Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As someone involved in this issue for many years, I am not surprised by the overwhelming support that H.R. 1731 has garnered. Today, the House has the opportunity to join with the President and stakeholders from across our critical infrastructure sectors to make our Nation more secure. By casting a vote in favor of H.R. 1731, you will be putting the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal civilian lead for cyber information sharing, on a path to fully partnering with the private sector to protect the U.S. networks. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

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

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin). (Mr. LANGEVIN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Colorado for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, though I support H.R. 1731, the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act, as approved by voice vote in my committee, I rise to express my disappointment with the rule. Yesterday the White House announced support for House passage of H.R. 1731 but said that ``improvements to the bill are needed to ensure that its liability protections are appropriately targeted to encourage responsible cybersecurity practices.'' The White House was referring to the language that was inserted at the direction of the Judiciary majority. Instead of providing a targeted safe harbor for companies to share timely cyber threat information, it establishes an unduly complicated legal framework that runs the risk of providing liability relief to companies that act negligently. Moreover, it explicitly immunizes companies from not acting on timely cyber information. This language runs counter to the fundamental goal of the legislation: to get companies timely, actionable information to use to protect their networks. Yet when H.R. 1731 is considered tomorrow, Members will not be allowed to vote on a single amendment to fix the liability provision that the White House has called ``sweeping'' and said may weaken cybersecurity overall. Remarkably, none of the seven amendments that were filed to fix it are being allowed. I would also like to register my disappointment that the rule calls for H.R. 1731, upon passage, to be attached to the Intelligence Committee bill. From my conversation with Members, I know that there is a great deal of support for authorizing cyber information sharing with the Federal civilian lead, the Department of Homeland Security. As such, I would argue that the rule should have called for H.R. 1560 to be folded into our bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mr. Willie Harris. A Holmes County native, Willie Harris, who stands 6-foot-8 and spent a year playing basketball at Alcorn State University, was one of the first black stuntmen in Hollywood. Harris landed in California while serving in the military. He and two others entered into the stunt business through acquaintances. Harris' story is perhaps the most bizarre; a friend introduced Harris to Calvin Brown. This was the first time Harris had heard of a stunt man. Not long after that, he was driving a friend to north Hollywood, got lost and stopped to ask for directions. Harris had no idea he had walked onto the set where the 1969 blockbuster ``Bob & Carol, Ted & Alice'' was being filmed. The person volunteering directions was actor Elliott Gould, who was poised for stardom. Gould noticed Harris' tall stature and asked if he'd ever considered stunt work. Harris was open to the idea. Gould met with him the next day and gave him a letter of recommendation by producer Robert Altman to help him gain membership into the Screen Actors Guild. He had the chance to personally thank Gould last October when they were brought together to film a documentary segment about the Black Stuntmen's Association. Harris is now the president of the Black Stuntman's Association in Jackson, Mississippi. Harris is accompanied in the organization by two other Mississippians: Henry Graddy and Dewitt Fondren. The group has been honored by former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Nevada legislature. The Smithsonian Institution is also planning to acknowledge the group through an exhibit. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing stuntman that has been instrumental in magnifying the strides of African Americans in film.

