Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of MIssissippi

Mr. THOMPSON of MIssissippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an intuitive and self-motivated man, Mr. Henry Luckett. Mr. Henry Luckett was born and raised in Canton, MS, to Hemy and Lucille Luckett. He is the second of six children born. His parents instilled in him at an early age, that if you want to be a productive citizen you must take education seriously, work hard , and never make excuses. Mr. Luckett has lived in Holmes County since 1982. His family and faith are very important. He's married to Mrs. Charlie M. Luckett and they are the proud parents of four children. Mr. Luckett currently serves as Chancery Clerk of Holmes County since January 2012. He is an active member of: Holmes County School and Community, serving as a Charter member of Leadership Holmes since 1993; Board of Directors of Holmes County Chambers of Commerce, (2002-2008), as President (2008-2010); and he was President of the William Sullivan School PTA from 2005 to 2010. He currently serves as a member of thoard of the State PTA of Mississippi. to Mr. Luckett received a B.A. in Business Administration from Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn., in 1974. He has 26 years of public service with the Depatiment of Human Services (1982-2008), and served as County Director of Holmes County from 1992 to 2008. During this Administration, he was a member of the Six Million Dollar Club, which were counties who were issued six million dollars or more annually in food stamps benefits. Only twenty-five States had that distinction. Being one among the National Six Million Dollar Club members Holmes County received numerous awards from the USDA for exceptional management of the program. As Director he always made sure that everyone was treated with respect and those eligible received their benefits in a timely manner. Mr. Luckett previously served as Project Director for the Mississippi Parent Information Resource Center Program for the Community Students Learning Center. The Program serves parents of Title 1 students Statewide with information, resources, and training that supports student achievement. Continuing with the support of the community and his involvement with Holmes County Students, the program provides summer employment to the students which teaches them professional work ethics and preparation for future leadership. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Henry Luckett for his desire for continued excellence in his community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Robert Lee Beasley. Mr. Robert Lee Beasley is a native of Greenwood, MS. He is the second child born to Hattie B. Lewis-Beasley and Willie B. McQueen. He is a 1977 graduate of Greenwood High School. While in High School, he participated in the Bulldog Marching Band and NJROTC drill team. His senior year he was voted ``most likely to succeed''. After graduating from High School he joined the United States Army and trained to be a Military Policeman. After completing Basic Training and AIT, he was shipped off to West Germany. He served most of his military tour in Karlsrhue, West Germany as a physical security Military Policeman. In April of 1979, Mr. Beasley's mother became ill and he hopped a Concorde cargo jet from Frankfurt, Germany to John F. Kennedy airport in New York on emergency leave. In May of 1979, his mother passed away. His First Sargent granted him a hardship discharge under honorable conditions. After returning home, he became the youngest policeman in the city of Greenwood, Mississippi at age 20. The fall of that same year he enrolled in the undergraduate criminal Justice program at Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi. While at Jackson State University, he became President of the American Criminal Justice Association. He represented the criminal justice department at the 1984, Black Caucus Banquet in Jackson, Mississippi. He played trumpet as a member of Jackson State University ``Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band''. Robert was also a candidate for officer school through the JSU Army ROTC program. The 114th Military Police Unit in Clinton, MS would not allow him to participate in the Officers slow, a part of the ROTC requirement. In May of 1986, he graduated from Jackson State University with a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice. That same year he became the Director of Security for JSU Marching Band. That next year in 1988, he was hired as a Campus Policeman for the University. In 1985, he was hired at Tougaloo College as Campus Security. The fall of 1986, he was hired as a Correctional Officer for The State of Mississippi Department of Corrections, Rankin County Correctional Facility. Mr. Beasley remained there until June of 1988. The Fall of 1988, he enrolled in JSU graduate Criminal Justice program. Robert completed 30 hours of academic credits toward graduation. In the spring of 1993, he moved to Milwaukee, WI. Within two weeks he was hired as a Learnfare Case Manager. He was responsible for assisting families with determining barriers for children not attending school regularly or dropped out. He engaged with local school officials and principals to reintegrate the child back into a traditional classroom or find an Alternative School so the child may graduate with a High School Diploma. Robert worked as a Foster Care Case Manager for the Institute for Child and Family Development, Milwaukee, WI. He investigated allegations of abuse and/or neglect for minors. Testified in Court as to the suitability to return the child home or place him or her in a foster home. He developed a dispositional order to terminate parental rights. I worked as a Wraparound Coordinator for at risk kids for the Center for Child and Family Services, Milwaukee, WI. His last employment in Milwaukee was with the Wisconsin Welfare Reform Program as a Financial Employment Planner III. He assisted families and individuals to move from dependency on the government to self-sufficiency. In March of 2004, Robert returned to Mississippi as a caretaker for two mentally ill brothers. The only Job he could get in Greenwood was in the meat department at the Greenwood Market Place. Four months into the job, he met Dr. Roy Hudson, Vice President of University Relations at Mississippi