Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a philanthropic and blues musician in his own rights, Mr. Bobby Rush, born Emmit Ellis, Jr.; however he prefers to be called ``Bobby Rush'' in a one syllable pronunciation. The decision to change his name came simply out of respect for his father, Pastor Emmit Ellis, Sr.; because Emmit Ellis, Jr. wanted to be a Blues entertainer. I could talk only about his career as a Blues artist and leave out the humanitarian side of Bobby Rush but I would be, as my mother used to say ``short changing,'' him. Blues is his ``love'', but his compassion is people. Bobby Rush started singing at an early age, around six, when he made his first instrument, a guitar, out of a broom. He started entertaining around ten years old, and formed his first band around age thirteen. Here are three eyebrow raising interesting facts about Bobby Rush. One, with his father being the pastor of perhaps at least two churches, he never sang in the choir but he certainly sang from his seat. Second, although his parents were devout church goers and gospel listeners, they never discouraged Bobby Rush from singing and performing the Blues. And, they never saw him perform but he said, ``Every time I went home they had all my music already so I'm sure they kept up with me.'' And third, in getting started he often would role play himself performing and entertaining. Trying to mimic after other entertainers, he would ask his uncle about who was old enough to visit the clubs and watch them perform. He said he would add his own personal touch, of course. Many people may not be aware of this but in 1951 he recorded his first song with Chess Records. Not only was he making history at Chess Records with other artists like Bo Diddly, Buddy Guy, Jimmy Rogers, Lowell Fulson, Memphis Slim, and others but he actually broke the color barrier around 1951 or 1952 when he became the first black entertainer to play on Bourbon Street on Chicago's Southside. As a teenager, in 1953, he moved to Chicago with his family and began performing on the local blues scene. He also formed his own band. But it was in the 1970s when his career really started to take off with his first hit ``Chicken Heads'' on the Galaxy Record label. Bobby Rush has sold over 259 records on the Southern ``Chitlin' Circuit.'' Bobby Rush, like all other southern blues artist, could take a life- time telling stories about the highs and lows of his career. I'm sure he can tell you about how he faced racial issues, menial pay, his efforts to break the color barriers while out on tour in order to make a living so he could provide for his family, and even the disparaging work conditions he endured, to say the least. Nevertheless, this veteran of the Blues has definitely established a name for himself among such great entertainers as, BB King, Howlin' Wolf, Solomon Burke, Ike and Tina Turner, Muddy Waters, Bobby Blue Bland, Etta James, Red Foxx, Otis Rush, Little Milton, Dick Gregory, and Sammy Davis, Jr. And by the way, many of these he performed with and apprenticed under as well. He has sang in night clubs, at festivals, at charity events, and in concert halls all over the world-- Chicago, Cleveland and Clarksdale Mississippi, Detroit, the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Poland, Japan, China, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Canada just to name a few places--and he is still traveling the world and performing. In an interview back in the 90s with Stanley Booth, he said, ``Until a few years ago, nobody knew I exist. Not really. I'm probably the only one livin' who have did as well as I've done, and nobody know nothin' about me.'' One of the reasons is because Bobby Rush has always been his own manager, never taking on anyone to manage him, answering his own phone calls, and booking his own shows and then showing up to perform--no imposter there! When I asked him about that comment, he said, ``I'm just a Blues singer, I am just I am, the people's Blues singer. I never wanted to get too high where they couldn't reach me but I wanted to be high enough to be able to help them.'' After a lifetime of achievement, in April 2000, the Mississippi Senate passed Resolution 43 honoring Bobby Rush for his musical career. Then in 2003, he started his own record label, Deep Rush, on which he cut his CD ``Undercover Lover'' while performing live at club Ground Zero in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He is also the owner of Rush Productions, Inc. Also in 2003, he was featured in Richard Pearce's documentary film ``The Road to Memphis,'' which was part of the Martin Scorsese's film series ``The Blues.'' His awards and recognitions include but are not limited to: Best Live Performer of the Year, Best Blues Entertainer of the Year, Best Soul/Blues Album of the Year, and the James Brown Heritage Award. Mr. Bobby Rush is still breaking barriers in the last decade because he has finally crossed over to white audiences; race is not the face of entertaining any longer but rather--whether or not the artist is good at what he does, and that he is. Like he said back in the 90s, nobody knew he existed a few years earlier. But, I want to help make sure people know there is more to Bobby Rush than a Blues song. I stated earlier, ``Blues is his ``love'', but his compassion is people.'' Throughout his career, he has met people with circumstances that have reminded him of himself. For example, at one time in his Blues career he was too poor to afford health insurance, so as a result, his wife and three children died of sickle cell anemia. So, because of that he is always giving to support sickle cell anemia research. Blues in the Schools Program is a program he started because he wanted to help the Blues stay alive through our children! You can certainly make a living singing the Blues and be able to help someone in the process. Computers in Schools is another program he supports; once, he donated all the proceeds from an event to buy thousands of dollars worth of computers for West Tallahatchie County School District in Tallahatchie County, MS. And his humanitarian journey continues. Bobby Rush travels the country putting on a pulse racing--finger popping Annual Red White and Blues Jam for Veterans. He mentors other artists, just like Albert King, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Little Milton took him under their wings and mentored him as a teenager. And if that's not enough, he is always offering to perform at charity events to help small communities raise money throughout the Delta. So, after migrating from his birthplace in Homer, Louisiana, after getting an early start on his Blues career when he moved to Chicago in 1953, and recording his first number one hit eighteen years later in 1971, with six decades of singing the Blues, Bobby Rush has settled on his Mississippi roots in Jackson, Mississippi in 1983. His great- grandmother and grandfather were from Jackson, Mississippi. And I am glad to be working on his behalf as well. When Bobby Rush is not out of state touring or participating in a charity event, you just might catch him performing for fun and entertainment a local night club somewhere in Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a humanitarian and blues musician from the Second Congressional District of Mississippi, Mr. Bobby Rush.