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 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 comers 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 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, ``Ain't 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 remarkably talented individual, W.C. Gorden, has brought tremendous honor to one of Mississippi's premier education institutions, Jackson State University (JSU). Coach Gorden's legacy at Jackson State remains unmatched, and he has truly cemented his place in college football history. A native of Nashville, Tennessee and a graduate of Tennessee State University, Gorden came to Jackson State first as its head baseball coach in 1971, he then became interim head football coach in 1976 and then head football coach in 1977. From then on, he led the Tigers to eight conference championship titles in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in the fifteen years he coached. In 1982, Gorden had 21 players drafted to the NFL, ranking JSU among the top 5 colleges in the nation for NFL draft picks. Also, during his tenure, JSU was the only school in the SWAC to defeat Coach Eddie Robinson's formidable Grambling University's teams. Under Coach Gorden, JSU won 28 straight SWAC football games, and his teams led the nation in attendance among 1-AA schools 11 of the 15 years he coached. By the end of his career, Gordens' teams won more than 70% of their games. But one of the most amazing victories for Gorden was having the highest SWAC graduation rate among football players in the entire state of Mississippi from 1980 to 1981. Coach Gorden's feats have been honored and recognized by many; he was inducted into the SWAC Hall of Fame in 1994; the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1997; the College Hall of Fame in 2008; and the Black College Hall of Fame in 2015. Coach Gorden's legacy falls in line with Mississippi's tradition of athletic exceptionalism. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing W.C. Gorden for his exceptional strides in college football and his passion for producing excellence in the state of Mississippi.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge John Wilchie from Tallahatchie County, MS. Judge Wilchie was born in Glendora, Mississippi. Glendora is a small rural town in the Second Congressional District. The town is most notable for the Emmett Till Murder in 1955. Black history month is a month of recognition of African Americans who have made some type of historical contribution, big or small, in this country. Judge Wilchie made black history in 1979 in Tallahatchie County when he was appointed as judge to finish the term of Judge JB Ray. The following year in 1980, however, he was elected as the first African- American Justice Court Judge in the county. He retired from the bench in 1984. Judge Wilchie received his education from Mississippi Valley State University as well as the University of Mississippi Judicial College in 2004. He helped to start the Sharkey-Hampton Lake Volunteer Fire Department where he served as Fire Captain and Chief. Currently, Judge Wilchie serves as the Co-chairman of the Tallahatchie County Emmett Till Memorial Commission, a member of the West Tallahatchie County P-16 Educational Board and the Chairman of the Tallahatchie County Branch of the NAACP. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the historical contribution of Judge John Wilchie for being elected as the first African-American Justice Court Judge in Tallahatchie County, MS in the Second Congressional District of Mississippi.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Gail Wright Lowery, who was born in Hinds County, Jackson, Mississippi at Jackson State College's Clinic. She is the third child, and only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Willie (Annie) Wright. Mrs. Lowery was reared on Nashville Street. As valedictorian of her kindergarten class learning seemed always within easy reach. Early piano lessons taught by Mrs. Fannie Smith who lived on Randolph Street, caused Mrs. Lowery to have a love for music. She attended school at Morrison, and G. N. Smith Elementary. At Chastain, and Powell Jr. High she played the clarinet, and participated in the marching band. High school years at Murrah kept her busy participating in many school activities such as the Blue Jackets, the pep squad at Murrah, where she served as captain. She entered her senior year ranked in the top 1% of her 1975 class and received the distinct honor of Who's Who at Murrah High. Upon entering Jackson State University she served on the Mayor's Youth Council and was elected Miss Pre Law Club. With a full scholarship, she graduated in three years Magna Cum Laude, and pressed on to her goal of becoming an attorney. In August of 1978, at the age of 20, Mrs. Lowery entered law school at Northwestern School of Law in Chicago, Illinois. While there she was active in and was elected as Chairman of Recruitment for the Black Law Student's Association. She was awarded the Doctorate of Jurisprudence in May of 1981, and successfully passed the Bar Examination that same year. Her legal career began at Central Mississippi Legal Services. After Legal Services, she worked for the Attorney General's Office, becoming the first black person to become Head of the Civil Litigation Division. In 1993 Mrs. Lowery started her own business as a practicing attorney with Lowery Law Firm. Mrs. Lowery joined the Cade Chapel M. B. Church when she was eight years old and has maintained her membership there to the present. She has participated on the Usher Board, the Choir, the Trustee Board, Sunday school, and the Missionary Society. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Gail Wright Lowery for giving back to the community in which she was born and reared.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a group of innovators who have shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to serve their community, the Yazoo Fair & Civic League. The Yazoo Fair & Civic League has served the Yazoo County community and the State of Mississippi through social and civic engagement. The Yazoo Fair & Civic League's history date back to 1932; when R.J. Pierce and T.J. Huddleston decided to establish a county fair for black residents to enjoy. D.W. Lindsey assisted in sponsoring the first fair in October 1932. Three years later, Gov. Martin Conner signed the charter for the Yazoo Negro Fair Association. The group purchased land on Calhoun Avenue where an exhibit building was constructed. During the early 60s, H.A. Scott was elected president, and H.C. Fouche was chosen as vice president. As president Scott faced several challenges. The biggest challenge was finances. The association was $67,500 in debt. In order to resolve the debt the property facing Calhoun Avenue and a plot west of Lamar Avenue was sold along with the exhibit building. After these challenges were met the association had the vision for a community center. Also during this time the Yazoo Negro Fair Association became the Yazoo Fair and Civic League. Federal funding was used to construct the L.T. Miller Community Center which was completed in 1971. The large tract of unused space around the center was used to construct 48 apartments for elderly and disabled residents with a grant for over $1.5 million from HUD. The Lintonia Apartments opened in May of 1986. During the 1990s the association built H.A. Scott Apartments with about 80 units creating a very healthy tax base to the Yazoo area. Currently, the association has a 60 unit apartment complex in Jackson, MS, 40 in Meridian and 30 in Clarksdale. The Yazoo Fair and Civic League began as an effort to provide black Yazooans with a public place to hold community events during a time when they had nowhere else to go. Today, the Yazoo Fair & Civic League continues to provide a public facility for all of the community to enjoy, and the organization has expanded its mission to provide affordable housing to many residents. The association also manages the historic Oakes African American Cultural Center, which was home to the legendary Oakes Family in Yazoo City for over a century. A.J. Oakes, III deeded the home to the Yazoo Fair & Civic League in 1990, and the home has become a museum highlighting and celebrating local black history. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Yazoo Fair & Civic League for its dedication to serving others and giving back to the community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable Social Service Agency, Bolivar Community Action Agency which is located in Bolivar County, Mississippi. Bolivar County Community Action Agency is a 501(C3) tax-exempt organization with a fifteen member board of directors composed of equal representation from the public, private and poor sectors. As a leading program in the State of Mississippi, Bolivar County Community Action Agency provides a variety of services ranging from preschool childcare to a senior companion program; from a homeless shelter to transitional housing; from a youth adolescent offenders program to a general education diploma program. The Agency's principal activities for over forty years consists of carrying out Community Action Programs through grants received from the State of Mississippi Department of Human Services, the Federal Department of Health & Human Services, the Mississippi State Department of Education and other governmental and private funding agencies. Those programs consist of: Head Start, Early Head Start, Delta Workforce Investment Area In-School/Out-School Program, Aging & Senior Companion Division, Community Services Block Grant, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Transitional Housing, Community Action Transitional Shelter, Community Action New Start and Adolescent Opportunity Programs. In 2012 the Bolivar County Community Action Agency, Inc. Board of Directors appointed the first female and African American as Executive Director, Mrs. Elnora F. Littleton, who was a Head Start pioneer and aware of the agency's varied programs. Her testimony is one of success--who started over forty years ago as a high school graduate employed in the Head Start Program. Her ambition, dedication and passion for the betterment of low-income children and families in Bolivar County, Mississippi has served as stepping stones promoting her from Teacher's Assistant to Teacher; from Center Director to Nutrition Director, and from Education Director to Head Start Director. Serving faithfully under the leadership of former Executive Director Billy J. McCain, Mrs. Littleton has witnessed transitions and development of Head Start's meager beginnings to a multi-million dollar program. As Executive Director, Ms Littleton is responsible for programmatic and fiscal components that serve 843 children and families in Bolivar County. To say the least, her accomplishments and accolades are impeccable. She is respectively known locally and nationally as ``a person who gets the job done.'' Mrs. Littleton, along with the board of directors and staff, anticipates higher dimensions and a new direction for the agency that will not only impact the community and today's generation, but generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing social service organization.