Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I support the majority whip's position. We have already voted on the bills. We have already sent them over to the Senate. It is just repackaging them again and sending them over again. They are in charge. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Thompson).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Richmond).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, we have had a number of people talk about San Bernardino. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Aguilar), whose district includes San Bernardino, where the shooting occurred.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn), the assistant leader for the Democratic Caucus.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time each side has remaining?

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) the minority leader.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Yesterday, I cohosted, with the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Grijalva), a forum that took expert testimony on the homeland security threat posed by armed militia and antigovernment groups. We were forced to hold a forum because the chairmen of our respective committees, Homeland Security and Natural Resources, have rebuffed our repeated requests for a hearing to examine domestic terrorism. The House Republican leadership refuses to acknowledge the threat of domestic terrorism, ergo, its unwillingness to take action to prevent further mass shootings. Now, Mr. Speaker, as I have said before, while I generally do not object to H.R. 5471, and I will support its passage, it cannot be the sum total of what this Congress is willing to do in response to the mass shootings in Orlando, San Bernardino, Charleston, and the concerns of Americans across the Nation. We are tasked with identifying vulnerabilities. Mr. Speaker, a vulnerability in the minds of the public is that, if a person cannot buy a ticket to fly on a plane but can go buy a gun, that is a vulnerability. The high-capacity magazines that this individual in Orlando and in other places have used, that is a vulnerability that this Congress should address. Background checks, the 3-day requirement that if it is not completed, you get approval to buy a gun, you know, there are some things that take longer, so the Charleston loophole is applicable to what we are talking about, too. So, for whatever reasons, guns have been used from time to time to perpetrate terrorist activities. We hardened cockpits on airplanes because people wanted to hijack airplanes. We banned box cutters from being on airplanes because they were used to hijack airplanes. If terrorists are using guns to do harm to American citizens, these are terrorists who are born in the United States, they are American citizens, so we have to do something about it. There is no problem with the three bills that were packaged here today, but I implore this body to look at the broader issue of domestic terrorism, and let's get on with the business of addressing it. The moments of silence, you know, all of us in our own respective ways, we care about the people; but after the moment of silence, after we get off our knees from praying, when are we going to work and resolve the challenge? So this do-over package is going back to the Senate again. It is already over there. So we will go back, and we will say to the Republican leadership in the Senate your colleagues say do something. I say, if Democrats were in charge, Mr. Chairman, we would do something. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Louisville, Kentucky's Muhammad Ali. Muhammad was born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr., to the late Mr. Cassius Marcellus Clay, Sr., and Mrs. Odessa Grady Clay. In 1954, at the age of twelve, Muhammad Ali began his boxing career, and at the age of 18 he won a gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics. At age 22, Muhammad Ali defeated Charles ``Sonny'' Liston and became the youngest World's Heavyweight Champion. He announced to the world two days following that fight that he had adopted the beliefs and traditions of the Islam and had become a member of the Nation of Islam. Cassius Clay soon took the name ``Muhammad Ali'' on March 6, 1964. The name was given to him by Elijah Muhammad. His conversion to Islam soon caused criticism from many white Americans and in response he stated, ``I am America. I am the part you won't recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me.'' Due to his religious beliefs, Ali refused induction into the United States Armed Forces; consequently being sentenced to five years in prison. In 1971, his conviction was overturned; however, he was stripped of his title and banned from fighting causing him to think he would never be allowed the opportunity to box again. However, three years later he was permitted to return to the boxing ring. Muhammad Ali's acceptance of the Islamic philosophies impacted the mindsets of many Americans especially those in opposition of the Vietnam War and those in opposition to white supremacy. He altered the teachings of Elijah Muhammad by embracing all people and preparation for his own afterlife. He proclaimed that the separatist doctrine was no longer a belief of the Nation of Islam for it represented the time of their struggle in the dark and a time of confusion in them. As an athlete, Muhammad Ali rarely received the respect owed due to his conviction and strong commitment to what was perceived as an unorthodox religion. He stood proud and did not allow the criticism of the American people to deter his will to serve within his religion and to reign as a champion in the ring. Muhammad Ali's actions influenced the image of black Americans by giving them courage to overcome their fear by addressing racism and demanding respect as a people. Muhammad Ali is a recipient of many awards including: National Golden Gloves Light Heavyweight Champion, National Amateur Athletic Union champion, National Golden Gloves Light Heavyweight Champion, National Amateur Athletic Union champion, Gold medal in the Rome Olympics, World Heavyweight Champion, Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Award, Sportsman of the Year for Sports Illustrated, Fighter of the Year from the Boxing Writers Association, Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Southern University, and countless other awards and distinctions. Muhammad Ali leaves behind a host of family and friends and nine children: Maryum, Jamillah, Rasheda, Laila, Hana, Miya, Khaliah, Muhammad Ali, Jr. and Asaad Amin. In his death we find few people who do not admire him. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the boxing icon, Muhammad Ali, for his courageous convictions.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable entrepreneur, Mrs. LaTonya Williams-Bradley. Strands of long, black locks fell effortlessly onto the floor as a pair of young eyes looked on eagerly--carefully observing the technique of the hands behind the shears that snipped away to create a new, edgy look. Mrs. Williams-Bradley of Cleveland watched intently as her mother cut, washed and curled mane after mane, building a strong clientele at her Rosedale salon. She remembers while sitting and observing her mother at her salon as a child, that she desired to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a hair stylist. But, what she didn't know was that she would also become an agent, to help others do the same, as owner and CEO of Goshen School of Cosmetology in Cleveland, Mississippi. As a single parent Mrs. Williams-Bradley received her cosmetology education at Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where she graduated in 2006. After passing the state licensure to become a licensed cosmetologist, Mrs. Williams-Bradley returned to Coahoma Community College to further her cosmetology career to become a cosmetology instructor and completed that course of study in 2009. She was immediately offered the opportunity to become a cosmetology instructor at Coahoma Community College. After working at Coahoma Community College she worked at Blue Cliff College in Gulfport, Mississippi as a cosmetology instructor. During her tenure as an instructor she decided that it was time to pursue her dream of owning her salon and began researching entrepreneurship practices and opportunities, eventually, deciding it was time to pursue her dream of one day opening her own salon. In 2011 she opened Goshen Salon and Boutique in Cleveland, Mississippi. She chose the biblical name Goshen because it is a land of plenty, comfort and growth in Egypt. On July 29, 2013 she opened Goshen School of Cosmetology with a core curriculum and institution designed to promote growth, increase and comfort. Now, what was once the dream of a little girl has become a reality. Mrs. Williams-Bradley has enjoyed substantial success in the exciting field of cosmetology. Where over the last nine years she owned and managed two successful hair salons while teaching at two colleges, inspired numerous students to strive for excellence and to achieve their maximum potential. The motto she shares with others is ``Whatever is your passion and your heart's desire--pursue it and be the best at it and believe that there is nothing too hard for God.'' Mrs. Williams-Bradley is married to Tony Bradley and has four children: Teara, Tamaryea, Zira and Lauren. She is the daughter of Freddie and Barbara Graham and has two (2) siblings: Erica Jackson and Beauty Braham. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing entrepreneur.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant Dr. John Olurotimi Badero who was born the 7th of 8th children to Chief Eliab Olufemi and Mrs. Stella Taiwo Badero in Lagos, Nigeria. Dr. Badero attended St. Mary's Private School in Lagos, Nigeria for his primary education where he skipped the 4th grade due to his academic excellence, completing primary education in five years instead of the regular six years. Dr. Badero received his secondary school education at Federal Government College Odogbolu in Ogun State, Nigeria where he completed 6 years of secondary school education graduating with 9 distinctions in his senior secondary school certificate education. Dr. Badero's academic excellence dates back to his secondary school days where he won the best overall student in Nigeria in a national science quiz competition. He subsequently got admission into the medical school at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife. Following Completion of his medical training at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife, and internship training, Dr. Badero moved to the United States for further post-graduate medical education. He completed 3 years of Residency training in Internal Medicine at State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. After completion of his residency training in internal medicine, Dr. Badero then completed a 2-year Fellowship training in Nephrology & Hypertension at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta Georgia. Upon Completion of his Nephrology Fellowship at Emory University, Dr. Badero returned to SUNY Downstate Medical in Brooklyn, New York to complete yet another 3-year fellowship training in Cardiovascular Medicine. After a distinguished Cardiology Fellowship, he gained admission into the prestigious Yale University School of Medicine, where Dr. Badero completed two Fellowship trainings in Invasive & Interventional Cardiology as well as Peripheral Vascular Angioplasty & Interventions. He completed his training at Yale University with distinction and a certificate of achievement for exemplary performance. Dr. Badero then returned to SUNY Downstate Medical Center for another year of Fellowship training in Interventional Nephrology/Endovascular medicine & Dialysis Access intervention. Dr. Badero in all completed an unprecendented 10 years