Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3853, the Promoting Resilience and Efficiency in Preparing for Attacks and Responding to Emergencies Act, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3583, the Promoting Resilience and Efficiency in Preparing for Attacks and Responding to Emergencies Act, also known as the PREPARE Act. Before I begin, I would like to commend former Emergency Preparedness Subcommittee Chairperson McSally and Ranking Member Payne, Jr., for their close collaboration in developing this legislation. H.R. 3583 is the product of extensive bipartisan oversight carried out by the subcommittee and will make communities better prepared to respond to manmade and natural disasters. In particular, this measure makes a number of improvements related to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's administration of the Homeland Security Grant Program, authorizes activities of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium and the Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium, and addresses ongoing interoperability challenges both within the Department of Homeland Security and the State and local level. A provision I authored at the full committee to improve the Homeland Security Grant Program is also included. That provision directs FEMA to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the DHS' Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties regarding policy and guidance in the Urban Areas Security Initiative and the State Homeland Security Grant Program. Under current grant guidance, grantees are permitted to use funding for activities related to countering violent extremism. By requiring FEMA to consult with DHS' Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in developing its grant guidance related to CVE, we will ensure that the activities carried out by the grantees do not target ordinary citizens simply because of their religion or ethnic background. Additionally, to address shortcomings of the National Incident Management System, commonly called NIMS, revealed at a series of full committee hearings examining the heroic response of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, the committee accepted an amendment I authored requiring FEMA to review and revise NIMS once every 5 years. Regular review of NIMS will ensure that its protocols are responsive to the current threat environment, incident management requirements, and lessons learned from previous incidents. Finally, the bill includes important provisions to improve Federal interoperable communications capabilities added by Subcommittee Ranking Member Payne, Jr. To improve interoperable communications on the State and local level, H.R. 3583 includes Mr. Payne's Statewide Interoperable Communications Act, which facilitates coordination of emergency communication purchases and policies within a State. The bill also addresses interoperability challenges at DHS by requiring that the Undersecretary for Management verify that all radio users at the Department receive initial and ongoing training in the use of DHS' radio systems. I commend Ranking Member Payne, Jr., on his work on the bill and his ongoing efforts to address the interoperability challenges that continue to hamstring Federal, State, and local first responders. H.R. 3583 will go far in helping first responders do their job better and safer and will make our communities better prepared and more resilient. I urge my colleagues to support the PREPARE Act. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4698, the SAFE GATES Act. Mr. Speaker, the legislation before us comes at a very important time. Recent events have fueled increased interest in addressing terrorism threats at overseas airports. Just last month, a terrorist cell carried out three simultaneous, coordinated attacks on the Brussels airport and a major rail station that resulted in the death of 32 people and injuries to over 300 people. At the airport, terrorists filled large suitcases with nail bombs that were detonated in two separate explosions on the public side of the airport. This attack, in the heart of the European Union's capital, underscores the reality that the aviation sector continues to be a major terrorist target. Previously, in February, a terrorist boarded a commercial aircraft departing from Mogadishu with a bomb concealed in a laptop. The terrorist detonated the bomb aboard the aircraft, killing himself and injuring two others. Experts suggest that, had the terrorist detonated the bomb at a higher altitude, the damage to the plane would have been catastrophic and the aircraft would have been destroyed. The deadliest aviation attack in recent memory took place in October 2015, when Metrojet flight 9268, departing from Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport, was blown up over the northern Sinai. This horrific tragedy resulted in the loss of 224 lives. H.R. 4698 is responsive to these devastating incidents. It focuses on last point of departure airports, or those airports that originate from foreign countries that fly to the U.S. nonstop, to airports within the U.S. H.R. 4698 requires TSA to do a security assessment of these airports and take into account: the level of coordination and cooperation between the countries in which the airports are located and TSA; the intelligence capabilities of each country; information on the numbers of known or suspected terrorists transiting through such airports; and the security screening capabilities at these airports. The legislation also requires TSA to submit a plan to bolster and enhance security collaboration between the U.S. and its foreign and domestic partners and authorizes TSA to donate security screening equipment to a foreign airport if it will reduce specific vulnerabilities to the security of the U.S. or