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a woman with an angelic voice, Bernita ``Bert'' Dixon. Bernita Dixon is a lifelong resident of Copiah County, Mississippi. She was born on October 14, 1952 in Georgetown, Mississippi to the late Rev. Earl Carver Dixon and Lena Mae Cathchings Dixon. She graduated from Holtzclaw Memorial High School in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. Bernita attended Utica Junior College in Utica, Mississippi where she majored in Pre-Nursing. She began singing at the early age of five. She would often sing at church, in the cotton field and any other place people would listen. She quickly became known for her strong voice. However, her stardom came with a price. She started to get tired of everyone wanting her to sing, so she blurted out; ``I'm tired of always having to sing''. Shortly thereafter Bernita was diagnosed with laryngitis and couldn't talk. She then prayed ``Lord, please give me back my voice, I will sing for you for the rest of my life''. Her voice returned more powerful and deeper than before. Later her brother decided to form a singing group with her and the rest of their siblings, ``The Dixon Singers''. The Dixon Singers have performed with several nationally known artists. Also, the Dixon Singers were the first group to ever record a double volume live album in the state of Mississippi. Bernita is married to Gene Robinson. She is the mother of three, Derrick, Kenmantel and the late Ronrico. Bernita has worked as the Office Manager at Dixon Body & Auto Sales, Inc. in Hazlehurst, Mississippi since 1993. She is a member of New Hope M. B. Church in Georgetown, Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Bernita ``Bert'' Dixon for her dedication and desire to share her voice with us.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a blues musician and legend of the Mississippi Delta, Mr. Willie ``Sonny Boy'' Williamson. Mr. Speaker, the ``Blues'' is not just a song, it's a story about hard times and frustration put to musical rhymes and rhythms; it's a means to an end. The Blues was influenced by field hollers, religious hymns of hope, and even dance. So let me share a blues story with you through the life of Mr. Willie ``Sonny Boy'' Williamson. If you happen to hear the names, Alex ``Rice'' Miller, Sonny Boy Williamson number 2, Sonny Boy Williamson the second, Willie Miller, Sonny Boy Miller, or Little Boy Blue, just know that it's the same Willie ``Sonny Boy'' Williamson of Tallahatchie County, Mississippi. His birth given name however, is Alex Miller. There are different reports circulating about when Sonny Boy was born. The dates in question are 1897, December 5, 1899, March 11, 1908, and December 5, 1912. He was born on the Sara Jones Plantation near Glendora, Mississippi. Nevertheless, it was not until 1941 that he began to assume the name of ``Sonny Boy'' Williamson when Max Moore, owner of Interstate Grocer Company's King Biscuit Flour business, started calling him by that name in order to promote the show. Although researchers and historians alike have debated important dates and events surrounding his life, one thing they all agree upon is that he is a son of the Mississippi Delta blues, a self taught harmonica player, and a legendary blues singer and song writer. He began playing the guitar and harmonica at the early age of five. Sonny Boy's stepfather and mother, Jim and Millie Miller, never discouraged him from playing his blues music or his instruments. Mississippi was a very implacable place for blacks in the 1900s with the Great Depression, the Civil Rights Movement, efforts to pass life changing legislations, and when cotton pickers were paid about forty cents a day per one hundred pounds of cotton picked. The blues music was filled with lyrics about those times, bad luck, hope, and memories experienced or seen by the blues artist. Unrelenting beats accompanied the lyrics of the songs as the artist told their story. In the early 1920's, Sonny Boy was a young man struggling to make a living, so he started performing in juke joints and night clubs throughout Mississippi and Arkansas under the name of Little Boy Blue. The pay was very meager or sometimes there was no pay at all. By the 1930s he left a life of sharecropping and cotton picking in Tallahatchie County and started becoming a familiar voice and blues artist on the local circuits. He played on the street corners, at church socials, fish fry's, and anywhere he could attract a crowd, sometimes getting paid. Sonny Boy made friends with other blues artists like Big Joe Williams, Elmore James, Joe Willie ``Pinetop'' Perkins, Robert Lockwood, Jr., and Robert Johnson. He was always looking for ways to entertain besides just singing, so he started doing what some might call impossible until they saw him do it--he would put his entire harmonica in his mouth and play it with no hands, wow, what a talent. The 1940s was just as entertaining and by now, Sonny Boy's blues future was beginning to take shape. In 1941 he was hired to play on the King Biscuit Time show where he did advertisement for King Biscuit Flour on a radio station (KFFA) in Helena, Arkansas. The sponsors thought he would be perfect to advertise King Biscuit Flour to the black audience King Biscuit wanted to reach. He partnered with fellow blues artist Robert Lockwood for this gig and they became known as the King Biscuit Boys. The show was limited in range, only reaching an audience within about a 50 miles radius. As a result, he quietly started doing radio shows in Little Rock Arkansas, and Belzoni, Mississippi, outside of the range of KFFA. Then in the late 1940s ICFFA extended its listening audience through WROX in Clarksdale, Mississippi in the late 1940s, which was far enough for Sonny Boy to reach the ears of young Riley King, known as B.B. King, over in Indianola, Mississippi. On Saturdays, the KFFA King Biscuit Entertainers would visit grocery stores performing on King Biscuit's flatbed truck throughout Northern Mississippi delta towns like Sardis and Clarksdale. In 1944, his picture appeared on Sonny Boy Corn Meal and he became a household name. Sonny Boy figured out he had a knack for the radio and he could make money doing it. So, he started his own KWEM radio show in 1948 until 1950. He moved to West Memphis, Arkansas in 1949 to live with his sister and her husband, Howlin' Wolf; another blues legend from White Station, Mississippi. This was his golden opportunity where he brought along other struggling great blues artists before they were greats. These were friends like James Cotton, Houston Stackhouse, Elmore James, B.B. King, Arthur ``Big Boy'' Crudup, Robert Nighthawk and others to perform on the show. Sonny Boy finally got to record one of his many stories about the blues; it came in 1951 with his first single on Trumpet Records titled ``Eyesight to the Blind,'' where he was singing about a woman. Using the word ``good'' to describe him was not good enough; people often said that with this song he could make a blind man think he could see her. He was the primary artist for Trumpet Records. Henry and Lillian McMurry in Jackson, Mississippi were the owners. In 1955, he began recording for Chess Records in Chicago, Illinois after Trumpet Records went bankrupt. His years at Chess Records were his most successful in his career as a blues