl River County, Miss., who was lynched and thrown in the Pearl River after Brown raised the jury selection question prior to Parker's trial. And, while serving as counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Brown was successful in obtaining reversals of convictions of Black defendants because discrimination against blacks in jury selection in Scott and Warren Counties. Before Brown's untimely death in 1989, Attorney Firnst J. Alexander, Jr., assisted Brown in obtaining an acquittal for a Black defendant accused of being involved in attempted armed robbery of an alleged white victim in Neshoba County, Miss., where the alleged victim was shot. Mrs. Brown said, ``All of R. Jess' cases were important; but I'd say that lawyers in the State of Mississippi were hard to find and Mississippi had a rule that out-of-State civil rights lawyers could not come in and represent the people who were suffering and dying from discrimination--a local lawyer had to take the lead.'' That's how we got some of the lawyers in Mississippi whose names are a part of civil rights history like Carsie Hall, Jack Young, Sr. and others. Brown served on the executive board of the National Bar Association, he received numerous honors and awards which includes the C. Francis Stratton Award of the National Bar Association, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Award; and, the Illinois State University Award of Achievement. Brown's fraternal affiliations included Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, the Elks, and L.K. Atwood Lodge. Brown was a member of Pratt United Methodist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. When asked about her greatest contribution to R. Jess' and his undaunted efforts to gain equality under the law for American with African heritage, Mrs. Brown said ``R. Jess was a humanitarian, educator, and fighter for civil rights. I made my contribution as a friend, wife, mother to our children and someone with whom he could confide and consult with on any subject. I have given it to R. Jess, he valued and respected my opinions and my knowledge.'' at first glance fact about r. jess brown September 2, 1912--December 31, 1989. Formal Education: Public Schools of Muskogee, Oklahoma. Undergraduate Education: Illinois State University. Graduate Education: Indiana University. Legal Education: Texas Southern University School of Law. Admitted To Practice Law: All Mississippi State Courts; U.S. District Courts for the Southern/Northern Districts of

Mr. THOMPSON

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to make note of and salute the upcoming 85th National Day of the Republic of China [ROC] on Taiwan which will be celebrated on Thursday, October 10, 1996. I wish the ROC every success in its adoption and implementation of a pragmatic diplomacy; and its work toward a greater international voice and acceptance in the world community. We should all recognize that this is a country which has made a truly impressive effort to improve its position and gain recognition in the world community--becoming the world's 19th largest economy and 7th largest U.S. trading partner. On this very special day to the ROC, I extend my congratulations to both the President of the ROC, Dr. Lee Teng-hui, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative in the United States, Dr. Jason Chih-chiang Hu.

Mr. THOMPSON

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to pay tribute to one of President Clinton's finest appointees, the Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Housing Service, Maureen Kennedy. As a result of the reorganization of the Department of Agriculture, Maureen Kennedy served as the first Administrator of the newly created Rural Housing Service [RHS]. In that role, she broke new ground by creating directives to change the priorities of the housing programs that were formerly administered by the Farmers Home Administration. Shortly after accepting the position of Administrator, she traveled throughout the delta of my district to look at the challenges this poor section of the country faces each day. This was not a hollow/ perfunctory visit to satisfy the request of the Congressman from the Second District of Mississippi. This was the work of a dedicated and sincere public servant--she observed, took notes, and then took steps to make a visible difference. In fact, she followed through on a commitment to return a year later and complete a project she had been working on--even though she was actually on maternity leave. Maureen Kennedy is now leaving the RHS. I know Maureen well enough to know that she will continue to be a tireless advocate for the poor in her next undertaking. Many people in my district and across this Nation are better off today as a result of Maureen Kennedy's work. In an era when it is extremely popular to denigrate public servants and label them unfit to represent the Government, I am pleased to have the opportunity to salute one who served this President, this Congress, and more importantly the people of this country with honor and distinction. Maureen will be missed. I am certain she will be successful in whatever endeavor she pursues in the future.