U.S. citizens. In addition to codifying TSA's efforts to bolster security at last point of departure airports, H.R. 4698 also seeks to make enhancements to security screening at U.S. airports. Specifically, it directs TSA to request that the Aviation Security Advisory Committee develop recommendations to make passenger screening processes more efficient and effective. The areas that the ASAC would be considering include checkpoint configuration, technology innovation, and best practices within aviation security. As the lead author of legislation authorizing the ASAC, I strongly believe that this body, which is composed of key stakeholders from throughout the aviation community, is a positive catalyst for improvement within TSA. Mr. Speaker, I close by saying that there is bipartisan support for this legislation. While on the subject of addressing overseas threats, I would note that, in recent years, DHS has made great strides in pushing the borders out, that is, identifying and stopping overseas threats before they reach our borders. Congress needs to support these efforts. To that end, in the coming weeks, I will be introducing comprehensive legislation to expand and strengthen DHS' overseas program aimed at vetting and screening travelers to the U.S. My legislation, entitled Pushing Out America's Borders Act of 2016, seeks to accelerate DHS' efforts at expanding and establishing overseas posts for both CBP and ICE to conduct critical traveler vetting and screening operations. With the passage of H.R. 4698 today, the House is poised to raise the level of aviation security overseas. The next challenge for this body is to support DHS in its efforts to take more proactive approaches to pushing out our Nation's border security. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate Mr. Katko's cooperation in making sure that this bill was brought to the floor. We had a couple of hiccups along the way, but we worked them out. This is really how it should be done, and I appreciate the gentleman's help in getting us there. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, in recent years, from Boston to Charleston, we have seen individuals operating within our communities and living among us plot to cause mass harm in the name of a violent extremist and hateful ideology. Today much has been made of the fact that the FBI has open investigations of ISIL-inspired activity in all 50 States. Far less attention has been given to the number of open investigations of anti- government and militia groups, a number that grew by one-third in 2015 alone. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the threats posed by any terrorist group or organization, as the bill before us today would do. Therefore, it is imperative that DHS use testimonials from violent extremists involved in all forms of violent extremism. Public testimonials can be a powerful tool to reach individuals who otherwise might be susceptible to terrorist propaganda. Given the diversity in the threat landscape that we face, it just makes sense that any such effort should be comprehensive. Unfortunately, the bill's sponsors have decided that this bill should turn away from the comprehensive approach. Mr. Speaker, again, let me indicate that the only real issue before us is the domestic aspect of terrorism. Domestic terrorist organizations have demonstrated time and time again, they have killed more Americans here on our soil than foreign terrorists have. The reason we are in opposition is we don't recognize that in this legislation. Our effort in markup, as well as here on the floor, is to make sure that all of the bad people get recognized, those international and foreign, but also those who are domestic. Some of us have lived in parts of the country where domestic terrorism was a way of life for a lot of us, and because of that, we are very passionate on that subject. The Charleston situation was very unfortunate. That was an act of domestic terrorism. There is no question about it. So why wouldn't we want to add those kind of extremist activities in this legislation so we can cover everyone? That is really the opposition that we have had. For that reason, I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing H.R. 4820. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentleman from New Jersey an additional 1 minute.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in opposition to H.R. 4820, the Combating Terrorist Recruitment Act of 2016. It is troubling that some of my colleagues have circulated misinformation about this bill. Let me set the record straight. The Department of Homeland Security has repeatedly told my committee that H.R. 4820 is unnecessary insofar as the Department can already integrate public testimonials of former terrorists and violent extremists into its efforts to counter violent extremism and terrorism. In fact, yesterday I spoke with Secretary Johnson, and he reiterated that DHS has the authority it needs to carry out its countering violent extremism efforts and that this bill is unnecessary. I oppose H.R. 4820 today for the same reason I opposed it when it was considered earlier this month in committee. H.R. 4820 is nothing more than a message bill, a bill that sends the message to DHS to focus its counter-messaging efforts on foreign terrorist groups. Domestic terror groups, like foreign terrorist organizations, recruit and spread propaganda through social media and online platforms. This bill ignores the fact that domestic terror groups, like foreign terrorist organizations, kill Americans. Since September 11, terrorists who have espoused their ideology of foreign terrorist organizations have been responsible for killing 45 innocent Americans on U.S. soil. During that same period, members of domestic terrorist organizations have murdered more than 48 Americans. If you