Valley State University. Shortly after meeting Dr. Hudson in June 2005, he was hired as the Technical Assistant for Department of Admissions and Recruitment for the Valley. In 2006, while working full-time and attending graduate criminal justice program at Valley, he survived a heart attack and had to drop out of school and stop working for a while. February of 2008, he became a Career Specialist with Arbor Education and Training. Robert taught a job readiness program called C.E.O. to young adults under the age of 20. In 2010, he joined Thompson-Clemons Post 200 of the American Legion in Greenwood, Mississippi. He was appointed as Public Relations and has served in that capacity since joining the organization. He is responsible for reflecting the Post to the public through media. My office and Mr. Beasley conduct a Veterans Town Hall meeting annually. The Directors of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Regional Office are invited to attend this meeting, which allow Veterans to speak directly with those in charge of servicing that population. Presently, he is a candidate for a Masters of Social Work from Mississippi Valley State University. He is married to Dorothy F. Smith- Beasley. Robert has three grown children and a step-daughter. He is a Veterans Resource Coordinator for AmeriCorps, Mississippi Veterans Support Network. Robert is passionate about outstanding customer service for those who served this great country honorably. He assists Veterans with filing compensation claims and gathering evidence to support their claims. Mississippi Veterans Support Network Program works in collaboration with AmeriCorps, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Rehabilitation. Our mission is to connect veterans and/or family members of active duty military members to existing resources, dealing with military benefits, connections with the Veterans Administration on line registration, financial training, suicide prevention, and PTSD available treatment. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Robert Beasley, a Veteran, Educator, Leader and Public Servant, for his dedication to serving others and giving back to the African American community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable young lady, Ms. Demi Washington of Clinton, MS. Demi Washington is a senior at Clinton High School, where she currently holds the title of Miss Clinton High School and has a 3.5 GPA. Demi is a very athletic and competitive young lady and was recently awarded a full scholarship to the University of Alabama (Roll Tide), beginning Fall '17. Throughout her years she has been awarded several awards: 2014 Gatorade Athlete of the Year; No. 1 Sprinter in the State of MS, since 8th grade; and the 1st female to win the State championship in the 8th grade. In April of 2017, Demi finished first in three events: 100 M Dash with a time of 11.85; the 200 M Dash with a time of 24.10; and set a new PR in the long jump with a mark of 17-1 at the MHSAA Division 4-6A meet. Her coach stated that, she is looking forward to winning the 100m and 200m dashes at the state meet this year to end her high school year on top. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and congratulating Ms. Demi Washington for such a job well done throughout her athletic path in and throughout Clinton, MS.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. This AR-15?

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Pennsylvania for yielding. I won't be coming and running, though; but, nonetheless, I appreciate the kind words. I am going to talk in a little different direction than from most of the previous speakers. Mr. Speaker, as you know, I am a country boy. I live in the country. Hunting is a rite of passage for most people who live in the country. For the record, this past Friday, I hunted rabbit with three ministers, two deputy sheriffs, a county commissioner, and just a bunch of everyday people. But I don't need an assault weapon to hunt rabbit with. So this notion that somehow an infringement on my Second Amendment right to bear arms is associated with a killing weapon, a weapon that was designed for war, a weapon that is designed to reap carnage in whatever environment that it is in--for those of us who hunt deer, who hunt ducks, who hunt pheasants, we look at this whole discussion and ask: Who are these people who want 30-, 40-, 50-shot clips in a gun? What are they hunting? Those of us who are outdoorsmen, those of us who love the environment, we are not supportive of this notion that these kind of guns are made for outdoors. They are not. So it is a false premise, Mr. Speaker, that somehow my rights are being abridged. Now, as important with this is this notion that somehow we are not safe unless I own a gun like this. Well, the people that I hunt with, they have absolutely no problem applying for whatever license they are required to have to own their guns. They don't have a problem with waiting so that they can clear up whatever question it is from the standpoint of owning a gun. They really don't have a problem with saying gun shows should be outlawed because those are places where people sell guns, and sometimes there is a question about the legality of the guns they are selling. Background checks. You know, if I have to have a background check for financing of anything. Then why shouldn't I have a background check to own a weapon? A bump stock. Now, until what had occurred in Las Vegas, most of us had never heard of a bump stock. I mean, it was just some kind of exotic thing you put on a gun to make it an automatic weapon. But, again, all those things, to those of us who hunt, that is not who we are. I marvel at some of my colleagues who probably couldn't hit anything with a gun, but they want to stand up and defend people who buy assault weapons. I challenge them to come, get up at 4:30, 5 in the morning, and let's go to the woods and let's do what real hunters do. Let's not just get on TV and brag about my Second Amendment rights, and then put on a $500 suit and go on downtown and don't go to the woods. What we saw in Florida, it was absolutely tragic. Errors occurred. We need to fix it. But I dare to say--and I absolutely hope I am wrong-- when the comments subside, I doubt that we will have any legislation brought forward to address this assault weapon problem we have in