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Gwendolyn Nero Loper, the daughter of the late Malinda and Willis Nero, who graduated from Greenwood High School in 1946. She attended Tougaloo College from 1948 to 1952 graduating cum laude with a degree in sociology. She received a Master of Social Work degree from Howard University in 1955. She became one of the first Black social workers in Mississippi with a graduate social work degree. This honoree's work experience as a social worker includes seven years with the Department of Human Services (the Welfare Department) and in 1966 she became the first Black social worker, employed with the Veterans Administration. After working thirty years at the V. A. Medical Center, she retired in 1995. She then worked four years as Field Instructor at Jackson State University in the School of Social Work's Master of Social Work Program. Mrs. Loper's dedication to the field of social work earned several ``firsts'' to be recognized. These include: the first black woman appointed to the Mississippi Board of Mental Health, to represent the social work profession by Governor William Waller in 1974; she was reappointed by Governors William Winter and Bill Allain. She served in this position until 1994. On February 17, 1995, the Mississippi State Board of Mental Health named the Administration Building at the Hudspeth Regional Center in Whitfield, Mississippi, the Gwendolyn Nero Loper Administration Building. This, too, was the first time a building had been named in honor of a social worker in the State of Mississippi. Among Mrs. Loper's other community involvements are the following: charter member of the Jackson National Council of Negro Women; past president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and YWCA; life memberships--the NAACP, National Council of Negro Women, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Tougaloo National Alumni Association. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors. Included are: Delta Woman of the Year (1965); Tougaloo Alumna of the Year (1975); Mississippi Chapter Social Worker of the Year (1976); Black Women's Political Action Community Service Award (1990); Howard University School of Social Work Outstanding Alumna (1998); Tougaloo Hall of Fame (1992); the Tougaloo Meritorious Leadership Award (2003); and the Outstanding Greenwoodian in Community Service Award (1998). She is active in her church, Farish Street Baptist, and the Jackson Chapter of the Links, Inc. She enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Gwendolyn Nero Loper for giving back to the community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tunica Teens In Action, Inc. Tunica Teens In Action, Inc. (Concerned Citizens for a Better Tunica County) is an African-American, grassroots, community based, and community lead, leadership development organization that is rooted in empowering the African-American low- income communities in Tunica County, MS and the Mississippi Delta since 1993. Tunica Teens In Action, Inc. was formed in July 1999 when the young members of Concerned Citizens For A Better Tunica County decided that they wanted more individualized training to help them do better community organizing work with their adult allies. Tunica Teens In Action started out with 17 young people ranging between the ages of 11- 20 who were led by Ashley N. McKay. These bright young people realized that they needed to develop their skills to help the community and themselves to succeed in a school system that had been on academic probation for over ten years. Tunica Teens In Action was formally incorporated in 2011 and fully transitioned from Concerned Citizens FABTC, Inc. as a youth and female led youth of color organization. Tunica Teens In Action, Inc. is a non- profit 501(c)(3) community leadership development organization. Concerned Citizens For A Better Tunica County was formed in 1993 when African-American grassroots low-income moms, dads, students, and other community activists came together to fight for education reform and fairness in Tunica County, MS. At that time, Tunica County was one of the poorest counties in the United States and when Rev. Jessie Jackson visited Tunica in 1985 he labeled it ``America's Ethiopia'' because of the devastating housing, economy, and community needs. Since 1993, Concerned Citizens For A Better Tunica County had been a leadership development and empowering organization for Education Reform, Youth Leadership Development, Housing and Job Reform, Democracy Organizing, and Environmental Justice. Concerned Citizens For A Better Tunica County, Inc. formally incorporated in 1997 and was a 501(c)(3) tax- exempt nonprofit organization. Concerned Citizens For A Better Tunica County, Inc. (Concerned Citizens) is a rural broad based grassroots community leadership development, education, and training organization working to empower the community by developing new grassroots leaders and organizers in Tunica County, Mississippi. Concerned Citizens For A Better Tunica County, Inc.'s mission is to empower