ask law enforcement leaders across this country what keeps them up at night, they will likely say the prospect that there is a sovereign citizen group or militia plotting in their jurisdictions. Just last month the Atlanta police chief testified before my committee that he is deeply concerned about homegrown extremists and militia activity. His testimony echoes the results of a recent survey in which 74 percent of law enforcement identified anti-government extremism as one of the three terrorist threats in their jurisdictions. In the last 2 months, we have seen the development of domestic terrorists: an attack on police officers in Georgia by a self-appointed wizard of the Ku Klux Klan; the conviction by a Federal grand jury in Mississippi of two members of the Aryan Brotherhood of Mississippi for their participation in various criminal acts, including those of drug production, trafficking, kidnapping, and murder; the indictment of two members of a sovereign citizen group in Columbus, Ohio, for building a bomb that was modeled after the suicide vests that were used in the November Paris attack; a four-count indictment against a member of a Michigan sovereign citizen group for selling women and children into sexual slavery. Such abusive activities are chillingly similar to those of ISIL. In recognition of these facts, I, together with like-minded committee Democrats, made multiple proposals during and after the markup to fix the bill. We offered an amendment to define ``violent extremist'' to encompass not only those engaged in ideologically motivated international terrorism, but also in domestic terrorism. It was rejected. We offered an amendment to insert ``domestic terrorist organization.'' It was also rejected. Even after the markup, we made three more proposals to fix the bill. Each was rejected. By refusing to include any mention of domestic terrorist organizations, H.R. 4820 represents a significant departure from the holistic, comprehensive approach that has been espoused by the Obama administration to counter ideologically based violence. Since 2011, with the publication of the ``Empowering Local Partners to Prevent Extremism in the United States'' strategy by the White House, Federal efforts to prevent such terrorism have been guided by the recognition that violent extremists are inspired by a range of religious, political, or other ideological beliefs. The passage of H.R. 4820 would send the wrong message. As such, I urge a ``no'' vote. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. Watson Coleman).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentlewoman.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers and I am prepared to close.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio), the ranking member on the House Transportation Committee.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable educational institution, the Mound Bayou Public School District in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. The early settlers in Mound Bayou recognized the value of education in building a community. Early in 1888, I.T. Montgomery and his sister, Virginia Montgomery, began holding classes for children in his home. This school developed into the Mound Bayou Public School. Ms. Montgomery, the first principal, served until 1896. During the early years school was held in the first church, Green Grove, now First Baptist. Rev. J.L. Brandfort succeeded Virginia Montgomery as principal. As joint principals Professor R.J. Jarrett continued the school in Green Grove, while Professor James Wilson held classes in Bethel A.M.E. Church. Mrs. Gertrude Jones Bryant became the principal in 1904 and served until 1915. A local Board of Trustees ran the school, but it was responsible to a county board that was not so willing to appropriate money for the school, even though this school had an enrollment of 200 by 1910. In 1892, Montgomery and Green donated a tract of land for educational purposes, ``designed to supplement the inadequate curriculum of the public schools''. The Mound Bayou Normal and Industrial Institute was built on this tract of land, with the assistance of the American Missionary Association. The school was largely supported by tuition but continued to receive some financial assistance from the American Missionary Association, which was responsible for providing the first principal and teacher, Mrs. Annie Randolph. The second principal was Miss Mary E. Crump, who was succeeded by Miss Minnie S. Washington. A complete high school course was added under the leadership of Professor B.F. Ousley. Vocational instruction in music and domestic arts and science was offered. Professor Ousley served as principal for a period of 16 years. Upon his resignation, Professor F.M. Roberts became principal and was assisted by Professor Robert Ross. In 1912, while working with Booker T. Washington, Montgomery and Charles Bank secured a $1000 donation from Julius Rosenwald to build a school. Andrew Carnegie was persuaded to donate $4000 for the construction of a library. Booker T. Washington said that Mound Bayou was ``not merely a town, but at the same time and in a very real sense of the word, a school. It is not only a place where a Negro may get inspiration . . . but a place, also, where he has the opportunity to learn some of the fundamental duties and responsibilities of social and civic life.'' In 1920 all of the public schools in the vicinity of Mound Bayou and the Mound Bayou Normal and Industrial Institute consolidated to form the Mound Bayou Consolidated Public School and County Training School. A local Board of Trustees administered the school with responsibility to the County Superintendent of Education. The members of the first Board were I.T. Montgomery, Chairman, B.W. Bryan and John W. Francis. The second Board included