of continuous post graduate medical training and he is currently board certified in: 1) Internal Medicine; 2) Nephrology & Hypertension; 3) Interventional Nephrology & Endovascular Access; 4) Cardiovascular Medicine; 5) Nuclear Cardiology; and 6) Invasive & Interventional Cardiology making him the only one in the state of Mississippi. Dr. Badero is currently the only fully trained and board certified cardio-nephrologist (combined kidney and heart specialist) in the world today and recently received a recognition award by financial development magazine in Nigeria. Dr. Badero performed the first transradial cardiac catheterization and coronary angioplasty at Central Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Badero is a recipient of many awards including: The Association of black cardiologists scholarship award for the best cardiology fellow in the U.S.; The 2014 Mississippi Healthcare Heroes in the state of Mississippi; He was also named one of Jackson, Mississippi's Best Surgeons; Distinguished Physician Award as the First and Only combined heart and kidney specialist in the United States; Distinguished Physician, Marquis Who's Who in America; Patients Choice Recognition Award; and Most Compassionate Doctor, New York. Dr. Badero has authored many peer-reviewed journals and he is currently on the editorial board of the International Journal of Nephrology & Renovascular Disease. He is a: 1) Fellow of the American College of Physicians; 2) Fellow of the American Society of Nephrology; 3) Fellow of the American Society of Diagnostic & Interventional Nephrology; 4) Fellow of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology; 5) Fellow of the American College of Cardiology; and 6) Fellow of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions. Dr. Badero is currently the Executive Director of Cardiac Renal & Vascular Asssociates. Dr. Badero is on the global advisory panel of therapeutics experts on thrombosis and Artherosclerosis, Merck Pharmaceuticals U.S.A. Outside of medicine, Dr. Badero is the assistant pastor of Vine Chapel Church in Jackson, Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Olurotimi J. Badero for his dedication to serving others.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Gloria Coleman Dotson. Gloria Coleman Dotson grew up and lives in Claiborne County as the oldest of seven children of Curtis Coleman and Ethel Allen in the town Ulysses S. Grant said was ``Too Beautiful to Burn.'' She is a 1973 graduate of Port Gibson High School. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education from Jackson State University in 1977. After graduation, Ms. Dotson was employed by the Claiborne County Board of Supervisors in the Chancery Clerk's Office. She worked under the supervision of two Chancery Clerks: Mrs. Stella Jennings-Greenwood and Mr. Frank Wilson. She worked in the Chancery Clerk's Office for twenty-five years as Deputy Chancery Clerk prior to being elected Chancery Clerk in 2000. She is currently serving her fourth term as Chancery Clerk. Ms. Dotson is a member of First Christian Disciples of Christ Church, a choir member and Sunday School Treasurer. She is involved in several civic organizations including: Port Gibson Main Street, MS Cultural Crossroad Board of Directors, Mississippi Delta Strategic Compact, a member of NAACP and the Chancery Clerk's Association. Ms. Dotson has been married to Joe Dotson, Jr. for twenty-two years. They are the proud parents of three children: JaBari, JaNetra, and JoKevy. They have an eleven year old granddaughter, KaMeryal and a one year old grandson, KaMari. The title ``Chancery Clerk'' does not adequately describe the various duties and responsibilities that Ms. Dotson has attendant to in the office. The Chancery Clerk's Office has a multitude of duties and functions which are governed by an assortment of statutes and court rules, along with following guidelines established either by the State Department of Audit or the Department of Finance and Administration. The Chancery Clerk's position is a four year elected term. Ms. Dotson often states, ``I thank God for allowing me to serve as a Public Official. I love my job. When I'm not serving my constituents, I spend time with my family and friends, work in the yard and reading.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Gloria Coleman Dotson for her dedication and support to the Claiborne County Community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Mattie Mae Amos-Marshall, who was born in a small community in Florence, Mississippi called Steen Creek on October 15, 1915 to the late Mr. Ben and Salle White-Amos. Mrs. Marshall married her childhood sweetheart, the late Mr. Jessie Marshall, at the age of 18 and moved to Flora, Mississippi where she began a family of her own. Mrs. Marshall was baptized at a young age at Stokes Chapel MB Church and later moved her membership to Jones Chapel MB Church where she is a member of the Mother's Board. Mrs. Marshall moved to Canton, Mississippi as a child and was educated in the Madison County School. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mother Mattie Mae Amos-Marshall.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Ms. L'Dina Robinson, the Daughter Ruler and State President of the Greystone Temple of Daughter Elkton's. Ms. Robinson has held this position since 1957. Ms. Robinson has been a daughter member of the L. K. Atwood Elk's Lodge Number 518 located on Lynch Street since 1952, some 59 years. Ms. Robinson is a product of the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. She attended and graduated from Gilbert Academy High School. She also attended and graduated from Dillard University located in Louisiana. Ms. Robinson's work histories include: Office manager for the Historical Edward Lee Hotel of West Church Street and Instructor at Campbell College located on Lunch Street. Ms. Robinson worked many years for the United States Veterans Administration Regional Office. She was first employed as a clerk and she retired as a senior executive several years ago. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. L'Dina Robinson for her dedication to serving.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Vicksburg, Mississippi's tiniest and oldest grocery store, Martin Grocer Penny Store. Martin Grocer Penny Store has been a thriving force in Vicksburg, MS for nearly fifty years. Martin Grocer Penny Store was a single-room grocery attached to Ms. Exelena Martin's home. The store remains mostly in its original condition. The loud clank of the cowbell alerted Ms. Martin when she had customers. The ceiling slants at a steep pitch and is less than 6 feet high at the northern wall. Two bare light bulbs provided all the light shoppers needed in the full service store which had no particular hours. The 83-year-old Exelena Martin decided it was time to retire in November 2015. Martin's is an example of a small business weathering the test of time. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Martin Grocer Penny Store for its longevity and dedication to serving Vicksburg, MS.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable young entrepreneur and Mayor, Mayor Marcus Wallace of Edwards, Mississippi. Marcus L. Wallace was raised in Edwards, MS. He attended school in Edwards and graduated from Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA in 1992, with a B.S. in Marketing. He is a successful businessman, serving as President and CEO of MAC & Associates, LLC. Additionally, Mr. Wallace is President of the Wall Group, a Sports & Entertainment Firm. As a young entrepreneur who had a plan to become a general contractor, he has grown his company from $500 projects to multimillion dollar projects, consisting of constructions of virtually every kind. To further expand the scope of his company's services, Mr. Wallace established MAC & Associates, LLC, a division of MAC Construction Company. Mr. Wallace and the company's principals, collectively, have over 50 years of expertise in government, commercial, and private sector construction management. MAC Construction Company of Mississippi is licensed, bonded and insured. During the past 16 years, MAC has completed several projects throughout the state of Mississippi. It is one of the fastest growing minority owned construction firms in Mississippi. Mr. Wallace is the largest minority owner of the new Westin Hotel (under construction) in downtown Jackson and has ownership in the Iron Horse Grill. In addition to his Construction prowess, Mr. Wallace has been a Sports Agent for professional athletes in the NBA and NFL, managed recording artists in the music industry and promoted concerts and comedy shows, and has extensive experience in the communication and transportation industries. On December 8, 2014, Mr. Wallace was sworn in as Mayor of Edwards, MS. He hit the ground running even before his inauguration and hasn't slowed down. His inaugural decisions sent a strong message about his focus. Instead of hosting a celebratory event, he redirected the funds to help families in Edwards. He provided shoes for kids in Edwards and made Christmas special for children by delivering toys during the Christmas holidays. From those simple steps, his path has not wavered. His focus is on the citizens of Edwards, a town he acknowledges ``needs everything''. Mayor Wallace sees himself as ``front line soldier'' intent upon seeing that they get it. During Mayor Wallace's first year in office, the Town of Edwards has experienced a transformation unparalleled in its history. The following are major accomplishments during May for Mayor Wallace's tenure: The police department has received new police cars, new uniforms, a new police chief, and the establishment of a Crime Task Force. Crime is down by 60 percent. Edwards and Cal-Maine Foods partnership for infrastructure improvement: Cal-Maine provided financial assistance to Edwards for optioning the electrical easement that will serve power to their new pullet facility. Also, Cal-Maine hired a company to clear the roadside and repair the road from Highway 80 to the railroad. The partnership is valued at over $75,000, with a $10,000 cash contribution to the town. Amnesty Day: Over $200,000 was collected during Amnesty Day. Community Building and Livestock Building Demolition: Edwards received $150,000 from Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) and $80,000 from Block Grant Funds. New Legal Appointments: Mayor Wallace appointed a new legal team that consisted of Judge Frank Sutton as Edwards' new Municipal Judge, Mrs. Greta Mack-Harris as Municipal Prosecutor, and Mr. Omar Nelson as the town's attorney. Edwards received a $20,000 grant from MDOT to enhance the Edwards' exits on Interstate 20, east and west bound. Established the Mayor's Annual Town Clean-Up Day. Balanced the Town's budget. Mr. Wallace is a committed civic leader and strong supporter of communities throughout central Mississippi. He is a born leader, respected for both his character and work ethics. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mayor Marcus Wallace for his dedication to serving our great state of Mississippi.