Mr. THOMPSON

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that as the budget process for fiscal year 1997 comes to a close, whether through an omnibus appropriations bill or by normal appropriations bills, this Congress may not sufficiently prioritize student financial aid and education programs. As we all search to balance the budget, let us not forget the heavy burden that our educational institutions have for preparing today's youth to lead America in the next century. I understand that cuts will inevitably be made, and many of the President's funding requests will not be met as we wind our way through these budget debates. However, to those Members who feel it is necessary to balance the budget by eliminating Goals 2000, Perkins loans, and Healthy Start while also slashing funding for Pell grants, teacher training programs, and Safe and Drug-Free Schools, I must ask that you reexamine your values. For example, consider the words that Tomika Harris of Fayette, MI wrote as she applied for a summer scholarship for needy students at the University of Southern Mississippi. In response to the question, ``What impact will the loss of financial aid have on your educational goals and what does financial aid mean to you?'', Ms. Harris gave us an insight into how important financial aid and a higher education are to today's youth: The loss of financial aid will have a dramatic impact on not only me, but also my peers. In my community, there is mostly lower middle class and poverty stricken people. However, most of the kids want to continue their education, but because we have low employment rates, we depend on financial aid terribly to attend a higher education institution. If Congress takes financial aid away, that will be more students on the streets probably selling drugs instead of learning in a classroom. To me, financial aid is not money to go to college, but an opportunity for success. Perkins loans, Pell grants, Goals 2000, Healthy Start and many of these other programs serve as primary vehicles to lift by State out of the poverty that has consumed generations of bright, young minds. Even now, I can hear the voices of the mothers and fathers I see each weekend in Mississippi telling me that they know their child will have a chance to end the cycle of broken dreams if he or she can only get a Head Start. Now, just as years of hard work by teachers and public officials have helped Mississippi and this Nation to finally begin throwing off the heavy shrouds of poverty, do not send us back into an abyss of shattered lives and undereducated minds. Each of us has a duty as elected official to heed these voices. Listen to them, they are the children of today hoping for tomorrow.

Mr. THOMPSON

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Historically Black Colleges Historic Building Restoration and Preservation Act. From Civil War battles to civil rights marches, the campuses of historically black colleges and universities [HBCU's] have been the site of many significant events in America's history. Scattered throughout the Nation, many of these institutions of higher learning have fostered the academic development of African-Americans for over a century. The rising price of historic preservation compounded by years of low funding and neglect have left many historic buildings on the campuses of HBCU's in poor condition. The $29 million in grants this bill authorizes is desperately needed for the rehabilitation of these structures. By providing matching funds, HBCU's will be able to restore these prominent landmarks for the enjoyment of local communities and the benefit of future students. Of the $29 million in grants authorized to this bill, there are also several colleges that are earmarked to receive funds because of their important contributions to the education of African-Americans in their areas. This bill authorizes $3 million for historic preservation at Tougaloo College and $1 million for Rust College, both located in Mississippi. At Tougaloo these funds will be used to repair prominent buildings such as the Mansion, a 13-room home built in 1848. Rust College will use these funds to ensure the survival of many structures, including Oakview Hall which served as an office for the Holly Springs Slave market and as quarters of General Grant's troops during the Civil War. Most Americans agree that education provides the best chance of preparing today's youth to lead the Nation in the next century. Although Thomas Jefferson's dream of educational opportunity for every American has not yet been reached, legislation like H.R. 1179 takes positive steps toward its fulfillment. The supporters of this bill should be commended for their commitment to providing the colleges and universities that serve African-Americans with the resources needed to provide an educational atmosphere that protects the past as a means of inspiring the future.

Mr. THOMPSON

Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Speaker, for 109 years the Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church has served the people of the small rural town of Kossuth, MS. Today all that remains of that church and the Central Grove Baptist Church, another small black church barely 5 miles away, is ashes. The members of these two churches awoke this morning to find their names added to the long toll of over 100 heartbroken congregations since 1991. Though they rise from their beds surrounded by ruins, the people of these two churches did not awake to defeat, but determination. You see Mr. Speaker, these two Mississippi churches were built years ago with old bricks and wood by the sons and daughters of slaves. The structures may be burned, but their foundations were laid in the spirit of hope, and neither hatred nor evil has the power to destroy them forever. It is the spirit of these congregations that will rise, steeped in faith, to take up hammers and mortar to rebuild our churches. Those of you who come in the dark shadows, beware.