artist. In fact, he recorded about 70 songs from 1955 to 1964 for Checker Records, a subsidiary of Chess Records. In 1959 he finally got the opportunity to record a compilation of stories about the blues with his first LP record titled Down and Out Blues. It featured such hits as Dissatisfied, Your Funeral and My Trial, Don't Start Me to Talkin, and All My Love in Vain. In the 1960s, he toured Europe several times during the height of the British blues excitement; having much influence on the Blues music he recorded with The Yardbirds, Eric Clapton, guitarist Jimmy Page, The Animals, and even Mississippi Slim of Greenville. In the summer of 1964, he did a BBC TV show with jazz musician Chris Barber. He also recorded with Roland Kirk, another jazz musician, who could play three horns at the same time. It was reported in the Led Zeppelin biography that while in England, Sonny Boy accidently set his hotel room on fire while trying to cook a rabbit in a coffee percolator. Home sick for the Mississippi Delta area, the local blues circuit he started on, to see old friends, down home cooking and living, to hang out with new corners to the blues scene, and to play on KFFA again--all beginnings he wanted cash in for better endings, Willie ``Sonny Boy'' Williamson returned to Helena, Arkansas to live until his death in June 1965 from a heart attack. Sonny Boy Williamson was born on the Sara Jones Plantation near Glendora, Mississippi and buried on New Africa Road just outside of Tutwiler, Mississippi at the site of the former Whitman Chapel Cemetery. These towns are approximately 15 miles apart. His headstone was paid for and donated by Mrs. Lillian McMurray, owner of Trumpet Records, another one of his beginnings. Over the course of Sonny Boy Williamson's career, he recorded over 150 songs, from 1951 and 1965. He wrote and composed most of his own songs, many of which were recorded more than once. A musical prodigy in his own rights and style, he was able to make each performance unique and different through impromptu styles of arrangements, tempos and lyrics. Sonny Boy Williamson may have been characterized by a hip flask, British bowler sit'n high on his head cocked to the side, tailored made two-tone suits, a foul mouth, fast women, short tempered, and a grey goateed image, but don't forget about the characterization of his musical ability. He was highly original with his own signature harmonica style and vocal gift for moaning out a rich blues saga. Just as I stated earlier, there is no doubt about it, he had the blues. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Willie ``Sonny Boy'' Williamson, a world renowned blues legend and artist from the Mississippi Delta. He is truly worthy to be recognized.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Ms. Eddie M. (Thompson) McCord was born in Lake Providence, Louisiana. She graduated from Monticello High School in 1989. She then attended and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Alcorn State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. While at Alcorn, she also joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She later graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Master of Education Degree in K-12 Educational leadership. Ms. McCord began her career as an educator in the Vicksburg-Warren School District, teaching fifth grade. She later relocated to East Tallahatchie School District and served as a teacher of first and second grade students and eventually the assistant principal. The desire for professional growth then led her to West Tallahatchie School District where she served as Assistant Principal of R.H. Bearden Elementary School for three years and later became the Principal. After serving as the Principal at R.H. Bearden, she became the Principal at West Tallahatchie High School for two years. Currently, she is the Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for the West Tallahatchie School District. Ms. McCord has been an asset to the West Tallahatchie School District because of the relationships she has developed with local stakeholders and throughout Tallahatchie County serving in various capacities in both West Tallahatchie School District and East Tallahatchie School District. She has been involved in initiatives and partnerships that have been critical to meeting the educational needs of school-age children in surrounding communities. These partnerships include collaborative professional development sessions between elementary school teachers and Head Start teachers. As a result of this collaboration, more students are entering kindergarten ready to learn at the necessary academic level. Additionally, she was instrumental in securing the district in-house GED Option Program which assists students who have academic deficiencies in meeting the requirements necessary for obtaining their general education diploma.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a gospel singing group, The Christian Harmonizers. They were organized in the late 1980s by Jerome Williams along with Bobby Bailey and Ellison Brown. The group began to grow over the years, adding such singers as Thomas Murray, Larry Thompson, Jerry Davis, Ronnie Polk, Calvin Harris, Frank McGriggs, Jr., Xavier Hampton, Frank Curtis, Maurice Buck, and the late Sherman King, Sr., who sang with the group for over 22 years, and Antoine Eakins, who sang with them for over 17 years. The current members of the group are Elder Frank Curtis, Elder Antoine Eakins, Bobby Bailey, and of course, the founder and organizer, Jerome Williams. In the earlier years, the late Walter Griffin and the late Robert Moore served as the group's teachers and advisors. In 1988, the Christian Harmonizers recorded popular songs such as ``Consideration'' and ``Don't Doubt the Lord'' which were penned by Jerome Williams. Their current album is ``30 Years Live'' which is comprised of 10 songs and features two of Williams' originals: ``Someday'' and ``Grateful.'' The remaining tracks of the album were rearranged by Jerome Williams. The Harmonizers are known worldwide for their performances and have shared the stage with such great gospel artists as: Lucille Polk & Pearly Gates, the Jackson Southernaires, The Angelic Gospel Singers, The Swanee Quintet, the Sensational Nightingales, Debra Snipes, Ronica & The Blazing Stars, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Willie Banks & The Messengers, the Canton Spirituals, and Gold City. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring The Christian Harmonizers, a Mississippi gospel singing group.