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Ms. Lucille Shirley. Lucille Shirley was born February 23, 1948 to the late George and Margaret Shirley, in McComb, Mississippi. She completed her public education in the McComb Public Schools, graduating high school in 1967. Lucille decided to join the military and enlisted January 25, 1968, completed Basic Training in Fort McClellan, Alabama and received advanced training at AIT in Fort Benjamin Harris, Indiana. Her military experience spans fifteen years and includes: Fort Sill, Oklahoma--Clerk Typist; Fort Jackson, South Carolina--Drill Sergeant; Fort Bragg, North Carolina--Drill Sergeant; U.S. Army Base Zweibrucken, Germany-- Administration; U.S. Army Base Busan, Korea--Staff Sergeant; Jackson, Mississippi--Receptionist; Jackson, Mississippi--Armed Forces Recruiting Station; 71L30 Administrative Specialist--10 years; and 71N30 Traffic Management Coordinator--5 years. Lucille went to Jackson, Mississippi in 1977 and remained until 1979. While in Jackson, she was invited to a revival at Greater Bethlehem Temple Church. Little did she know that this revival would change her life. In October 1979, she was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and received the gift of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in tongues as the spirit gave utterance. Lucille's other work experiences were: Krystal's Restaurant-- Management 1980-1982; W.H. McCoy Federal Building 1982-1983; Mississippi Veteran's Medical Center 1993-1998; Greater Bethlehem Temple Church--Food Service 1993-2011; and Jackson Public School District--Special Education Transportation Attendant 2012-Present. Lucille also has many honors and recognitions: National Defense Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Good Conduct Medal--4TH Award; Expert Badge M-16 Rifle Bar; Army Service Ribbon; NCO Professional Development; Overseas Service Ribbon; after all her successes she was also a cancer survivor--5 Years. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Lucille Shirley for her dedication to serving others and giving back to our community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Ora B. Phipps. Ora B. Peoples was born on October 21, 1928 to the late Rev. Claiborne and Elizabeth Peoples in Coahoma, MS. She was educated in her early years by the Coahoma County School system in a one room, one teacher, all black school. She attended Aggie High School and a college by Coahoma College. She grew up in a farming family. Often their school schedule was set around the farmers. Many students would drop out of school because work was more important than education. This stuck with her and later became very instrumental in shaping her and her family's life. She has 10 children (seven girls and 3 boys) which are the joy of her life. In 1951 she moved to Marks, MS where she later married Armstead Phipps. They were both concerned about education. Their children were some of the first to integrate Marks Jr. High School better known then as the white school or bulldog. Their children suffered the abuse and ridicule that came with the movement but as parents they were committed to see this process through. Armstead Phipps, husband, participated in the James Meredith March against Fear in 1966 in which he collapsed and died in the process of fighting for Civil Rights. He suffered a heart condition in which he was warned not to participate but he thought the cause was too important not to. He felt that his children would benefit from the integration of the school system. He said he would like to shake hands with Dr. Martin Luther King and Dick Gregory then everything would be alright. He asked his wife, Ora Phipps, to promise him that if anything happened that she would send their children to the white school. She kept that promise. At the time of his death a voter registration card was found in his wallet, which was one of his proudest achievements. His funeral was eulogized by the late Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Valley Queen Church in Marks, MS. That voter registration card was shown to the congregation at the funeral by Dr. King. Ora B. Phipps was very instrumental in starting the first head start program in Marks, MS in the home of Mr. Brady on Martin Luther King Drive. They had no school buses to get the children to school. She and many other people solicited drivers, teachers, social workers, cooks, and everything necessary to start the program all by volunteers. The program then advanced to local churches in surrounding areas, finally the proposal to start and fund the program was submitted to the school board in Hotel Heidelberg at Jackson, MS. She was a visionary and a self-starter. Her hobbies consist of gardening where she spends countless hours in the yard. This is a community garden in her yard where she gives to anyone that asks. She is known by everyone in the community for her giving nature and love for the people. She still is an active member of the Church of Christ in Lambert, MS. Ora Phipps was honored in Birmingham, Alabama with the Southern Rural Black Women Initiative for Economic and Social Justice Award on March 6, 2010 for her brave efforts in fighting for social and economic justice. Mr. Speaker, please help us to congratulate Mrs. Ora B. Phipps for her part in history.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dianthia Ford-Kee, who is a director, leader, and educator. While at Fayetteville State, Ford-Kee competed in basketball and softball. There she was a member of the 1979 CIAA Women's Basketball Championship Team and the 1982 CIAA Softball Championship Team. Ford- Kee earned several All Conference and Tournament Team honors and was selected MVP of the 1982 Softball Championship Tournament. In 1982, she was selected Fayetteville State University's Athlete of the Year and was the youngest inductee into Fayetteville State University's Athletic Hall of Fame (1997). After earning her Master of Arts degree in Public Affairs from Northern Illinois University, Ford-Kee joined Shaw University as the Lady Bears' head volleyball and softball coach and assumed the role of Senior Woman Administrator (SWA). She guided her volleyball program to a Tournament Championship in 1995 while earning four CIAA Softball Championships (1993, 1994, 1996, and 2003). Among several other accolades, Ford-Kee was a two-time Volleyball Coach of the Year (1995 and 2001) and four-time Softball Coach of the Year (1993, 1994, 1996, and 2003). In 2004, Ford-Kee became Shaw University's Associate Athletics Director. During that time, she was named the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators (NACWAA)--2006 NCAA Division II Female Athletic Administration of the Year. Ford-Kee