this country. I doubt that we will have any legislation brought forward to look at the loopholes associated with purchasing guns. I doubt that we will have the age limit raised on individuals purchasing guns. The will is not here. I wish my colleagues could man up, or woman up, and do the right thing. I am training my grandson, who is 12 years old, the right way to own a gun, to handle a gun, to do the things that are correct. He will have to go through gun safety classes before he gets his license. But more importantly is he understands that this weapon is either for sport or protection. But, you know, I don't need an AR-15. I have deer rifles. I have shotguns. That is what sportsmen use. So all this killing that is going on is bad, and I really wish we would take the emotions out and say, let's just get rid of these high- powered weapons that are killing machines. I could go on and on, but I won't. But I can just say that it is a problem, and I don't think the will is here in this body to address it. Every time a tragedy occurs, we take a moment of silence and we do nothing.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Well, it is a weapon designed to kill. It is a weapon designed for war. My friends who are in law enforcement, I want them to have weapons like that to defend themselves here; but we have made these guns street-legal, so there is the potential that our friends in law enforcement are going to run up on people who have guns as powerful, if not more powerful than they are. That gun is not made for hunting. It is not made for anything other than to kill. I want my soldiers who are fighting wars to have weapons like that. But, again, for us to try to stretch the margin, that that is a Second Amendment right to bear arms, it is not any arm. Again, it is a killing machine. And if anybody has ever had an opportunity to fire one, which I have, it is not accurate at all; but it will spray a lot of bullets out and will do some killing, like we just saw in Florida and a lot of other places. It is not who we are as a nation. We are a better people than that. But adults are going to have to do the right thing. Otherwise, the young people of this country will do it for us.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a remarkable public servant and hometown hero, Mr. Lerone Bennet, Jr. Mr. Bennet was a native of Clarksdale, Mississippi, and was an editor at Ebony Magazine during the time the publication published the photos of Emmett Till. In addition, he was also a journalist, author, and historian. A friend and Morehouse College classmate of Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., Mr. Bennet worked tirelessly in the struggle for Civil Rights. In 1994, Mr. Bennet was appointed to President Clinton's Committee on Arts and Humanities. He also served as an early adviser on the development of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. During the last years of his life, Mr. Bennet suffered from vascular dementia. Last night, at 89-years-old, he passed away. Today, we honor the life of Mr. Lerone Bennet, Jr. and his family.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a remarkable public servant and hometown hero, Ms. Willora ``Peaches'' Craft Ephram. Ms. Ephram owned a very popular soul food restaurant in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. Peaches opened in 1961 after Ms. Ephram was able to save up enough money to own her dream restaurant. Ms. Ephram's soul food restaurant took on her nickname, ``Peaches,'' and it served as a staple around the city of Jackson as well as the state of Mississippi. In 2007, Democratic Presidential Candidate, Barack Obama, stopped by Peaches during his campaign, where Ms. Ephram packed him an order of cobbler to go. In 2013, Ms. Ephram stepped down from her famous restaurant due to open-heart surgery, and her son Roderick ran Peaches until its closure that same year. Last week, at 94-years-old, Ms. Ephram passed away due to pancreatic cancer. Today, we honor the life of Ms. Willora ``Peaches'' Craft Ephram and her family.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable person, Mr. Julius Lester. In the summer of 1964, better known as the Freedom Summer of 1964, Julius Lester traveled to Mississippi to register African-Americans to vote, while documenting the Civil Rights Movement through photographs. Lester also is known for assembling Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s notes while he was imprisoned in the Birmingham jail that became the famous ``Letter from Birmingham Jail.'' His work to inform the public of the Civil Rights Movement is appreciated and admired to this very day. In 1961, Lester went on to serve as the executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference until 1964. He authored over 40 books during his lifetime and received prestigious honors for his work; such as the New York Times Outstanding Book Award, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award and many others. Lester also served as a professor at the University of Massachusetts for over 30 years. Today, we mourn the death of Julius Lester. As a prominent figure, he managed to provoke thought in all of those who he came in contact with either in person or through his work. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and legacy of Mr. Julius Lester.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mr. Jeffery Kilpatrick. Jeffery Demond Kilpatrick was born on August 13, 1973, in East St. Louis, Illinois to the parents of Jimmy and Mary Alice Kilpatrick. Jeffery is a dedicated member of the Body of Christ Ministry in Memphis, Tennessee under the leadership of Pastor Barbara Palmer. Jeffery graduated high school in May 1991 from East St. Louis Senior High School. He later continued his graduate studies at Mississippi Valley State University where he earned his Bachelor and Master Degrees. He developed an interest in politics at an early age and decided to run for the position of Mayor of the City of Drew in 2005 and was successfully re-elected in 2009 and 2013. Along with ensuring the safety and promoting the development of new businesses and community enrichment Jeffery is a Correctional Supervisor at the Mississippi State Penitentiary and Mound Bayou Police Department where he has also made a career of protecting the citizens of Sunflower County for 23\1/2\ years. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Jeffery Kilpatrick for his dedication to serving others and giving back to his community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant. A life-long Jacksonian, Margaret C. Barrett- Simon graduated from St. Joseph High School and the University of Southern Mississippi. She was first elected to the Jackson City Council in 1985. During her years of experience on the Council, she has served as President, Vice President, and Chair of the Planning Committee, Budget Committee, Rules Committee, Legislative Committee, Homeless Task Force and the Transportation Committee. She is very active in the local community through her service to various civic organizations. She currently serves on the board of the Salvation Army, Farish Street YMCA, School of Liberal Arts for Jackson State University and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. She serves as the Advisory Council Member and Chair of the National League of Cities, National President of Women in Municipal Government and State President of Women in Municipal Government. She is involved in the Urban Poverty Task Force; the National League of Cities Institute for Youth, Education, and Families; and the Mississippi Municipal Association. She and her husband, Dr. Al Simon, have five daughters. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Councilwoman Margaret C. Barrett-Simon for her dedication to serving others for 32 years.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Henry Anderson, Sr. Reverend Henry Anderson, Sr., is a native of Holmes County; Lexington, Mississippi, and the third son of ten children born to the late Mr. James Anderson, Sr., and Mrs. Martha Friar Anderson who resides in Lexington, Mississippi. He is married to the former Dorothy Mae Harmon Anderson, and is a faithful and dedicated member of Rockport Missionary Baptist Church where he serves as Assistant Pastor. Reverend Anderson and his wife are the proud parents of three children: Anthony, Kimberly and Henry, Jr., and the grandparents of seven grandchildren. Upon graduating from Lexington Attendance Center, presently Holmes County Central High School, Reverend Anderson became employed with J.J. Ferguson Asphalt Company, where he worked successfully for thirty-eight years; working his way up to an Asphalt Superintendent Manager. In this leadership position, he learned how to supervise workers in order to maintain quality production by being consistent, bidding for jobs, organizing materials to set up jobs, and maximizing production to ensure profits through sound financial management and effective communication. After retiring from J.J. Ferguson Asphalt Company, and spending over forty-one years contributing to public service, Reverend Anderson saw the need for more Black owned businesses in Holmes County to support the communities at hand. After deep concentration and researching Black owned businesses in the county, Reverend Anderson saw the need for a Black owned Farm Supply Company due to the steep prices imposed on farm supplies already in the county and surrounding areas. With the desire and know how, and a long history and heritage rooted in farming, Reverend Anderson had the stamina to initiate the business, Anderson's Farm Supply, in March of 2010 and became an Entrepreneur of the business in April of 2010 which lends itself to a variety of farming needs. As a qualified and concerned citizen of Holmes County, Reverend Anderson was elected in November of 2015 by the people to serve as Supervisor for Beat 1, where he gives total commitment to the county and communities as a whole. Reverend Anderson is a person who believes in involving all business and stakeholders in Holmes County, pushing for economic development, cooperative partnership and total community involvement in the business world. He listens and acts on important issues that involve all citizens in Holmes County, Lexington, Mississippi. He believes in working together in order to build on the accomplishments of the county that already exists, and moving forward to accomplish even more business for the betterment of his county and communities as a whole. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Reverend Henry Anderson, Sr. for his dedication to the community, friends and his family.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary community leader, Sheriff K.C. Hamp of Tunica County, Mississippi. Tunica County Sheriff Calvin ``K.C.'' Hamp, known since childhood with the reversed initials K.C., is a native of Tunica County, Mississippi. K.C. is an active member of Union Street Church of Christ, where his brother, Sylvester Thomas Jr., is Pastor. He is married to Patonya Price-Hamp and has four children, two daughters, two sons and one grandson. Sheriff Hamp was elected to his fourth term as Sheriff in November of 2015. Sheriff Hamp is a graduate of Rosa Fort High School and holds an Associates of Arts degree from Coahoma Community College. He attended the University of Mississippi to obtain his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice; moreover his training and education is ongoing. K.C. began working with the Tunica County Sheriffs Office in 1994 and started his career in law enforcement as a Deputy Jailer. During his 20 year tenure with the Tunica County Sheriffs Office his assignments have included Patrol Supervisor, Auto Theft Investigator, D.A.R.E. Officer and Internal Affairs Investigator. Sheriff Hamp is an organizer of the Tunica County T.R.I.A.D. and is a member of the National Sheriffs' Association, Mississippi Sheriffs' Association, MS D.A.R.E. Association, Tunica County Literacy Council and Tunica County 10-Point Coalition. Sheriff Hamp was appointed by Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour to the following state boards: Mississippi Crime Stoppers, Advisory Council, Byrne-JAG Drug Task Force Committee and Mississippi Trauma Advisory Committee, in which his appointment with the Mississippi Trauma Advisory Committee has continued under Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant. He also serves on the D.U.I. Advisory Task Force Committee, Mississippi Department of Corrections Oversight Task Force, Asset Forfeiture Task Force and Mississippi Child Death Review Panel. K.C. is elected to serve as President of the Mississippi Sheriffs' Association beginning June of 2016. He has served as Vice President, 2nd Vice President and 3rd Vice President. K.C. has been a volunteer funeral director with Henderson Funeral Home in Tunica, Desoto and Panola Counties for over 25 years. He feels this is an opportunity to serve and interact with people in a time when they need a friend the most. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sheriff K.C. Hamp for his dedication in being a respected community leader.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a talented and driven man Mr. Henry Campbell. Mr. Campbell has shown what can be done through tenacity, dedication and a desire to serve his community. Henry Campbell a lifelong resident of Yazoo City, MS was born on November 26, 1957 to Margaret Campbell and Henry Coleman, the youngest of eight children. Henry Campbell graduated from Yazoo City High School in 1975 as a student and successful athlete. His athletic talents in baseball landed him an opportunity to be drafted by the New York Yankees, but he chose to attend college instead. Campbell earned a baseball scholarship to Jackson State University where he played from 1976 through 1978, while he studied in Physical Education. After college, Campbell enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve for six years as a Supply Specialist at the National Guard Armory in Yazoo City, MS. Campbell started working for Yazoo City when he took a job as a maintenance person for Yazoo Housing Authority. He was later accepted a job as Manager for the Wardell Leach Recreational Complex which he managed from 1999 through 2009. In 2009 he became the Director of Parks and Recreation. After 20 years with Yazoo City he has decided to retire and spend his time hunting, fishing and traveling. Campbell is married to Joyce Williams and to that union they have five children. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Henry Campbell for his desire to make a difference in the lives of children and the community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable person, Mr. Wardell Gray. Wardell Gray was born June 30, 1917 as the eldest son and first of two sons of Mr. Will Gray and Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Otis Gray in Carson, Mississippi. There was an older sister, Willa Mae, the first born who died of lockjaw at the age of 10. The year he was born, his father was a Foreman with the Illinois Central Railroad, and they lived for a number of years in Sumrall, MS where his parents operated a boarding house for the other men who worked under his father. Gray was exposed to hard work in the area of farming and business at an early age. Upon their return to Jefferson Davis County, his mother was the teacher in a one room school house on the grounds of the Holisday Creek M.B. Church. Due to the fact that there was no school for blacks, he completed 8th Grade education there and continued his high school education at Prentiss Institute Junior College. He was a good student and an awesome athlete as a Baseball Pitcher with one of the Old Negro Leagues. His father Will Gray passed away at the age of 110 years of age and his mother Mary at age 97. Gray was drafted in the U.S. Army on November 19, 1941 and fought in World War II in the following battles and campaigns: Naples-Foggia, Rome Arno, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He received the American Defense Service Medal, ATO Medal, Good Condition Medal, Meritorious Unit Award and the Wold War II Victory Medal. He returned back to his home from the Army on October 31, 1945. While away at War, his parents were acquiring land. Upon his return, his dream was to do the same and continue his love for farming. In completing this vision, he met and married the love of his life, Quillie Ross Gray. She was a graduate of Jackson State University and continued out of state at Indiana University to obtain a master's degree. He was one of the first blacks to open a Dairy during the late 40s. His Uncle, Dr. J.R. Otis was President of Alcorn College. With this relationship to the college, students who were Agriculture majors would travel to Gray Farms to intern. As a civil rights activist, Gray was involved in fighting for voter registration, and an avid and ardent supporter of the 1964 Civil Rights act. In 1959, he was the first black candidate to run for any type of public office; Constable for his district, Beat 2. He would later run for Election Commissioner. He became President of the Jefferson Davis Chapter of NAACP in 1959 and would remain through 1974. He picketed local stores and other national franchises regarding employment discrimination practices. Gray worked tirelessly with other civil rights giants such as Medgar and Charles Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, Rev. Darby, Dr. Aaron Henry, his cousin, Charles Young and many others known and unknown. As a member of Blackmon Temple CME Church, Gray brought his love of God, education, and children together, for it was during the civil rights movement that meetings of the NAACP, Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, Mississippi Action for Progress (MAP) were held at churches throughout the State. He along with Mr. N.J. Booth was instrumental in acquiring the land for the first black school in Jefferson Davis County, Carver High. Wardell Gray and his family suffered many attacks in his life, cross burnings, a barn burned to the ground with 3,000 bales of hay destroyed and on and on, but it did not stop him from fighting for civil rights. He partnered with the Lawrence County Branch of the NAACP to ensure the hiring of African Americans at St. Regis Paper Company (Now Georgia Pacific). His wife was fired from the school system briefly due to Rev. Darby and Gray filing the lawsuit against the poll tax for the right to vote. Gray formed biracial committees to tackle the troubles in the county-- such as colored and white separate waiting rooms at medical clinics. When the NAACP was sued for millions of dollars, he was in the forefront of fund raising to assist the National Branch in meeting their need. He was the first black to be appointed under President Jimmy Carter to serve on the ASC Committee. Volumes could be written about the number of people Gray counseled, inspired, encouraged and helped along in their lives. Gray will be remembered as a gentleman, friend, and servant; lover of his family, community and his God. The loves of his life were his two children and his grand- and great- grandchildren. He was a mentor to many children in the community and beyond. Gray leaves to cherish his memory his children: Dr. Pene' Gray Woods (Curtis) of Cordova, TN; Joseph Willie (Sheryl) Gray of Hattiesburg, MS, grandchildren Christopher (Lynsi), and Dominic, Joseph Jr., Jayla, Kyle Meyers, Joseph and Ashley Smith; great-grandchildren Caitlyn, Chris II, and Dominic II.