B.A. Green, Chairman, D.J. Hill, T.S. Morris, John Tharpe, Sr., Rev. Jim Jones, and P.M. Smith. The three-story brick structure was completed and the first classes started in 1921. It was located in Mound Bayou on about four acres of land. It served an area of thirty square miles with 16 classrooms and an auditorium with a seating capacity of 700. The average annual enrollment was 850. Classes were held nine months a year. This building served all the students of Mound Bayou and the surrounding vicinities until 1960, when I.T. Montgomery Elementary School was erected. The three-story brick building, Mound Bayou High School, was closed in the fall of 1964, when a new building, John F. Kennedy Memorial High School, was opened. Principals who served the Bolivar County Training School were J.H. Moseley, J.H. Powell, A.R. Taylor, C.M. Green, Mrs. Olevia Holmes- Ryles, Richard Williams, Mrs. Richard Williams, Rev. Hardin, and B.T. Johnson. B.T. Johnson was the last administrator designated as a principal for the Bolivar County Training School. Mr. Calvin J. Jones was selected as the first superintendent of Bolivar County School District Number Six, following a county reorganization, after the 1954 Supreme Court decision overruling the practice of segregation in public schools. Others who have served as district superintendent are Arthur Holmes, Jimmy Langdon, Shelton Wilder, Linder Howze-Campbell, Linda Perry Robinson, and William Crockett. Principals who have served the elementary school since the county reorganization include Ruth Scott, O.W. Howard, Samuel McGee, Arthur Jackson, Arthur Holmes, Jr., Legora M. Norwood, Joe Jennings, Sammy Armstrong, Linda Perry Robinson, Willie E. Norwood, Sr., and Johnnie Vick. Montresia Cain is the current elementary school principal. Principals who have served the High School are A.L. Moore, Sr., Willie Gates, Eltea Lambert, Robert Latham, Shelton Wilder, Jackie Campbell, Dr. I.D. Thompson, and Dr. Wanda C. Stringer. Shaneequa Beal is the current high school principal. Mound Bayou Public School District was merged with North Bolivar School District in July, 2014, forming the new North Bolivar Consolidated School District. Mr. Johnnie Vick is the current Superintendent. Mound Bayou has a rich and strong educational history. It has had and continues to have dedicated administrators and teachers. The students demonstrate the ability to achieve at all levels, and graduates compete, globally, in a wide cadre of professional fields. The Mound Bayou Public School System was definitely a successful educational organization. It is anticipated to have a continued high level of achievement for the students at I.T. Montgomery Elementary School and John F. Kennedy Memorial High School. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an extraordinary educational institution the Mound Bayou Public School District.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Callaway High School that is located at 601 Beasley Road in Jackson, Mississippi. Callaway is one of seven high schools in the Jackson Public School District, the largest school district in the state of Mississippi. Built in 1966, Callaway was named after the late Robert M. Callaway, a Lafayette County native. He began his career teaching Choctaw Indians in the mountains of McCurtain County, Oklahoma. Before assuming duties as principal of Liberty Grove School, later H.V. Watkins Elementary in Jackson, he taught at Darling in Quitman County and Pocahontas in Hinds County. He was principal at Watkins from 1936-1956. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Callaway High School.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Ms. Willie Rene Leflore. Ms. Leflore is a lifetime resident of Sunflower County, Mississippi. Ms. Leflore is a soldier encouraging others to sign up and be counted. In her words, ``Gone are the days of nurturing, chopping, hoeing, hauling water pails, getting up early, catching Bill Henderson's bus, etcetera, to work from sun up to sun down for $3.15 daily''. Growing up, Ms. Leflore wanted to be free to enter the front doors of Labella Restaurant and ride at the front of the Greyhound bus. So, Ms. Leflore took a stand, and marched beside Cora Stone Johnson, Nelson Dotson, John Richardson, Lene and others for her civil rights. Ms. Leflore is a soldier for what is right. She believes in receiving the same privileges and rights as other races. She believes that all adults have their own mind to decide on what they want to participate in as long as it is right. She fought for that privilege. It was an acquired desire to march beside others who shared the same belief Ms. Leflore worked, never missing a day unless she was sick. When she became ill, she had to retire. She has received numerous commendations as a loyal supporter of all athletic activities at Gentry High School. To this day, she still uses the phone as her legs and mouth, encouraging others to stand and show themselves approved. She believes that standing for what you believe in regardless, of the odds against you, and the pressure that tears at your resistance means courage, which is what she had to constantly remind herself of. She always kept a smile on her face, even when on the inside she felt like dying. She stopped at nothing. Doing what was instilled in her heart, is to make another's life a little more bearable. When she was in the moment, she was loyal, she wasn't selfish and she kept her head high. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Willie Rene Leflore 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 the Robert Hill Youth Foundation, Inc., Charleston, MS inside of Tallahatchie County, MS. The Robert Hill Youth Foundation, Inc. began in the early 1980's by Mr. Robert Hill. It was initially conceived with the idea of simply being a sports organization for youth focusing on baseball. The organization eventually ceased being active after the death of Mr. Hill in 1991. In the year 2000, Mr. Cedric Terry revived the organization because the youth in the community didn't have many options for constructive activities and adult mentoring. He took on the task of recruiting children and parent's involvement. Mr. Terry was successful by getting 9 boys excited about playing baseball for the summer and competing. Their team would travel and they would be role models for other youth. Everyone had to pledge to abide by the rules, get good grades in school, and participate in an award ceremony at the end of the season. Mr. Terry's vision was just what the youth in the community needed to take the Robert Hill Youth Foundation to the next level. It was just what Mr. Hill always wanted the organization to be. The organization grew and became a huge success serving over 10,000 boys and girls. The effort was so well received that it attracted youth not just inside Charleston, but they came from miles outside the area. It now has extended its activities to include education, recreation and arts for youth in the area. Through their education program they offer: Abstinence Education, After School Tutoring, and Fatherhood Preparation. Their recreation program offers: basketball, football, baseball and track. The arts program includes: praise dancing, dancing and acting classes. Since 2000 through 2015 the organization has been responsible for helping over 500 boys and girls in the area attend and receive a college education. Their accolades are just as impressive. In fact, there are too many to name them all. A few of them include constructing the first park in Charleston in order to be home based for the youth. All they had to do was walk to the park and ``Play ball!'' Thanks to the Robert Hill Youth Foundation their work has reached all corners of youth life. In 2011 the Charleston High School Tigers Football Team won its 1st State Football Championship. Almost ninety percent of the players came from the Robert Hill Youth Foundation. In 2012 the Charleston High School Lady Tigers Basketball Team was the runner up in the Girls Basketball State Tournament. And over ninety-five percent of the girls played for the Robert Hill Youth Foundation. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today, in recognizing the Robert Hill Youth Foundation, an asset to Tallahatchie County in the Second Congressional District of Mississippi.

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 attended 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 a self-motivated leader and innovator of the community, Mr. Melvin Lee Loper, who was born on March 16, 1920 in Finkbine, Mississippi, which is no longer on the map. It was a logging camp for the loggers which was his father's occupation. His parents, the late Marshall and Mamie Loper, later moved to Raymond, Mississippi where they worked as sharecroppers. His only sibling was a younger brother, Otis Loper, who is now deceased. In those days, rural schools did not go further than 8th grade. He lived with a cousin in Jackson, Mississippi to attend high school, and graduated from Lanier High School in 1939. He entered Tougaloo College but was drafted in the United States Army in World War II. He served for four years with a tour of duty in Europe. He returned to Tougaloo College and completed his studies in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. In 1973, he received a Master's Degree in Administration from Jackson College, after many years of attending summer school and taking classes on Saturdays. That was the way of life to further your education back in the day. He began his teaching career in Smith county; later Sumner Hill High School and Jackson Public Schools. After thirty-three years of teaching he retired in 1985. He continued teaching several years after retirement because Mathematics teachers were always in demand. He has been an active member of Farish Street Baptist Church for 55 years. He served as: Sunday School teacher, a Member of the Boy Scout Committee, and attended Wednesday night Bible Study faithfully until his recent illness. He has been in the choir for fifty years, and served as Church Treasurer for thirty-three years. He was an original member of the Jackson Tougaloo Alumni Club, organized by the late Mrs. Thelma Sanders forty-four years ago. He was serving as President when the club sponsored the Broadway play, ``Aint Misbehavin'' which was a great success. He worked for years with the committee sponsoring the Ebony Fashion Show. He is a loyal supporter of Tougaloo College with his funds and presence, when able. He is married to Gwendolyn Nero Loper and they have three children: Rodney, Larry and Gerrilyn; ten grandchildren and eleven great- grandchildren. His secret to longevity is hard work, attending to your business, being an avid sports fan, and marrying a good cook. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Melvin Lee Loper.