served five impactful years (2008-13) as the Director of Athletics at Lincoln University (PA) where she was credited with the improvement of retention and graduation rates of student-athletes. She successfully headed the transition from NCAA Division III to Division II and the return of Lincoln University to the CIAA. Ford-Kee was honored by the Black Women in Sports Foundation for her accomplishments at Lincoln University and in the field of athletics with the Legends Award. She has received several honors in the state of North Carolina; she was a 1998 inductee in the Wake County Academy for Women for Athletics and a 1999 nominee of the Governor's Distinguished Woman Award for Athletics. In October of 2009, she was honored as the recipient of the Northern Illinois University's College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Golden Anniversary Alumni Award. Ford-Kee was one of fifty alumni who have distinguished themselves in the careers that have contributed to the worlds of education, science, scholarship, business, law, medicine, community leadership and engagement, philanthropy and government service. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Dianthia Ford-Kee, a Director, Leader and Educator for her 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 public servant, Mrs. Edna Beverly. Mrs. Beverly was born on a plantation in Sidon, Mississippi to the late Roosevelt and Betsy Oliver. Mrs. Beverly had to go to the field with her grandparents (the late Albert and Emma Oliver) and parents, where they were sharecroppers earning $5 a week. She had to stay near the water truck because she was young. She would not be afraid because she could see and hear them singing spirituals, until they were out of site. She would then be there alone for hours until they returned. Her parents and grandparents encouraged her to do and be the best that she could be. Mrs. Beverly attended elementary school on the plantation at St. John Baptist Church Elementary. The school consisted of only one classroom. Her family decided to relocate to Chicago, Illinois when she was only 12 years old. Mrs. Beverly attended Marshall High School and Taylor Business Institute in Chicago, where she graduated with honors receiving a degree in Computerized Accounting. She accepted her call to the Ministry in 1991, obtained her license in 1995 and was ordained in 1996. Mrs. Beverly worked with the youth department, teaching Sunday School, Bible Study, and spiritual songs for many years. She later moved to Ruleville, Mississippi in 2001, and married Mr. Marvin Beverly, who was a school teacher at Ruleville Central High School. They were happily married until his death in 2005. She worked for several years as a remedial reading tutor at Ruleville Central Elementary School serving 437 students. Mrs. Beverly has received several awards: a Certificate of Appreciation from Governor Haley Barbour; AmeriCorp Leadership Community Service; and Congressional Community Service. She became the first black City Clerk/Tax Collector for the City of Ruleville in 2005. Mrs. Beverly's greatest passion is her Ministry and her love for children. She is currently serving as Sunday School Superintendent, and assisting her Pastor, Rev. Claude Raine, at Mallalieu United Methodist Church in Ruleville. Mrs. Beverly is the proud mother of four wonderful children, the grandmother of ten amazing grandchildren, and the great grandmother of one. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Edna Beverly for her 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 God-fearing and impressionistic man, Pastor Casey D. Fisher. Pastor Fisher has shown what can be done through tenacity, dedication and a desire to serve God. A Spirit-fed and Spirit-led minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Pastor Casey D. Fisher was born in Utica, Mississippi, on July 8, 1966. He is the son of Sharkey and Katie Fisher. He received his formal education from the Hinds County School system and graduated from Utica High School in 1984. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he majored in Business Administration. He later received a Bachelor in Religious Education, a Masters of Divinity and a Doctorate of Ministry from Living Word Bible Institution in Tyler, Texas. Pastor Fisher is married to the former Michele Chambers. They were married on September 17, 1988. He is the father of three lovely children: twin sons, Bryan and Ryan and a daughter, Casey Michele. Pastor Fisher finds time to love and care for his family as Christ does the church. He is devoted to strengthening them and helping them to grow in their everyday walk with the Lord, just as he does with the church. Pastor Fisher has served his country as a soldier in the United States Army. During this time, he truly accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior on October 23, 1993 in Livorno, Italy. He served eight years in the U.S. Army, where he was part of two tours in Southwest Asia. He departed military service in July 1997. Afterwards, he was employed with the U.S. Postal Service in Vicksburg, Mississippi, where he recently retired in December, 2010. He is currently a Life Member of the Vicksburg Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and serves as the Guide Right Chairman. His purpose is Achievement, in which he mentors young men, twelve through eighteen years of age, providing them with tutoring, community involvement and religious principles. He is also a member of Masonic Order of Prince Hall Free and Accepted Mason. In 1984, Pastor Fisher became the first known athlete in Mississippi to be selected All-State in four sports. While attending University of Southern Mississippi, he was a member of the basketball team, in which he led the Golden Eagles to the NIT championship in 1987 and later was inducted into the USM hall of fame. Although he loves basketball, he also has a passion for golfing. Dr. Fisher is a die-hard fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Cowboys. Pastor Fisher's motto is ``If you don't take it personal, it will make you a better person''. He is inspired by one of the Greatest Ministers, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., because of his willingness to serve and his willingness to give up his life for humanity. Greater Grove Street M. B. Church has stood the test of time through dedication, faith, stewardship, and commitment from this soldier on the battlefield for the Lord. He is a man of integrity, loyalty, dignity, and honesty leading his people to do the will of God. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pastor Casey D. Fisher for his dedication to God, family, community and country.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public health program designed to reduce infant mortality in the Mississippi Delta, the Tougaloo College/Delta HealthPartners Healthy Start Initiative. This initiative is one of the 100 Healthy Start Initiatives throughout the nation working endlessly to give every child a healthy start in life. The Delta HealthPartners' Healthy Start program is housed under the auspices of Tougaloo College within the George A. and Ruth B. Owens Health and Wellness Center, under the direction of Dr. Sandra Carr Hayes, the executive director. The program serves a rural population in a seven county area in the Mississippi Delta (Tunica, Coahoma, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Sunflower, Bolivar, and Washington counties). These counties are among the poorest and most medically underserved in Mississippi and the nation. The Healthy Start Initiative was implemented in 1999 with funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration under the leadership of Dr. Beverly W. Hogan, who now serves as President of Tougaloo College. Today, Ms. Arletha Howard serves as the project director. Ms. Howard is a registered nurse with over 28 years of experience in oncology, burn trauma, intensive care unit, pediatrics, home health, maternal and child health. She has worked with the Healthy Start Initiative for 16 years. In 2014, under Mrs. Howard's leadership, the Healthy Start Initiative was upgraded from a Level I individual based program to a Level II community based program. Since its inception, the Healthy Start Initiative has provided case management services through a home visiting model to (1) high-risk pregnant women of childbearing age 10-44 years, (2) their infants; and (3) fathers/co-parents. Over the past 16 years, the program has achieved several major accomplishments: The Healthy Start Initiative has case managed over 900 mothers and infants just this past calendar year (January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015). The Healthy Start Initiative has created the Coahoma County Community Action Network responsible for opening the first Diaper Bank in the state of Mississippi funded by charitable donations and Northwest Mississippi Foundation. The Healthy Start Initiative serves as the lead agency in partnership with the Mississippi State Department of Health in the Mississippi Delta Regional Fetal Infant Mortality Review program. The Healthy Start Initiative has created Memorandums of Understandings (MOU) with 22 partnering schools in the Mississippi Delta to provide peer support groups to pregnant/parenting teens and co-parents. The Healthy Start Initiative has been featured in numerous publications and articles (USA Today, Hechinger Report, Huffington Post, Clarksdale Press Register, Tunica Times, and WABG TV Interview) highlighting the comprehensive services of the project. The Healthy Start Initiative has partnered with Parents for Public Schools to provide trainings for project parents on advocacy skills and educating and mobilizing parents to strengthen public schools. The Healthy Start Initiative promotes breastfeeding in two (2) clinic sites by providing health education by project's Certified Lactation Counselors (Women's Clinic-Clarksdale, MS and Gamble Clinic-Greenville, MS). The Healthy Start Initiative hosts a Community Baby Shower in partnership with local hospitals, Federally Qualified Community Health Centers (FQHC), other health care providers and key stakeholders each year in September to promote awareness of infant mortality during National Infant Mortality Awareness Month. The Healthy Start Initiative has implemented a male outreach initiative to address parenting issues among male co-parents and hosts an Annual 5k Walk in June to promote Men's Health Awareness. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing The Tougaloo College Delta HealthPartners Healthy Start Initiative for its continued efforts to reduce infant mortality in the Mississippi Delta.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Chris Palmer. Chief Chris Palmer was born to Carl Palmer and the late Classie Palmer. He is the fourth of six children. Chief Palmer is married to Kathy Robinson and they have five children and six grandchildren. He attended Crystal Springs High School and graduated from Jackson State University with a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections. Chief Palmer began his career with the Crystal Springs Police Department as a Dispatcher and became a Patrolman in 1994. During his tenure on patrol, Chief Palmer was contracted to the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics as an undercover agent. Four years later, Chief Palmer became the investigator for the City of Crystal Springs. As investigator, Chief Palmer worked all felony cases in the city for the next 15 years. These cases included Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Burglary along with numerous white collar crimes. While investigating these crimes Chief Palmer worked over 175 cases per year with a solvability rate of 94.6 percent and a conviction rate of 99.7 percent. In February, 2015, Chief Palmer was promoted from Investigator to Captain. After a brief stint as Captain, Chief Palmer was promoted to his current position as Chief in October, 2015. Chief Palmer has an excellent staff that includes fifteen (15) police officers, six (6) dispatchers, a Court Clerk and a Deputy Court Clerk. Chief Palmer works diligently each day to make sure all employees are updated with hourly classes to make them better Dispatchers, Court Clerks and Officers. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Chief Chris Palmer for his dedication to serving our great state of Mississippi.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mr. Tommy L. McCullough, who was born in Pickens, Madison County, Mississippi to the late parents of W.E.L. and Classie McCullough. He was the youngest of twenty siblings where ten (10) were added by marriage. Mr. Tommy L. McCullough was raised in Valley View, Mississippi and attended Nichols School until the eighth grade. Later he went to Cameron Street High School and left to go to the Army while he was in the 12th grade. Mr. McCullough entered the Army on December 13, 1954, he was in the 25th Division at Scofield Barracks in Hawaii. While there an Honor Guard was formed after a few months and height requirements were 5 feet 10 inches tall, but because he was sharp and intelligent he was chosen to be a Guard, although he was 5 feet 8 inches tall. They later changed the title from Guard to Drill Platoon. No one could handle a rifle the way Mr. McCullough handled it and he was recognized with many letters of congratulations for his performance in the Drill Platoon, he also went to the Non-Commission Officer Academy and received a diploma. Within two years he went from a Private to SP3 (Specialist 3rd class). There he stayed until his discharge on November 27, 1956 and went back to Jackson, Mississippi. He had many friends who were Civil Rights Activist, one of them was a Freedom Rider, Mr. Jake Freeze, who was one of the leaders in the Freedom Riders Movement that lived in his house in 1963, which was later called the Freedom House in Madison County. Pictures are on the wall of the Civil Rights Museum in Canton, Mississippi, today. Mr. McCullough afterwards moved to Louisville, KY in 1965. He worked at Harshaws Chemical Company for about five years. He missed Mississippi so much that he came back and opened up a night club, Billa Farro, for five years in Jackson and later opened a Car Dealership, TC and III, and then he retired. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Tommy L McCullough for his dedication to serving others

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Judge Patricia D. Wise. Elected in 1989, she is one of four Chancellors of the Fifth Chancery Court District of Hinds County, Mississippi. Formerly, Mrs. Wise was managing attorney and partner in the law firm of Dockins & Wise, Attorneys at Law, Jackson, Mississippi. Her private practice was in the area of Domestic Relations-Family Law, Personal Injury and General Civil practice. She served as Family Law Resource Attorney for Central Mississippi Legal Services. An Oxford, Mississippi native, she has lived in Jackson, Mississippi for the past thirty-five years. She received her Bachelor of Science in Special Education, her Master's of Communicative Disorders and her Juris Doctorate degree all from the University of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Judge Patricia D. Wise for her dedication to serving others.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable student, Ms. Jalexis Evans. Jalexis is the daughter of Latoya Lee and Samuel Evans and the granddaughter of Shirley Evans and the late Glenda Nelson. She is a native of Mound Bayou, Mississippi where she attended John F. Kennedy Memorial High School before being accepted into the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science in Columbus, Mississippi. While attending John F. Kennedy she was class president, the founder of the mentorship program, ``Girl Talk'', and a cheerleader. In her spare time, she volunteers in her community with organizations such as St. Gabriel's Mercy Center, New Life Church, and local nursing homes. One of the greatest impacts she believes she has made is with the mentoring program she initiated. Girl Talk was created solely to help empower, encourage, and equip young girls in the community. They've done things such as visit nursing homes, make Christmas with kindergartners, and host a tea party for young ladies in middle school to teach proper etiquette. Jalexis also spends time playing piano and guitar. During her tenure at John F. Kennedy she played the trumpet in the marching band. A passion of Jalexis is caring for the youth in her community. Though she believes involvement in the community is crucial, she also believes her education will take her far. She works diligently to ensure that her future goals are within her grasp. Attending the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science has granted her many more opportunities to do so. At this school, she receives the best education possible for high schoolers in the Magnolia state while enriching her knowledge on cultural diversity. Jalexis aspires to enroll into Tulane University where she desires to attend the Tulane Accelerated Physician-Training Program and earn her medical degree. She plans to become a pediatric oncologist after attending medical school. She has yearned to be a doctor since the young age of three. Her love for children pushed her towards the field of pediatrics and her grandmother's fight with cancer led to her interest and passion for oncology. It also instilled within her a strong determination to find a cure for cancer. She pursues success in her everyday life by continuing to be an example and role model to her sisters: SaMaria, Cilyse, and London, and to be helpful in anyway she can while still achieving her goals day by day. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Jalexis Evans for her educational achievements and dedication to other youths.