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of the best blues pianists known, Mr. Joe Willie ``Pinetop'' Perkins. Pinetop was born Joe Willie Perkins in Belzoni, Mississippi, on July 7, 1913. Pinetop dropped out of school after the third grade. He taught himself the rudiments of blues guitar on a homemade instrument called a diddley bow: a length of wire stretched between nails driven into a wall. He began entertaining at dances and house parties at age 10 and soon learned to play the piano as well. While still in his teens he left Mississippi and traveled to Chicago. But he came back to Mississippi and didn't decide to make Chicago his home until the 1950s. He worked primarily in the Mississippi Delta throughout the 1930s and '40s, spending three years with Sonny Boy Williamson on the King Biscuit Time radio show on KFFA in Helena, Arkansas. Pinetop also toured extensively with slide guitar player Robert Nighthawk. After briefly working with B.B. King in Memphis, Pinetop ``barnstormed'' the South with Earl Hooker during the early '50s. The pair completed a session for Sam Phillips' famous Sun Records in 1953. It was at this session that he recorded his version of ``Pinetop's Boogie Woogie,'' a song originally written and recorded by pianist Clarence ``Pinetop'' Smith--the influential blues pianist who died from a gunshot wound at age 24 in 1929. Willie Perkins was already being referred to as ``Pinetop'' when he played on King Biscuit in the '40s, but it was his sensational version of this song that secured him the lifelong nickname of ``Pinetop.'' Pinetop Perkins started out playing guitar and piano at house parties and honky-tonks. In the 1940s, he had to drop the guitar due to an encounter with an outraged chorus girl in a Helena, Arkansas, nightspot when she knifed him, leaving him with severed tendons in his left arm. That dashed his guitar aspirations, but Pinetop came back strong from the injury, concentrating solely on piano from that point on. Pinetop is known for holding down the piano chair in the great Muddy Waters Band for twelve years during the pinnacle of Muddy's career. Replacing Otis Spann in 1969, Pinetop helped shape the Waters sound and anchored Muddy's memorable combo throughout the '70s with his brilliant piano solos. In 1980, Pinetop and other members of Muddy's crew struck out on their own and formed the Legendary Blues Band--a group that recorded two records for Rounder and toured extensively, culling several Grammy nominations. After being labeled a sideman for most of his career, Pinetop eventually left the Legendary Blues Band to concentrate on solo work. Within two years, he had cut his first domestic record as a frontman and pursued an ambitious tour schedule. He was featured on several nationally syndicated news and music programs, and appeared in numerous movie productions and TV and radio ads. The great irony of Pinetop's career is that he didn't blossom as a headliner until his eighth decade on the blues scene--a phenomenon that resulted in the release of 15 solo records in 15 years, beginning in 1992. On his 1998 release, ``Legends,'' Pinetop collaborated with master blues guitarist Hubert Sumlin. Together, they blended the traditional Delta blues sound with modern electric blues rock, showcasing the spirit and energy of the music. ``Born in the Delta'' and ``Legends'' were both nominated for Grammy Awards--in 1997 and 2000 respectively. This was followed by a 2005 Grammy nomination for ``Ladies Man,'' released by MC Records. That same year, he was also presented with a lifetime achievement award at the Grammys. Aside from his well-deserved Grammy recognition, Pinetop also received a National Heritage Fellowship in 2000 from the National Endowment for the Arts. He has been featured in the documentary ``Piano Blues,'' directed by Clint Eastwood for the Martin Scorsese PBS series, ``The Blues.'' In addition, he continued to win the Blues Music Award for best blues piano every year until 2003, when he was retired from the running and the award was renamed the Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year. In 2007, he was still on the road at 94 years old; Pinetop Perkins' unique life was chronicled in Peter Carlson's biographical documentary DVD, ``Born in the Honey,'' which includes a live CD with a rare studio outtake track. ``Pinetop Perkins and Friends'' released on Telarc, an independent classical recording company that crosses over to include blues and even jazz music. In that release by Telarc in the summer of 2008, Pinetop was positioned in the midst of several high-profile guests--all of whom have been influenced by his music in some way or another over the past several decades. Included on Pinetop's list of Friends were such luminaries as Eric Clapton, B.B. King and Jimmy Vaughan. His latest recording is ``Joined at the Hip,'' a collaborative project with Willie ``Big Eyes'' Smith, released in June 2010. Pinetop also received a Grammy in 2010 for this collaborative project with Willie ``Big Eyes'' Smith for Best Traditional Blues CD. Pinetop passed away on March 21, 2011, at the age of 97. When he passed away, he still had performances lined up for the year. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Joseph Willie ``Pinetop'' Perkins, a great blues legend from Mississippi's Second Congressional District.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Mrs. Doris Steen Ivy. Mrs. Ivy has proven to be a woman of tenacity, dedication, and compassion. She is a resident of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, but was raised in the town of Anguilla. In 1972, Mrs. Ivy obtained her Bachelors of English degree from Mississippi Valley State University and later received her Master's of Science from Jackson State University in 1979. After graduating from Jackson State University, Doris began teaching English for the South Delta School District in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, where she served as a Department Chair. From 1992-1993, Mrs. Ivy taught English Composition I and II as an adjunct professor at Mary Holmes Junior College in West Point, Mississippi, and served as a Mississippi Teacher's Accountability Instrument Evaluator. Doris served as an ACT protector for twenty-two years and Drug-Free and Safety facilitator for South Delta High School for fourteen years as well as advisor for the South Delta High School peer counseling program. This program was able to provide food and inspirational services to members of the elderly community in Rolling Fork. In 2011, Mrs. Ivy furthered her commitment to literacy by becoming certified as a Library Media Specialist. She is the wife of Mr. Sammie Ivy; to their union they have two children, Stephanie and Steven. Mrs. Ivy is a faithful member of Chapel of the Cross Church, where she has served as secretary for over thirty years. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join us in recognizing Mrs. Doris Steen Ivy for her unwavering commitment to serving as a role model and educator for the children of the South Delta School District.