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a church family whose desire is to do God's will, Calvary M. B. Church. Calvary M. B. Church has served the Yazoo County community over a century through faith and service. Calvary M. B. Church desire is to bring people closer to the Lord. They want to build the foundation of faith in young people and remind the Yazoo community that anything is possible through love, faith and prayer. Calvary, located on Broadway, began welcoming the community to its services over 100 years ago. November 15, 2015 will mark 131 years of praise, prayer and worship. On April 1, 1889 a small group purchased a lot for $50 which became the site of Calvary. For an additional $35, another lot was purchased along with the original and this site would later develop into the modern day church. According to church history notes the first pastor was Rev. Phillips. As the years progressed the congregation grew, even amidst growth, there were challenges. Small fires struck the church. Over the years several pastors called Calvary home. But it seemed like perfect timing when Pastor RaSean O. Thomas arrived at Calvary in 2009. Pastor Thomas is a product of Calvary. Calvary has a rich history within the Yazoo community, its recent ministries and growth show what can be done through strong prayer and fellowship. Currently, the church has two hundred members and growing. The church has Sunday School, morning worship every Sunday, Wednesday night Bible Study, monthly street evangelism and prayer services, outreach project health fairs, men and women empowerment conferences and other ministries. There is always something going on inside the walls of Calvary. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Calvary M. B. Church for its dedication to serving the community and doing God's will.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a driven and ambitious woman, Ms. Lucille Lovette. Lucille has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to serve others. Lucille Lovette, a resident of Anguilla, Mississippi, is the ninth of 15 siblings born into a family who believed in hard work and didn't believe in handouts. Lovette earned a bachelor of science in elementary education degree from Mississippi Valley State University at Itta Bena, followed by a masters degree in educational leadership and supervision and a specialist degree in educational leadership and supervision, both from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. She began her career as an office manager in 1978 for the South Delta School District (formerly known as Anguilla Line Consolidated School District) under the direction of a great superintendent who encouraged her to go a little further. Lovette was employed by the South Delta School District from 1978-2009, serving as curriculum director, federal programs director and principal. During her time as principal, she led in an elementary school with a starting enrollment of some 740 students and 90 faculty members. During her tenure, the students' grade level reading score on state assessments increased more than 38.4 percent and math scores on state assessment increased more than 70 percent. The school achieved an Exemplary and High Performing School rating. Also while as principal the South Delta Elementary School received the Torch Award granted by the Mississippi Department of Education. In 1994 she was one of 13 teachers who were chosen by the state of Mississippi for a six week study with NASA. Prior to serving as principal of South Delta Elementary School, Lovette worked as educational technologist as South Delta Middle School, and has served as an adult education teacher at Mississippi Delta Community College in Moorhead. From 2009-2010 Lovette served as an educational leadership consultant at Dollarway Middle School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and Eliza Miller Junior High School in Helena, Arkansas. She was employed as school improvement coordinator with the Indianola School district from 2010 until 2011 and from 2011 until 2013; she served as educational leadership consultant for the Jackson Public School District and the Senatobia Public School District. Among the awards she has garnered during her years in education are: the Mississippi School Board Association's School Improvement Beacon Award in 2009; the Mississippi Success for All School Reading Award in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007; the South Delta School District Administrator of the Year Award in 2007; Delta State University Educational Leadership Sabbatical in 2001; Mississippi Teacher of the Year State Finalist; Mississippi Second Congressional District Teacher of the Year in 2000; and South Delta Middle School and School District Teacher of the Year in 1998 and 2000. Lovette joined the Yazoo City Municipal School District in 2013, where she served as assistant superintendent and as federal programs director. In February 2015, the Yazoo City Municipal School District School Board named Lucille Lovette the district's interim superintendent. Lucille says, ``Service is the rent we pay for being allowed to live on this earth. We're supposed to give back, so that's key for me.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Lucille Lovette for her passion and dedication to educate our youth and desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Councilman Melvin V. Priester, Jr., who is a proud alum of Murrah High School (valedictorian, class of 1997). In 2001, Councilman Priester graduated from Harvard College magna cum laude with a degree in social studies. Councilman Priester wrote his honors thesis on the use of religion by progressive political activists. While at Harvard, Mr. Priester was active: in the Black Students' Association and student government; he was a jazz DJ at WHRB; and he served as a research assistant for then, director of the Children's Studies Program, Kiku Adatto. Concilman Priester obtained his juris doctorate from Stanford Law School in 2004. While at Stanford, Councilman Priester was a member of the board of the Stanford Technology Law Review and participated in Stanford's civil rights clinic under noted scholar, Michelle Alexander, and the cyber law legal clinic under internet privacy activist, Jennifer Granick. Upon graduating from law school and until he joined Jackson's Priester Law Firm in 2008, Councilman Priester was a litigation associate in the San Francisco office of Morrison & Foerster LLP, where he advised clients in financial services, intellectual property, and governmental investigations. Councilman Priester has done pro bono and volunteer work for clients