MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Simmons

Senate Resolution 10

A SENATE RESOLUTION COMMENDING DR. LEATHA B. HAYES, NATIVE OF MOUND BAYOU, MISSISSIPPI. 

WHEREAS, Dr. Leatha B. Hayes was thirteen years old when her mother died leaving nine children including a one-, three- and five-year-old; and

WHEREAS, in spite of her responsibility to help her father rear her siblings, working in the cotton fields, and enduring hardship, she was graduated from high school in 1962; and

WHEREAS, at age eighteen she moved to Chicago in search of an education and a better life, found a decent paying job, enrolled in college and earned an A.A. degree while also working to support herself; she was graduated with honors from Kennedy King Junior College in 1971; and

WHEREAS, she received her B.S. degree in 1973 from Chicago State University where she was awarded a Certificate of Merit for High Scholastic Achievements from the Department of Biological Sciences, and while earning her master of Science degree at Chicago State University, she joined the faculty as an instructor; and

WHEREAS, upon completion of this degree, she accepted a position to teach biology at a community college, later pursuing and earning the degree of Doctor of Osteopathy at Michigan State University, becoming a physician 21 years after completion of high school; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hayes is a Board Certified Primary Care Physician at Blue Care Network of East Michigan, and holds membership in professional organizations, serving in many capacities on various committees; and

WHEREAS, she is currently working to establish the Dr. William G. Anderson Scholarship Fund in honor of her mentor and colleague, who became the first Black President of the American Osteopathic Association in 1995; and

WHEREAS, she functions as a mentor and role model for students at various schools, colleges and universities, is the newly elected President of Zeta Beta Zeta Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hayes is a newly published author of her autobiography, Blossom Bit by Bit, a story of triumph in the face of tremendous obstacles which grew out of a family reunion with her eight brothers and sisters; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hayes is a native of Mound Bayou, Mississippi, and continues to be an inspiration to the people of that community; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this body to commend the achievements of the native sons and daughters of this state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Dr. Leatha B. Hayes upon the occasion of her book signing ceremony at I.T. Montgomery Elementary School in Mound Bayou, for her stellar achievements in the face of great adversity, and thank her for her example to our children, who are the future of our state.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Hayes.