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable blues artist, Mr. Tyrone Davis. Tyrone Davis was born as Tyrone Fettson on May 4, 1938, in Greenville, Mississippi. Through his blues career, he was first known as Tyrone the Wonder Boy, then later as Tyrone Davis. Tyrone moved with his father to Saginaw, Michigan, before relocating to Chicago, Illinois in 1959. He then became a valet/chauffeur for blues singer Freddie King. He befriended the likes of Bobby ``Blue'' Bland, Little Milton, and Otis Clay, among others, and began to pursue his own singing career in the clubs on the city's West and South Sides. While working for King, he started singing in local clubs where he was discovered by record executive/musician Harold Burrage. This became the start of his career as a blues singer called ``Tyrone the Wonder Boy''. His records for small labels under ``Tyrone the Wonder Boy'' did not bring him much success. In 1968, a successful Chicago record producer Carl Davis signed him to a new label, Dakar Records, that he was starting as part of a distribution deal with Atlantic, and suggested that he use the stage name Tyrone Davis. A Texas DJ flipped his first release over and started playing the B-side, ``Can I Change My Mind.'' Teamed with producer/arranger Willie Henderson, who masterminded ``Can I Change My Mind'', Tyrone Davis capitalized on his breakthrough with a string of orchestrated hits that emphasized his new, smoother style, and helped point the way for Chicago soul into a new decade. ``Is It Something You've Got'' reached the R&B Top Five in 1969, and it was followed in 1970 by the sublime ``Turn Back the Hands of Time.'' It was his second R&B number one, and also his biggest hit on the pop charts with a peak at number three. Tyrone Davis hit the R&B Top 40 with steady regularity over the next few years, including the Top Tens . ``Could I Forget You,'' ``I Had It All the Time,'' ``Without You in My Life,'' and ``There It Is.'' In 1975, he scored his third number one R&B hit with ``Turning Point,'' but left Dakar for Columbia the following year. Tyrone Davis' ballad mastery was a main selling point for Columbia, which made his backing orchestrations even lusher than before, but he also made the occasional concession to contemporary dance trends, which informed his debut Columbia hit ``Give It Up'' a number two R&B single from 1976. Further successes followed in ``This I Swear'' (1977), ``Get On Up'' (1978), and the slinky ballad ``In the Mood'' (1979). Tyrone Davis recorded his final album for Columbia in 1981, then switched to Highrise, where he promptly landed a Top Five R&B hit--his last, as it turned out--with ``Are You Serious'' in 1982. Short stints with Ocean- Front and Prelude followed before Tyrone Davis settled in with Future for the latter half of the 1980s. He spent the first half of the 1990s on retro-soul label Ichiban, recording several albums, and then moved to Southern soul imprint Malaco in 1996 for an equally productive stay that lasted into the new millennium. Tyrone Davis continued to release new albums every year or two, and toured the soul/blues circuit as restlessly as ever. Tyrone Davis suffered a stroke in October of 2004 and remained hospitalized until his death in February of 2005. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Tyrone Davis, a great blues legend from Mississippi's Second Congressional District.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable young woman, Ms. Sylvia Jones. Sylvia was raised in Belzoni, Mississippi, by her parents, Marvin and Timaka Jones. Sylvia has always strived for excellence. Her committed determination has earned her the Principal Scholar awards. Her high school grade point average is 3.70, putting her at the top of Humphreys County High School Class of 2012, and earning her the title of Valedictorian. Sylvia has worked hard and has been active in different sports and organizations since she was in elementary school. During her high school years, she played basketball and served as a leader among her peers. She also played, softball, tennis, and ran track, which led to many athletic awards including the Coach's Award, Best Offensive Player, member of the All-District team throughout the Delta, and named the #2 player in the Delta. Sylvia is a member of the Senior Beta Club, Student Council Association, and Students Making a Change (SMAC). In August 2012, Sylvia plans to attend Jackson State University and major in Mathematics. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Sylvia Jones for her determination and strive for excellence in education and leadership.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a resourceful and ambitious woman, Mrs. Norma Sias. Mrs. Sias is a living testament to what can be done through hard work, perseverance and dedication. Born July 24, 1943 to parents Leodis and Ukele York in Leona, Mississippi, Mrs. Sias is a graduate of Jordan High School in Carthage, Mississippi and current resident of Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Norma obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Literature in 1966 from Jackson State University after which she began teaching at Henry Weathers High School in Rolling Fork. After four years of teaching English, Mrs. Sias became Librarian at Henry Weathers in 1970 and then later returned to Jackson State University to continue her studies in Library Science. After completing her work at Jackson State University, Norma then ventured on to receive her Masters in Library Science from Delta State University, to shortly thereafter become Librarian of Anguilla High School, until she retired after 34 years of service in 2004. In addition to her work as Librarian, Mrs. Sias serves as the president of the South Delta Retired Education Personnel office, secretary of the Issaquena Credit Union and secretary of St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church. She is also an active member of Vicksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. where she continues to work as a civil servant, participating in countless public service activities. Mrs. Norma Sias has been married to Mr. Melvin Sias for 41 years to their union they have one daughter, Melanie. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Norma Sias for her dedication to serving our great her community and Sharkey County Schools.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable gospel singer, Karen Davis. M. Davis was raised in a musical home in Mound Bayou, Mississippi by her parents Ms. Betsy Jackson and the late Joseph Jackson. Her mother a pianist has a gospel group called the Jackson Starlets formerly known as the Jackson Starters. At the age of 3 years old, Ms. Davis began singing in Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church choir and also at rehearsals with her mother's group. Ms. Davis was active in music classes in junior high and high school where she played the piano and sang with the school choir. After marrying Mr. Terry Davis and moving to Shelby, Mississippi, she expanded her gospel singing and piano expertise by becoming Choir Director at Mount Layton Missionary Baptist Church in Ruleville, Mississippi, and Mount Moriah Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Ms. Davis has been a pianist for various churches and receives many invitations to sing at numerous Christian and civic events. Ms. Davis' family lineage includes renowned blues legend Nellie ``Tiger'' Travis. Her ten siblings, Jorgen, Clinton, Patricia, Audrey, Debra, Metra, Glynis, Almeta, Sonya and Bethina all sing and play the piano. Ms. Davis believes gospel music is a ministry because it ministers to the soul of people. She has received many accolades from congregations and people who are fortunate to hear her sing. Her daughters, Sharita, Sharlette and Simone have developed a love for gospel music. Sharita sings alongside her mother at events and sings as a soloist. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Karen Davis as an inspirational gospel singer.