including: the Innocence Project of Northern California, the North Midtown Art Center, and numerous indigent clients. At Priester Law Firm, a family firm, which has been opened since 1988, Councilman Priester represents a diverse set of clients in business litigation, governmental affairs, real estate, personal injury law, family law, and medical malpractice. Since 2011, Councilman Priester has been a regional producer for the Figment Arts Festival (www.figmentproject.org), a nationwide arts festival with significant events in New York City, Boston, Detroit, Jackson, Washington, D.C., and Pittsburg. Councilman Priester is licensed to practice law in Mississippi and California. He is a member of the Charles Clark Inns of Court, the American Bar Association, the Magnolia Bar Association, and the Capital Area Bar Association. In 2013, Councilman Priester graduated from the Mississippi Black Leadership Institute. He is a proud member of New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson and resides in the Woodhaven neighborhood of Jackson's Ward II. In his free time, he enjoys working at his studio in the North Midtown Arts Center and mentoring local school children. Mr. Priester's priorities for the council include: updating Jackson's stormwater master plan to address flooding, potholes and infrastructure; and providing quality educational enrichment opportunities for children. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Councilman Priester for giving back to the community in which he was born and reared.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable school, North Panola High School of Sardis, Mississippi and the great leadership it is under. North Panola High School is a rural high school situated on the eastern edge of the Mississippi delta. For many years the high school has been a part of a school district that had been plagued by low test scores, violence and a negative school culture. The school district had been taken over by the state several times due to year after year of low test scores. In July of 2011, Robert King, Conservator of the North Panola School District, hired Jamone Edwards as the principal of North Panola High School. Jamone Edwards, a graduate of Mississippi State University and The University of Mississippi, was the youngest principal the school had ever witnessed. He brought innovative ideas and worked tirelessly to increase teacher morale and create a positive school culture. Under his leadership and the staff's support, the school has made significant gains in the accountability model in which schools are rated. Prior to the new leadership, for many years the school was considered low performing and on academic watch. During his tenure, the school rose to Successful, which is equivalent to a C school. In the 2013-14 school year, Mr. Edwards led the school to its first ever High Performing Status, which is equivalent to a B school. This is a remarkable achievement as the school had never experienced such success and recognition. Additionally, since 2010, the school has many successes to celebrate. The school's graduation rate was at an all-time low of 49 percent in 2010. Since that time, the graduation rate has risen to 73 percent for the 2013-14 academic school year. Currently, the high school is projected to have a graduation rate of 85 percent for the 2014-15 accountability rating. In addition, Algebra I and U.S. History subject area test scores have surpassed the state's average, and English II and Biology I state test scores are slightly trailing the state's average. North Panola High School has also made significant improvement in preparing students for college and acquiring scholarships. In 2010, the mean ACT score was 14.8. Since that time, several students of North Panola High School has scored 20 or better on the ACT. In 2010, the high school graduating seniors had generated $150,000 in scholarship monies. In 2014, the high school graduating class of approximately 80 students received in excess more that $2 Million in scholarship monies creating more opportunities for our children to succeed in college and careers after high school. In March 2015, North Panola High School received an award from the State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Carey M. Wright and the Mississippi Department of Education, for closing the achievement gap between black and white students in the area of English/Language Arts and Mathematics. North Panola was one of the only predominantly minority high schools to be recognized with the Distinguished School Award. As a result, North Panola High School received $23,750.05 to further enhance the students' overall educational experience. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing North Panola High School for its dedication to serving our great state of Mississippi and country.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mrs. Ethel C. Mangum who is a native of Madison County. Many of her formative years were spent in the Virden Addition Area. She attended school at Walton Elementary and Brinkley High School. At Jackson State University she earned a B.S. and Masters degree in Social Work and Guidance. For twenty-eight years she has been an active member of Farish Street Baptist Church and its E. B. Topp Missionary Circle. Mrs. Mangum has done extensive volunteer work which included: teaching and reading at Powell Middle School; serving as Co-Chairperson of Lake Hico Eubanks Creek Neighborhood Association; working as an HIV/ AIDS educator for the American Red Cross; working with children to prevent teenage pregnancy; and motivating them toward moral and academic excellence. Mrs. Mangum has been a ``first'' in opening opportunities for others by becoming the first African-American woman to hold a professional position at Baptist Children's Village; the first African-American woman to work for Michael Baker, Jr., Inc. Consulting Engineers; and for SCAN (Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect). She was one of two females who integrated the lunch room at St. Dominic's Hospital. Mrs. Mangum currently strives for excellence in the community through her position as Administrative Assistant for Ward 3. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Ethel C. Mangum for her dedication to serving others.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Lillie V. Thompson Davis. Mrs. Lillie V. Thompson Davis, a life time resident of Quitman County, MS, has a strong belief in God; she is a friend to education, a retired school teacher of 42 years, and lives in Marks, MS. She has a teaching experience of more than forty-two years which include seventeen years as assistant principal, Adult Education teacher, teaching in the prison system, and in the state of Indiana. She is a graduate of Rust College Holly Springs, MS and earned a Master of Education from the University of MS Oxford, MS. She was one of the first of four teachers who taught in an integrated school system in an all white school in Marks, MS. Mrs. Davis is an advocate for education and has tutored students in reading and math without a fee, and made generous donations to an educational program. She is sustaining her teaching career as an advanced adult Sunday School teacher at her membership church in Marks, MS. She initiated the idea to build a much needed gym for the Quitman County Middle School, by the passing of a bond issue. The first attempt to pass the bond issue failed by 23 votes November of 2013, but because of her fervent prayers, profound determination, and help of many dedicated hard working individuals, the bond issue of four million dollars was tried a second time and passed in November, 2014. She has been a member of the Quitman County School Board since 2006, and has worked untiringly trying to bring about positive changes for the boys and girls of the Quitman County School System. And also since she wanted to share her knowledge of some undocumented history of the early life of Blacks in the Delta, she wrote a book entitled ``Drifting Into Falcon.'' Mrs. Davis is the mother of three daughters: Pamela, Jamesetta and Wanda, who is deceased. She has five grandchildren: Larry, Brandon, Darnell, Steve and Ashley; and four great grandchildren: Debrisha, Marian, Lauren and Laila. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Lillie V. Davis because she is definitely the epitome of an unsung hero.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lanier High School. It takes its name from the late, distinguished, William Henry Lanier, a former President of Alcorn College and the first Supervisor of Jackson Colored Public Schools. Lanier was born a slave in Huntsville, Alabama in 1851. He attended Tougaloo College, Oberlin College, and Fisk University and received his B.A. degree from Roger Williams University. He served as president of Alcorn A&M for six years. Lanier taught school in Forest, Winona, Black Hawk, Carrollton, Yazoo City, and Jackson. He was principal of the Robertson School from 1912-1929. Lanier was first organized as a junior-senior high school in 1925, providing instruction for pupils from the seventh through the twelfth grades. A new chapter was added to our history when, on February 8, 1954, they transferred from the old Lanier at 136 East Ash Street and occupied the new Lanier Junior-Senior High School building at 833 West Maple Street. On January 27, 1972, the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ordered that Lanier School be designated as a center for the enrollment of 10th, 11th and 12th grade students. In 1991, 9th grade students were added to the enrollment. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Lanier High School.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Thompson-Clemons Post Number 200 of Greenwood, Mississippi. The Thompson-Clemons Post Number 200 of Greenwood, Mississippi was the first African American Post established in the State of Mississippi and came about due to the perseverance of eighteen determined Black Veterans of World War I and World War II in the Mississippi Delta. These veterans attempted to join Keeler-Hamrick-Gillespie Post Number 29 which refused them membership. Given that this was the 1940s and Mississippi being a segregationist state, Post Number 29 could not get a majority vote of its members to allow black veterans to join their post. The eighteen black veterans filed a petition to start a new post and presented it to the Mississippi Department of the American Legion. Mr. Solomon N. Dickerson, a black veteran, postal worker and co-worker of Mr. Author H. Ritchter, the Adjutant of Post Number 29, worked to get the petition through the District. It was due to their vigorous and persistent correspondence to the District and the Mississippi Department of the American Legion that they were allowed to form a separate post if they could find a sponsor. Keesler-Hamrick-Gillespie Post Number 29 agreed to serve as a sponsor to assist Thompson-Clemons Post Number 200 in getting the temporary charter, paving the way for other charters to be granted to other black veteran's groups throughout the state of Mississippi. Originally, the post was called the Mississippi Delta Post Number 200. Mr. L.H. Threadgill, principal of Stone Street High School, a veteran of World War II, proposed that the post be named after two former students of Stone Street High School, that were killed in action during WWII. The motion carried and the name was adopted. Thompson- Clemons Post Number 200 was granted a permanent charter on July 28, 1949, becoming the first Black post in the State of Mississippi. The first Post Commander was Mr. Solomon N. Dickerson.