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Comrade Willie Lee Lindsey, Jr. who was born on February 23, 1936. He enlisted into the United States Air Force on February 3, 1954 and was trained to be a Fire Fighter in the United States Air Force. He obtained the rank of Airman 3rd Class (A/3C) during his 3 years and 10 months of service. Comrade Willie L. Lindsey Jr. served 1 year and 10 months under imminent danger and hazardous duty conditions on the Korean Peninsula of South Korea. He was awarded the National Defense Medal along with the Korean Service Medal during his time of service in the Air Force. Airman 3rd Class Willie L. Lindsey, Jr. was Honorably Discharged from the United States Air Force on January 7, 1958. After serving his country as a Fire Fighter in the military, Comrade Willie L. Lindsey, Jr. transitioned into civilian life and worked and retired after 30 years of employment at Vickers, Inc. in Jackson, Mississippi. In December of 1985, Willie Lindsey joined the Brooks, William, Stewart, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9832, in Jackson, MS. He was elected VFW Post 9832 Commander in 1988 and served in that position from 1988 to 2008. He also served as VFW 5th District Commander during his time as VFW Post 9832 Commander. In 2006 through 2007, Willie Lindsey became the first African American in the State of Mississippi to be elected and serve as State Commander of the Department of Mississippi's Veterans of Foreign Wars. Comrade Willie L. Lindsey, Jr. was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. He is survived by his son Roderick Odems. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Comrade Willie L. Lindsey, Jr. for his dedication to serving his country.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the importance of passing H.R. 3731, the Secret Service Recruitment and Retention Act of 2017, into law. Over the years, the United States Secret Service has been plagued with morale and attrition issues. In 2016, the Secret Service was ranked last among 305 agency subcomponents in the Partnership for Public Service's annual Best Places to Work Survey. The morale issues stem from a number of factors, but one of the leading factors is agent burnout due to inflexible schedules, long shifts, and agents having to work and not use their annual leave or potentially not receive overtime compensation due to agents reaching their annual allowance pay amount. Many of the aforementioned issues cannot be solved by a simple act of Congress; however, compensating agents for overtime is one that Congress can and should address. H.R. 3731 would provide for agents who have hit their overtime pay limits to receive compensation for the uncompensated hours they have logged in service to the country. While I believe the Secret Service can do more to recruit and retain top talent, it is also important for Congress to do its part to not leave the current agents uncompensated. Passing this legislation is crucial and would be an obvious morale boost for the current agents. I urge our colleagues in the Senate to move quickly to pass this legislation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I represent the Second District of Mississippi. I would like to pay tribute to those four Historically Black Colleges that reside in the Second District, but before I do, I want to, for the Record, make sure that people understand the role of Historically Black Colleges and how they actually came to exist. For those who think education has always been here for anyone who would want it, I just take you back to that 150 years ago that my colleague from North Carolina talked about. Well, that 150 years was the beginning of people recognizing that African Americans should have the opportunity to go to school, just like anyone else. But, unfortunately, in this country, if you were of color, there were no provisions for you to have a college education. So, for a lot of people in this country, it didn't matter how bright they were, it was the fact that there were no institutions available for you to go. It is also important to look at my situation in my area that I represent, Mr. Speaker. When I went to college, I had never met an African-American doctor, lawyer, dentist, or anything because they didn't exist. When I got to college, my college physician was an African American, but I went to Tougaloo College. He was a graduate of Tougaloo, and he had to go to medical school out of State because no medical school would admit him. But the most important thing I am saying is that for a lot of professionals who wanted to do good in their communities, they had to go out of State, so Historically Black Colleges were created. I met Martin Luther King, Jr., on the campus of Tougaloo College when I was a student. Tougaloo College and Rust College, in another district, were the only two institutions of higher learning that would allow Martin Luther King, Jr., to speak on their campus, and they both were Historically Black Colleges. So, if for no other reason, Historically Black Colleges have helped level the playing field. They have exposed a number of African-American students to a broader view in terms of life and what happens, but they were also put in situations, Mr. Speaker, and an environment that they could relate to. So, Tougaloo College, I salute you. Jackson State University is the largest Historically Black College in the State of Mississippi, well renowned. They have over 10,000 students on its campus. It is the only State-supported university in the capital city. So we pay special tribute to Jackson State University. They are noted for a number of graduates, too many to name. They continue to excel in every facet of academia. Alcorn State University, the oldest African-American land grant college in America, turns out a number of students who have gone on to excel not just in agriculture, but in medicine, law, and education. Mississippi Valley State University, located in Itta Bena, Mississippi, was created to avoid integration. If you look at the charter for Mississippi Valley State University, it was created so Negroes could go to school in the Mississippi Delta and not be forced to integrate into the White colleges. So, for whatever reason, Mississippi Valley State University was created, and it thrives to this point. Mr. Speaker, the most important thing I would like to say is that when I was a student at Jackson State University, I participated in a lawsuit that talked about equity in funding for Historically Black Colleges. It took us 27 years of litigation--Ayers v. Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning--to prove that the Black schools were not getting the same resources as the White schools. We won the lawsuit and we are now talking about equity in those institutions. As important is not just having the institutions, but those who are State-supported, to have the proper resources so their students can become and be the best that they can be. It is fitting and proper that we celebrate not just the nine HBCUs, but let's talk about all of them and the merit and worth that they have given to this country. Mr. Speaker, I pay special tribute--and I think there are about 103 or 104 Historically Black Colleges--106. I stand corrected. So, again, they are doing a wonderful job, but it is the purpose for which they were created. Some people will try to convince that there is no issue with race in America today, and I beg to differ that if it were not for those Historically Black Colleges, a lot of individuals would not be where they are today. If you talk to those 20 Members of the United States House of Representatives who are graduates of Historically Black Colleges, they will talk to you and tell you about the fabric and representation that going to those schools provided to them. I am happy to say that not only is my daughter a graduate of two HBCUs, but my granddaughter is also attending Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans. She really didn't have a choice in the matter, but she thought she did; but at the end of the day, she is a second-year student there, and I am happy to say that she wouldn't have it any other way. So that HBCU education is already sinking in. Whatever she chooses to do, I am convinced that her perspective will be far broader because of her attendance at Xavier University of Louisiana.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of Moises Loza. Moises Loza grew up in South Texas in a migrant farmworker family. During his childhood, he traveled with his family throughout the South, Midwest and West coast in search of farm-work. His first-hand experience of how hard families work to survive in this country is the perfect example of the families residing in Mississippi's Second Congressional District. In fact, while Loza served as Executive Director of the Housing Assistance Council--a national nonprofit corporation that works to increase the availability of decent housing for rural low-income people--he ensured the organization provided technical assistance, training and research to assist with housing development for low-income and hard-working families residing in the lower Mississippi Delta. Loza also serves in leadership roles on many housing related organizations. Currently, he serves as chairman of the Rural Development Leadership Network and treasurer of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. He also serves on the board of directors for the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, the National Housing Conference, the National Rural Housing Coalition, and the Morgan Stanley Advisory Committee. His selfless work to provide housing opportunities for families in need is something that we all should celebrate. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a great public servant, Moises Loza, for his work to provide equal and fair housing.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, thirteen years ago, the 9/ 11 Commission raised red flags ``regarding the screening and transport of checked bags and cargo'' and called for ``[m]ore attention and resources'' to ``be directed to reducing or mitigating the threat posed by explosives in vessels' cargo holds.'' Today, the threat of a terrorist attack using air cargo is significant. In fact, in July, then-Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly identified cargo-based aviation attacks as a major concern, explaining ``there are people out there, very smart people, very sophisticated people who do nothing but try to figure out how to blow up an airplane in flight. . . . [T]here is a fair amount of cargo, what we would attribute to just cargo flown on passenger airplane on space available. [Terrorists] are constantly looking for ways to do this.'' That same month, Australian authorities arrested four men on charges that that they plotted to detonate a bomb to bring down an Etihad Airways passenger plane on behalf of ISIS on July 15. Reportedly, ``a senior ISIS commander shipped partially assembled components of a bomb on a commercial cargo plane from Turkey to Australia . . . [and] two men in Australia assembled the parts into a functional explosive device.'' In response to the foiled Australia attack, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a security directive requiring any air cargo from Turkey bound for the U.S. to undergo enhanced screening. The Australia plot came seven years after a terrorist plot to ship bombs hidden in printer cartridges from Yemen to the United States onboard cargo planes was thwarted. This increase in the air cargo security risk comes at a time when the volume of goods being moved by air cargo has increased, with the volume, as of 2016 back to approximately 98.4 percent of pre-recession levels with airlines transporting 52 million metric tons of goods. In response to this security risk, I am introducing the ``Air Cargo Security Improvement Act of 2017.'' My legislation would direct the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to take a number of steps to enhance its responsibilities for air cargo and require the agency to aggressively move towards addressing current and future threats to air cargo. Specifically, my