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable group, The Kaiser Singers. The Kaiser Singers have become a household name for many. Their music has stirred the spirits and hearts of music lovers both young and old. The group was formed in 1968 by Mrs. Beatrice Kaiser and her daughters, Annie, Hattie and Estella. They had no idea that this would be the beginning of a lifelong inspiration. The group's early years of singing was done mostly in churches around their hometown of Yazoo City, Mississippi. During those years they sang a cappella, learning to make sweet harmony with their voices. After their first year of singing, the group was joined by Mrs. Kaiser's sister, Francine, and then later by her youngest daughter, Linda. In the early 70's, Ms. Diane Jones and Ms. Christine Burns joined the Kaiser Singers for a short while and Ms. Jones became the group's first musician. Several years later Mrs. Kaiser's son, Mr. Walter Ross, and a friend, Mr. Jamel Barley, joined the group as their musicians for a few months. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Kaiser Singers.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a Gospel Singers' Group, The Fayette Spiritual Aires. In 1975, God gave Jimmy Jackson a vision to organize a gospel quartet group, which he named ``The Fayette Spiritual Aires''. Throughout the years, this group has touched many lives and led many to Christ through its singing ministry. The Fayette Spiritual Aires has been blessed to do three professional recordings: In 1986, 1992 and their latest album in 2009. Jimmy Jackson, the founder of this group, served as manager and lead singer until his sudden death in 2002. The group is currently managed by James E. Oliver and the supporting members are: Erma Clark, Carlton Brown, Ellison Brown, Freddie Blanton, Adrick Hunter, Kendrick Hunter, Derrick Varnado, Dwayne Thompson and James Jones. Fred Hunter is a former member of this group and one of the first promoters of professional gospel quartet groups in Southwest Mississippi. Other members of the group that have departed life and left us with their memories are: the late Rev. David White, Moses Turner and Roosevelt Buie who were all dedicated to the Fayette Spiritual Aires. This group has been inspired by personal performances with other professional gospel groups and has traveled to many cities throughout the United States performing their ministry through gospel singing. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring The Fayette Spiritual Aires, a Mississippi Gospel Singing Group.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers. If the gentleman from Illinois has no more speakers, then I am prepared to close.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, on this day above all others, we turn our thoughts to those who were lost in the tragic events of 9/11. It is unfortunate that the House has missed the opportunity today to consider noncontroversial Homeland Security legislation introduced by both Democrats and Republicans, thus showing that on 9/11 we put partisan politics aside and focused on doing the right thing. Before closing, I would like to extend my congratulations to the gentleman from Illinois, Representative Walsh, for having bills on the floor for consideration for the first time today. I suspect that he is as surprised as I am that one of his first bills to reach the floor was proposed to Congress by the Obama administration. With that, Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of this proposal from the Obama administration, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6028, the No-Hassle Flying Act of 2012, and yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, while I support the legislation we are considering today, I'm concerned that on this, the anniversary of the terrorist attack of September 11, we are not considering a bipartisan package of legislation. On this day, 11 years ago, our country was attacked and came together like never before to face the immense challenges of rebuilding and restructuring our security systems. With the creation of the 9/11 Commission, the Transportation Security Administration and, ultimately, the Department of Homeland Security, we demonstrated that homeland security is an American issue, not a partisan one. Why then, I must ask, are we not considering a bipartisan package of legislative proposals that have previously received the unanimous support of the Committee on Homeland Security? Why is this bill, which never received committee consideration, being put on the House floor ahead of H.R. 1165, the Transportation Security Administration Ombudsman Act? That bill, introduced by Representative Jackson Lee, received the unanimous support of the Committee on Homeland Security. Despite that, it has sat idle on the Union Calendar for over 10 months. Why are we not considering H.R. 6328, a thoughtful proposal introduced by Representative Hochul that would require TSA to transfer unclaimed clothing found at security checkpoints to veterans in need? With the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that were fought in the aftermath of 9/11 over and coming to an end, respectively, I could think of no more appropriate legislation for this body to consider today than a bill aimed at supporting our veterans. Mr. Speaker, I support the bill we are considering today because it is a commonsense proposal that will make air travel more convenient for a select few and has the potential to enhance efficiencies. When we can eliminate duplicative screening without compromising security, I will lend my support. Accordingly, I support this legislation that the Obama administration proposed and the gentleman from Illinois, Representative Walsh introduced. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield for as much time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, on this day, above all others, we turn our thoughts to those who were lost in the tragic events of 9/11. It is unfortunate that the Republican leadership of the House has decided not to continue this body's tradition of considering a resolution to commemorate first responders, the victims of the attack, and members of the Armed Forces serving at home and abroad. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in calling for the consideration of a 9/11 resolution, and in support of H.R. 3857. H.R. 3857 authorizes funds critical to ensuring our Nation's transportation systems are secure. It does so to the tune of $400 million, dollars that State and local jurisdictions desperately need. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to the gentlelady from Houston, Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3857, the Public Transit Security and Local Law Enforcement Support Act, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. As the President stated in his weekly address, the anniversary of 9/ 11 is a time to honor and commemorate first responders, the victims of the attacks, and the members of the Armed Forces serving at home and abroad. It's unfortunate that the Republican majority has decided to discontinue the House's tradition of doing just that by considering a resolution honoring the fallen and commending our Nation's bravest on this date. For years, majority leaders of both parties have introduced and scheduled consideration of a 9/11 resolution. Surely, if the House has the time to consider the 32 bills scheduled for consideration on the suspension calendar this week, it has the time to commemorate our Nation's first responders, the victims of 9/11, and our troops by considering a resolution doing just that. Even if some politicians would prefer not to mention it, our Nation is still at war with Afghanistan. Our troops are still in harm's way, a half a world away, fighting a war that was the direct result of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Accordingly, I would urge the Republican leadership of the House to reconsider their decision to forego consideration of a 9/11 resolution this day. As to the legislation under consideration today, I support this bill that, thanks to an amendment offered by Representative Jackson Lee during committee consideration, authorizes $400 million for the Transit Security Grant Program. The Transit Security Grant Program provides funds to State and local jurisdictions that need help keeping their transportation systems secure. As State and local budgets continue to face the strain of recovering from the economic collapse that occurred during the previous administration, we have a responsibility to ensure that they have the funding needed to build and sustain the capacity to protect against a terrorist attack. As amended, H.R. 3857 does just that. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable 22-year-old young man from Shaw, Mississippi. Jacques Alexander Marquis Matthews has answered the call of duty to his country and is currently serving as an active soldier in the Mississippi National Guard stationed in Afghanistan. Specialist Matthews comes from a lineage filled with military servicemen and women. His paternal grandfather, Mr. William Carter, is a Vietnam Veteran who served in the United States Air Force; his maternal uncle, Mr. James Attaway, served in the United States Marines; and his mother, Ramona Matthews, had just enlisted in the United States Army when she learned she was pregnant with her first child, Jacques. Specialist Matthews was raised in a single parent home by his mother, Ramona, along with his two younger brothers, Chauncey and Malik. Specialist Matthews understood the pain of his mother as she struggled to provide for them and the reproach of his grandparents, William and Alicestean Carter and Susie Matthews. As his mother's oldest child, much was expected of him and he wanted to fulfill those expectations. But like many other young men, what appears to be quick and easy was tempting. And sometimes he was prey to those temptations. In fact he said and I quote, ``my mother was more determined than me--for me to succeed. So, she snatched me from that wrong path and told me my life had three paths it could take and I had to choose one right then, college, military, or she was going to commit a homicide and that's all I needed to know. Needless to say, I chose the military.'' Mr. Speaker, Specialist Matthews has a litany of highlights during his military career including: 2008 Year. Specialist Matthews enlisted in the Mississippi National Guard. August 2008-October 2008. Specialist Matthews did his basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. October 2008. Specialist Matthews completed his basic training. He was recognized during graduation for having scored a perfect 300 on the physical fitness portion of the training. July 10, 2010-July 31, 2010. Specialist Matthews was a member of the 2089th Vertical Company, 223rd Engineer Battalion. He received the Army Achievement Medal for his Superior and Unflagging Support of his unit. November 6, 2010. Specialist Matthews was honored with the Commanders Award for scoring 297 on the Annual Army Physical Fitness Test while he was a member of the 223rd Engineer Battalion. November 7, 2010. Specialist Matthews while in the 168th Engineer Brigade received the Silver Castle Challenge Certificate of Achievement for having completed the Army Physical Fitness test with a score of 297. He was recognized for distinguishing himself by his excellent conditioning. He is truly to be commended for the accomplishment and deserving of the recognition for his sacrifice and self-discipline. May 2011. Specialist Matthews was in the 2089th Vertical Construction Company when he was honored with the Army Meritorious Achievement Medal for his selfish service, loyalty and honor, dedication and integrity as an example for all to follow for his significant contribution to the success of his unit and the Mississippi Army National Guard. October 2011-November 2011. Specialist Matthews received the Meritorious Service Award in recognition of his superior physical ability during the annual training while assigned to Detachment 1 of the 2089th Vertical Construction Company. May 7, 2012. Specialist Matthews' unit, the 289th Vertical Construction Company, 223rd Engineer Battalion was activated to Afghanistan. I want Specialist Matthews' story to serve as a one of encouragement to those who think there is no hope for change and to those who prejudge someone because of their circumstances. Specialist Matthews has expressed great interest in building an exciting career in the military answering the call at home and abroad whenever and wherever he is needed. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Specialist Jacques Alexander Marquis Matthews, from the Second Congressional District of Mississippi, now serving as a member of the Mississippi National Guard currently stationed in Afghanistan. As he so proudly represents the United States, I too am proud to represent him as a Member of Congress. I wish him a continued rewarding military career and a safe return home to the United States.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. G. Torrie Jackson, Jr. He is a native of Jackson, Mississippi, and was born on October 11, 1968 to George T. Jackson, Sr. and the late Emma J. McDonald Jackson. Mr. Jackson holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Master's Degree in Education Administration from Jackson State University. Currently, Mr. Jackson is pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Education Administration from Mississippi State University. As an educator, Mr. Jackson taught social studies and coached for 8 years prior to moving on to the Mississippi Department of Education where he worked as an Education Specialist Senior in the Bureau of Evaluation and Enhancement. Administratively, Mr. Jackson served 3 years as Assistant Principal in the Canton Public School District, 2 years as Principal in the Holmes County School District, and 4 years in the Copiah County School District where he currently serves as principal of Crystal Springs High School. Mr. Jackson's passion for education comes from his parents and grandparents. His parents have dedicated over 60 years to the educational system in their community. Mr. Jackson's motto is, ``Education First! Students Always!'' His desire is that all students perform to their highest potential and become productive members of society. He is married to Dr. Debra Mays-Jackson, principal of Forest Hill High School. They live together in Terry, MS, along with their two sons Cameron, 14 years of age and Kendall, 11 years of age. Mr. Jackson has a strong Christian faith and seeks the Lord's guidance in every facet of his life. He believes that if it's God's will anything is possible. Mr. Jackson is a 24-year member of the U.S. Army Reserve/Mississippi Army National Guard, veteran of Operation Iraq Freedom, and also currently serves as the Executive Officer of the 8th/108th Transportation Battalion in Jackson, Mississippi where he holds the rank of Major. His Civic/Professional Organizations and Honors include: National Association Secondary School Principals, Mississippi Professional Educators, United States Army Officer Association, U.S. Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the U.S. Army Achievement Medal of Meritorious Service. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. G. Torrie Jackson, Jr. for his unwavering dedication to our country and the children of the State of Mississippi.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the honorable Mr. William Raspberry. Mr. Raspberry was born on October 12, 1935 to proud parents Mr. James Lee and Mrs. Willie Mae Raspberry. A native of Okolona, Mississippi, Mr. Raspberry has become a celebrated writer as a result of his commentary on social and political issues. Mr. Raspberry received his Bachelor's of Science Degree from Indiana Central College, now known as The University of Indianapolis, in 1958. After receiving his degree, he served as a public information officer with the United States Army from 1960 until 1962 at which time he began working at the Washington Post as a teletypist. In 1966, he was named as a columnist for the Washington Post. As a result to his exemplary contributions in literature, Mr. Raspberry was first nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in 1982 prior to receiving the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1994. Through his work with the Washington Post, Mr. Raspberry has dictated his strong opinions about the problems in American society. He has been noted for often writing about education, criminal justice, family, and racial matters in America. As a principal opinion on these particular issues, Mr. Raspberry has often been quoted in many different publications and has also been asked to speak at various conferences and seminars. In addition to providing a weekly column in the Washington Post, Mr. Raspberry has also served in other capacities throughout his lifetime. He served as a journalism instructor at Howard University from 1971- 1973; Member of the Board of Advisers, Poynter Institute for Media Studies, 1984; Member of the Board of Visitors, University of Maryland School of Journalism, 1985; television commentator for WTTG, Washington, DC, 1973-1975; Television Discussion Panelist, WRC-TV, Washington, DC, 1974-1975, and a Member of the Pulitzer Prize Board, 1979-1986. As of 2008, Mr. Raspberry has also served as the President of ``Baby Steps'', a parent training and empowerment program based in Okolona, Mississippi. He is also the author of Looking Backward at Us, a collection of his columns from the 1980s. Mr. Raspberry has also received honorary degrees from Georgetown University, University of Maryland, and the University of Indianapolis; he received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Colby College. He was also the Knight Professor of the Practice of Communications and Journalism at the Sanford Institute of Public Policy at Duke University. During his career, Mr. Raspberry has also served as a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, Capitol Press Club, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. On November 12, 1966, Mr. Raspberry married Sondra Patricia Dodson and together they had three children, Patricia, Angela, and Mark.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Dr. Beverly Wade Hogan. She was appointed as President of Tougaloo College in May 2002. Prior to being appointed as President of Tougaloo College in 2002, Dr. Hogan served in many capacities at the College. She was the College's interim president, vice president for Institutional Advancement, founding director of the Owens Health and Wellness Center, and executive assistant to the president. She served for ten years as the commissioner for the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission, four years as the executive director of the Governor's Office of Federal-State Programs, nine years as the executive director of the Mental Health Association in Hinds County and the state of Mississippi, respectively. She was once the adjunct instructor in Public Policy at Jackson State University and a frequent guest lecturer at the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University. Additionally, Dr. Hogan has been involved with employment and educational training programs in Denmark, Sweden, and West Germany in affiliation with the German Marshall Fund. Dr. Hogan has also been a scholar with the Kettering Foundation where her research focus was on Higher Education and Civic Responsibility, in addition to being a participant and presenter in the Oxford Roundtable at Oxford University in Oxford, England. Dr. Hogan holds the Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Tougaloo College and a Master's in Public Policy and Administration from Jackson State University. Dr. Hogan has continued her own education by pursuing additional studies at the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Georgia. Dr. Hogan is currently furthering her education by pursuing her Doctoral Degree in Human Development and Organizational Leadership at Fielding Graduate University. She currently holds an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from Wiley College in Texas and Rust College in Mississippi. In addition to this, she has also earned numerous certificates in leadership development, organizational management, policy development, health and human resources management, alcohol and drug studies, urban development and administrative law. Dr. Hogan has also been credited with pioneering programs that have improved the quality of life for many citizens, including but not limited to the founding of the first psychiatric halfway house in Mississippi, establishing the first rape crisis center and shelter for battered women, and initiating the state's Self Employment Demonstration Project to reduce welfare dependency and the Rental Rehabilitation and Low Income Tax Credit Programs to increase the availability of housing for low income families. As a woman dedicated to her community, Dr. Hogan volunteers and serves on various boards, including the community advisory board for Bancorp South, the Metro Chamber of Commerce, the University Club, and the Board of Visitors for the School of Dentistry at the University of Mississippi. She also serves on the local board for Entergy Mississippi, Sanderson Farm, the Regional Commission on Building Philanthropy, the national board of directors for the United Negro College Fund, the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education and the Brown University Leadership Alliance. She presently serves as the Chairperson of the Foundation for the Mid-South Board of Directors, and is a founding member and former president of the Central Mississippi Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. Dr. Hogan is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Links. Dr. Hogan is a current member of the Mt. Wade Missionary Baptist Church in Terry, Mississippi and is a regular worshipper at the Union Church of Christ/Woodworth Chapel at Tougaloo College. She is married to Marvin Hogan and they have two sons, Maurice and Marcellus; two grandsons, Marsei and Tai'Micah; and two granddaughters, Emani and Liyah. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Beverly W. Hogan for her dedication to serving others.