the disadvantaged and low income community (families) of color by building leadership and organization, involving students and parents using the intergenerational model, (young people and old people working together), in the community of Tunica County, MS. ``Empower'' is defined as the effective participation of the community to impact the formation of public policy and effective participation in the decision making process in the educational, economic, political, environmental, and social change systems with a special emphasis on education policy in the Tunica School District that will help to create a first-rate quality public educational opportunity for all families in Tunica County and the country. With roots in the struggle for education justice, Concerned Citizens has evolved into a multi-issue community based organization that is led by low-income people of color. The TRANSITION to TUNICA TEENS IN ACTION: Tunica Teens In Action, Inc. mission is to develop young leaders, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, who will be able to effectively participate in their community by developing the educational skills, technical skills, and understanding thru community organizing using the intergeneration model since 1993. Tunica Teens In Action's program of work is rooted in leadership development and local community organizing that uses an intergeneration model to empower the low income communities of color. Most of Tunica Teens In Action work occurs at community trainings/workshops, at public actions to demonstrate community power, through collaborations and coalitions, social media, and in small one-on-one meetings to help educate ourselves and community. Major Accomplishments: Prevented the white farmers from re- segregating the Robinsonville and Casino Community (1995). Prevented the Tunica County Board of Supervisors from Abolishing the County Voter Rolls (1996). Helped to get the Robinsonville Elementary School built for/near the Black Community (1998). Helped to get the Tunica County School District to a ``Successful'' academic rating (2011). Provided youth leadership and education training to over 25,000 persons (1993-2015). Non-partisan Democracy Organizing--Accountable Governance trainings that helped to create over 30 new African-American accountable elected officials (2005-2015). Provided private education college scholarships to over 200 high school graduates (1999-2014). Provided redistricting training to community to help re-shape policy and power in Tunica County, Tate County, Panola County, Sunflower County, Tallahatchie County, Marshall County, Desoto County, Coahoma County, Lee County, Pontotoc County, and Green County (2002 and 2012). Established P-16 Community Engagement Councils to help parents and students to have a voice in the creation of education policies for their children (2011-2015). The staff includes Ashley N. McKay--Executive Director, Mildred P. Conley--Assistant Director, Marilyn L. Young--Education Director, Melvin Young--Resource Director, 4--Youth Interns, and a host of community and volunteers. TTIA has a 9 member Board of Directors that govern the organization. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Tunica Teens In Action, Inc. for their dedication to serving their community and this great state and country.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mayor Clint Cobbins. The Honorable Mayor Clint Cobbins is the first African-American mayor of Lexington, Mississippi, the county seat for Holmes County. A Holmes County native, Mayor Cobbins is the seventh of eight children born to Mr. Lee Henry Cobbins and Mrs. Willie Lee Cobbins. Mayor Cobbins grew up in the Ebenezer Community. He is a 1974 graduate of the former Lexington Attendance Center (LAC). He also attended Holmes Community College in Goodman, Mississippi, where he received training as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). In 1983, he became a certified firefighter from the Mississippi State Fire Academy. In 1987, he completed his Law Enforcement Training through the Law Enforcement Academy in Pearl, Mississippi. He served in Law Enforcement for twenty-four and a half years. He retired as Police Chief of Tchula, Mississippi. Mr. Cobbins also held a dual career as an Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Canton, Mississippi where he served for twenty-eight and a half years. In 2004, he became an ordained Elder with the Guiding Light Church of God in Christ, Lexington, Mississippi. Since becoming Lexington's first African-American Mayor in 2012, he has been instrumental in the renovation facelift of the downtown Lexington area--completing the sidewalk project. He worked with the North Central Planning Board to restart the feeding program for senior citizens, which serves over 50 hot meals per day at the Multi-purpose Building. He also continued the Mayor's Health Council program for senior citizens. During the summer of 2014, Mayor Cobbins held, in collaboration with Madison County Sheriff's Explorers Program, a Fire and Police Academy Safety camp for Holmes County youth ages 6 to 14, in which 102 graduated from the camp. He plans to do another camp during the summer of 2015. ``We have to keep our young people busy doing something constructive during the summer months. It will help them to stay out of trouble,'' the Mayor said. Also during 2014, he and the Aldermen of the City of Lexington, along with the Board of Supervisors of Leflore County collaborated with the Community Students Learning Center (CSLC) in securing a recent $495,000.00 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Dallas and BankPlus of Mississippi to do housing repairs in the City of Lexington and in Greenwood. Mayor Cobbins and the City Board of Aldermen have also voted to work toward making Lexington a Smoke-Free City. That work is currently in progress. Mayor Cobbins and his wife are also local business owners of Kay's Sugar Shack--a short order food business. Mayor Cobbins is married to Karen J. Cobbins, a native of Pickens, Mississippi, and they are the parents of three adult children. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mayor Clint Cobbins for his outstanding services in his community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mr. Charles Tillman a native of Brookhaven, Mississippi. Mr. Charles Tillman earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Education from Alcorn State University and his Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Southern California. He has more than thirty years of experience in education through his service as the former counselor at Lanier High School, as a former Assistant Principal at Hardy Junior High School and as a former Principal at Rowan Junior High and Brinkley Junior High School. His contributions to the local community include: the Town Creek Project, Midtown Federal Housing Rehabilitation Program, Midtown Community Service Centers, and a Community Economic Development Grant. He has also served as: President of the Rolling Hills Neighborhood Association, a Habitat for Humanity board member and a 2004 Mississippi Delegate to the Democratic National Convention. He has served on various committees in the City Council and among the community such as the Mayor's Advisory Committee, Superintendent's Advisory Committee, Keep Jackson Beautiful, and Jackson School Board President. He was formerly the Chairman of the Council's Budget Committee. Councilman Tillman has been awarded: a pedestrian crosswalk on North Mill Street in his honor, the Boy Scouts of America Seminole District's Principal-of-the-Year Award, Governor's Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Voluntary Community Service and National Council of Negro Women's Appreciation Award for Outstanding and Dedicated Service. He was married to the late Issie Patterson and has two children, Vanessa and Randy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Councilman Charles Tillman for his dedication in serving.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mr. Jewell C. Lockhart. Mr. Lockhart was born Feb. 7, 1934, in Taylor, Mississippi. He was one of nine children born to Odeal and Ruby Smith Lockhart. He grew up on a farm seven miles south of Oxford in the Taylor community. He always loved the outdoors and the open country sides. He attended Taylor Vocational High School and graduated top of his class. His love for agriculture and rural America encouraged him to pursue and obtain a Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics from Alcorn A&M College (now Alcorn State University), where he graduated with honors in 1956. He later received a master's degree in public financial management from American University in Washington, D.C. Mr. Lockhart served two years in the U.S. Army, which included a 16- month tour in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1962. He went on to teach science, biology, chemistry and physics for one and a half years, and served as assistant principal in Raleigh. He worked for the United States Government and the United States Department of Agriculture for 43 years as: assistant county supervisor; county supervisor (becoming the first black county supervisor in Mississippi); assistant district director; rural estate loan specialist in Washington, D.C.; and District Director in Mississippi. While at Alcorn, Mr. Lockhart met who would become the love of his life, Ruth Earlene Singleton. They were married in 1957, and to this union were born two sons, Anthony Virdell Lockhart and Jewell C. Lockhart Jr. Mr. Lockhart was involved with many different organizations. He served as: a member of the board of directors and president of the United Way; the board of directors and president of the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County; and was a former board member of The Salvation Army. He also served on the board of directors of Habitat for Humanity; the Greater Greenville Housing Committee; the board of directors of Mission Mississippi Delta; the board of directors of Ability to Work; and vice president of TRIAD. He was also a member of National Association of Retired Federal Employees. Mr. Lockhart was also the recipient of numerous awards and citations. Among them are: the Alcornite of the Year in 1982; the Silver Beaver Award from the Delta Area Council Boy Scouts of America; Community Service Award; 100 Black Men of Mississippi Delta, Inc. Distinguished Service Award; Delta Point of Pride Award from Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce; and Outstanding Service Award from National Council of SHADS. He was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, where he received the Membership Award. Led to Christ at an early age, Mr. Lockhart joined New Hope First MB Church and was a constant presence and faithful servant in a number of capacities there. He served on the deacon board and as church treasurer. He was Deputy Superintendent of young adults. He was Scout Master of Troop No. 4412 at New Hope for many years and also a youth advisor. He also served as a Sunday School teacher. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Jewell C. Lockhart for his dedication to serving others and giving back to the African American community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a group of women who have shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to serve their community, Alpha Kappa Alpha's Twenty Pearls of Wisdom. The Alpha Kappa Alpha's Twenty Pearls of Wisdom has served the Yazoo County community and the State of Mississippi through informational meetings, social and civic engagement. On October 26, 2013, Alpha Kappa Alpha's Twenty Pearls of Wisdom were approved as an official interest group under the leadership of the 24th Regional Director, Adrienne P.K. Washington. Under the leadership of the current Regional Director, Mary Conner, Alpha Kappa Alpha's Twenty Pearls of Wisdom chartering ceremony is slated for May 16, 2015. It is during this ceremony that they will learn of their Chapter's name. Launching new dimensions of service throughout Yazoo County and its surrounding area, Mississippi's newest chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha shall continue steadfastly in its aim to be of service to all mankind as they strive by culture and merit. Energizing Yazoo County and its surrounding areas with C4 power, enabling members to connect, communicate, collaborate, and celebrate. Alpha Kappa Alpha's Twenty Pearls of Wisdom members actively participate in Yazoo and surrounding communities through annual: MLK Day of Service; Voter Registration Blitz; HIV/AIDs Abstinence Workshop; Lean & Serve Curb Appeal; Scholarship Award (Yazoo & Humphreys Counties; Warm Heart Warm Feet; Lunch & Learn; MCT2 Preparation; School Supply Drive; Easter with Elders; Reading Can Be Fun; Kids Network Toy; Empowering Teen Girls; College Adoption; Breast Cancer Awareness--Pink Matters 5 Mile Walk; Caring with Coats--Esther Stewart Buford Foundation; MLK Day of Service Can Food Drive; Yazoo City Manna House; Earth Day--Think Pink-Go-Green; A Day of Thanksgiving H.A. Scott Senior Citizen Home; and Pink Goes Red for Cardiovascular Disease. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Alpha Kappa Alpha's Twenty Pearls of Wisdom for its dedication to serving others, giving back to the community and perpetuating the rich heritage of Yazoo.

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 Grey Hound 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 a remarkable public servant, Ms. Pam Chatman. For as long as Pam Chatman can remember, she's been coming in first. She was the first of 3 children born to parents in the heart of the poverty-stricken Mississippi Delta. She was the first of her siblings to graduate from college. She was the first African American Woman to steer a course through the chaos of a broadcast news career to achieve the position of News Director at WABG. But little did Pam know in 2006, when she became News Director, she was achieving yet another first: Mississippi's first-ever female African-American News Director, an honor she wears proudly. Recently the Tru TV network chronicled Pam's seemingly unlikely journey from poverty to power, which is its hit new reality series ``Breaking Greenville''. Pam's starring role in that show underscores her passion, not just for her profession, but for the people who work for her as anchors, reporters and producers. Kids right out of college, who are hungry to learn the ropes of an often cut-throat career, find comfort in Pam's approach to leadership and management. Pam was raised up in Shaw, Mississippi in a small rural community outside of the city limits called ``Choctaw'' a dirt-poor town of about less than 2-thousand people that sits in the heart of Bolivar County. Her grandmother, Marie Fly, raised her, and while poverty pulled at every corner of their lives, Pam relishes her adolescent years, coming of age in the Deep South. From its rich farming heritage, to its lakes and rivers teeming with catfish, to its red-clay hillsides that give a hint of color to an otherwise difficult existence, the Mississippi Delta to this day holds Pam's heart. Pam graduated from Shaw high school in 1988 and enrolled in Rust College, one of Mississippi's oldest and most prestigious colleges for African-Americans. Pam pledged to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, the first inter-collegiate Greek-letter sorority established for Black college. Pam graduated from Rust College in 1994 with a degree in Broadcasting Mass Communication, and returned to the Delta, degree in hand, with her heart set on making a difference close to home. She landed her first television job at Greenville's WXVT where she worked as a Production Assistant and then later moved to the Newsroom. She eventually went to work for WXVT's competitor, WABG, where she worked her way up from Assignment Manager to ultimately News Director, a position she's held for 10 years. Her notoriety as Mississippi's first female African-American News Director also convinced the state legislators to dedicate a portion of Highway 61 in her honor and to proclaim January 18th as Pam Chatman Day. In addition to leading a winning news team, Pam is a tireless community volunteer and advocate for teens and young women. She's also a motivational speaker, teaching women of all ages to