MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Smith, Kirby

Senate Concurrent Resolution 553

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE COTTON BLOSSOM SINGERS OF THE PINEY WOODS SCHOOL UPON THEIR RECEIPT OF THE HERITAGE AWARD OF THE 1998 GOVERNOR'S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS. 

WHEREAS, for 78 years, The Cotton Blossom Singers of The Piney Woods School have been ambassadors for the African-American choral tradition throughout the United States and abroad; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of their contributions, the Cotton Blossom Singers are this year's recipients of the Heritage Award of the 1998 Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts; and

WHEREAS, established by Laurence Jones, the founder of The Piney Woods School, the group has provided a productive outlet for young people that require discipline and encouraged creativity; and

WHEREAS, the first of The Cotton Blossom ensembles took its music on the road in the 1920's, performing traditional African-American spirituals before a wide variety of audiences in the North and South, and today the choir undertakes a six- to eight-day tour during the school's spring break, in addition to weekend mini-tours and appearances at community, church, political and school functions; and

WHEREAS, the ensemble has received numerous awards, citations and superior competition ratings, and has been spotlighted on local, state, national and international television specials and documentaries; and

WHEREAS, the work of The Cotton Blossom Singers has done much to preserve the African-American song and choral traditions of the South, and the national and international recognition earned by the group has cast glowing reflections on Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Cotton Blossom Singers of The Piney Woods School upon their receipt of The Heritage Award of the 1998 Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the director of The Cotton Blossom Singers and be made available to members of the Capitol Press Corps.