legislation would clarify air cargo security responsibilities at TSA, encourage further technological developments for screening air cargo, review existing air cargo programs, and require the Department of Homeland Security to make permanent the Air Cargo Advance Screening Program. Mr. Speaker, a decade ago, I was the lead sponsor of legislation that addressed the concerns raised by the 9/11 Commission about the threat of an air cargo-based attack. The ``Implementing 9/11 Recommendations Act of 2007'' directed TSA to, for the first time, ensure that all cargo carried on passenger planes was screened. My bill recognizes the need to revisit that law and the stark reality that as technology has evolved so have terrorist capabilities. For instance, in 2007, it was unimaginable for terrorists to use laptops as bombs; however, in 2017, the threat of a laptop bomb was so severe that TSA considered banning laptops from airplane cabins, in response to intelligence about terrorist capabilities. The threat posed by terrorists' abilities and desires to exploit vulnerabilities cannot be understated and they have demonstrably set their targets on air cargo. We need to be timely and precise in addressing air cargo security, as we cannot afford, nor should the American public tolerate, otherwise. Mr. Speaker, I introduce the ``Air Cargo Security Improvement Act of 2017'' in the hopes that Congress will move with urgency to make Americans more secure from the threat of an air cargo-based terrorist attack and urge my colleagues to join me in working to advance this timely measure.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the retirement of Ms. Thelma Collins, who has tirelessly devoted herself to the betterment of Itta Bena, Mississippi, through her works as a Servant Mayor for 12 years. As a native to this Delta community, Mrs. Collins has always believed in her dreams to see Itta Bena develop into a vibrant, healthy place for growing up and growing old. In the pursuit of her vision, Mrs. Collins attended and graduated from Mississippi Valley State University, and then continued her education by receiving a Master's Degree at Mississippi State University. Post-graduation, Mrs. Collins began her career with over 30 years in education--serving as a teacher, an adjunct professor at Mississippi Valley State University, and as a recognized member of many civil and spiritual boards. In August 1996, Mrs. Collins was elected to serve her first Mayoral term in the city of Itta Bena, Mississippi. After sitting four years out of office, Mrs. Collins' continued vision inspired her to return to office and serve a second term in 2005. Still hopeful to see a progressive Itta Bena, Ms. Collins returned to serve a spiritual led third term in 2009. However, due to the poor economic state of Itta Bena, Ms. Collins refused a salary, and served this final term pro bono. Amongst Mrs. Collins many noteworthy accomplishments, is her dedication and the success she achieved in not only getting the IRS to remove the city's lien, but also to abate it's more than $200,000 tax debt. Mrs. Collins has been married to Reverend Johnny Collins for forty- nine years. They have one son, John Paul Collins, a daughter-in-law, and five grandchildren. At this juncture during her retirement, her ultimate aspiration is to continue her works in the improvement and livelihood of her citizens of Itta Bena, while remaining close and led by her relationship with Christ. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Mrs. Thelma Collins, for her dedication and service to the great city of Itta Bena, Mississippi.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on my Special Order.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I will tell the gentlewoman from New Jersey that I had the opportunity to meet Ms. Hamer as a young college student at Tougaloo College. Facts about it, one of the first campaigns I worked on as a college student was Ms. Hamer's campaign for Congress, even though, as the gentlewoman indicated, she lost. But I now represent the Second District of Mississippi, and it was Ms. Hamer's spirit that still lives on. In Sunflower County, Mississippi, the majority of the population is African American. At the time she registered to vote, we had no African Americans elected officials in Sunflower County. I am happy to report to you now that the sheriff is African American; the chancery clerk, the circuit clerk, four of the five county supervisors are African American; so Ms. Hamer's work has not been in vain. As you also indicated, the Devil is busy creating tricks to disenfranchise people--voter ID, closing voting polls, making it more difficult for people in rural areas to get to the polls to vote, especially in areas where you don't have public transportation. So, Ms. Hamer's 100th birthday should be spent rededicating ourselves to her legacy. One of the things that everyone loves to quote is Ms. Hamer's words that she is ``sick and tired of being sick and tired.'' Well, that goes a long way, especially given the administration we are being challenged with here in Washington now. Hopefully, Ms. Hamer's spirit will live on. Congresswoman Karen Bass and myself visited Ms. Hamer's grave this past Saturday in Ruleville, Mississippi, and it was very touching. The community, in her death, has really embraced not only she, but her husband, Pat, and created a monument downtown Ruleville to her memory. When I was a freshman Member of this body, I named the post office in Ruleville, Mississippi, after Ms. Hamer, and I am happy to say that the mayor of Ruleville, Mississippi, now is an African-American female. So Ms. Hamer's legacy, her involvement with SNCC, her involvement with the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, all those things have made not just Mississippi, but this country a better place--affordable housing, all those things that she wanted, access to not only healthcare, but access to affordable healthcare, many of those items she talked about. As a Christian woman, she believed in nonviolence, but she also believed in direct action. She was assaulted in the Winona, Mississippi, jail for advocating the right to vote. In spite of what she encountered, she served as a shining example of what a truly committed individual can accomplish.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.