accept and appreciate their uniqueness within the human race. She especially has a big heart for women who have come from small rural communities and are victims of abuse and drugs. Yes, Pam Chatman is indeed a woman of firsts: the first to volunteer when there's a need; the first to offer comfort when someone is hurting; a first-class example of what a little faith and a lot of love can accomplish. Pam also has a Mentoring, Consulting and Training Organization; the organization believes that every person you meet is a Diamond in the Rough. The organization provides workshops to educate and empower teens to get an education; strive for success; and to let no one define their dreams or destiny. The organization provides food and clothing to needy families. Once a month Pam herself does random acts of kindness where she pays for people's groceries or their utility bill. Yes, she is a servant determined to impact everyone she meets in life with a smile or an act of kindness. The organization has a doll called the PChat Doll that has a curriculum that comes along with it to teach young girls to love the skin they're in as well to deter bullying. The focus of the curriculum is Character Education, Literacy and Parental Involvement. Pam does consultant work for the Mississippi Department of Education Federal 21-Century Program's after school projects. In addition, Pam is also an entrepreneur. Pam has a cosmetics and spa line to enhance women of color and beauty called ``Boss Lady PChatman'' which was developed to assist in healing the totality of a woman from her inner beauty to her outer beauty. Pam loves to help women break the chain of hurt and pain. So, she wrote a monologue gospel play entitled ``Lord Show Me How to Heal My Scars''. The play allows women from all walks of life to share their story through testimonials and songs. Pam is the daughter of Louise Henry and the late Joseph Henry and has three siblings: Joseph, Jr., III; Evelyn and special niece Karris Henry, which she is assisting her family in raising. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing News Director, Actor, Motivational Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist who has been instrumental in magnifying strides of America's black history.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mr. Eddie Williams, Sr. Before joining the clergy nearly 35 years ago, the Rev. Eddie Williams, Sr. already was a trailblazer in the Port City and had dedicated his life to helping others. Born July 21, 1931, on Dent Street, in Greenville, Mississippi, Mr. Williams would go on to become his native city's first black radio announcer. He attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and Coleman High School before continuing his education at the Greenville Industrial College. After graduating, Williams in 1951 enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a medic in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1953 and briefly lived in Detroit where, he said, he first saw a somewhat integrated world. ``It was a northern city, so it was definitely better there.'' Williams said, ``At the time here, we had black and white waiting rooms.'' Still, Williams returned to his hometown and went to work at the newly opened Greenville Mill. In 1958, Williams switched careers, hiring on with the new community radio station WESY as its public relations director, which put him on the air. As an on-air personality, Williams guided Delta residents through the Civil Rights movement, from the sit-ins by college students in Montgomery, Ala., the March on Washington to the Magnolia State's own Freedom Summer in 1964 and the integration of Mississippi schools in 1970. ``At that time, Dr. (Martin Luther) King was working, and I would do everything Dr. King was doing,'' Williams said. ``He was fighting for us, for the right to vote, and I was trying to keep our people informed of what was going on. When I got the news, I would hit the air with it.'' Through his post at WESY, Williams became active in community affairs and won numerous civic commendations, including the Elks Serene Lodge No. 567's Outstanding Citizen Award in 1973 and its Man of Year award in 1974. In 1975, Williams was included in the annual Who's Who Among Black Americans and made the list of Community Leaders and Noteworthy Americans of 1976. In 1980, after nearly three decades with WESY, Williams embarked on a spiritual journey and became pastor of Greater Springfield MB Church. ``The radio was entertaining and fun, but the church is a completely different thing,'' he said. ``I feel like I was led to help people become the people that God would have us all to be.'' In 1989, Williams became the pastor at Victory Temple Baptist Church on Alexander Street, where he has been since. For the past two years, he has told his parishioners about the rich history of current and former black ``Green-villians'' and urges the next generations to build on those achievements. ``Certainly we have made progress, but we still have a long way to go, and we've all got to work toward that goal,'' he said. ``All of us, particularly black people, have got to put more effort into getting to where we need to be. We need to have more than Black History Month and start having Black History days and Black History years.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Eddie Williams, Sr. for his dedication to serving others and giving back to the African American community.