MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2004 3rd Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Moore, Weathersby, Rogers (61st), Baker (74th), Smith (59th), Rotenberry, Coleman (65th), Fredericks, Thomas, Clarke, Smith (27th), Patterson

House Resolution 2

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING PINEY WOODS SCHOOL FOR ITS DISTINCTION UPON REPRESENTING THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AND THE UNITED STATES DURING THE NATIONAL RACIAL RECONCILIATION DAY CELEBRATION IN SOUTH AFRICA.

     WHEREAS, the Piney Woods School, founded in 1909 by Dr. Laurence C. Jones, is the largest of four remaining historically African-American boarding schools in the United States; and

     WHEREAS, with a rich legacy and a notable history, Piney Woods has produced a distinct group of academicians and alumni, who have made their place in society in the United States and abroad; and

     WHEREAS, having served as a model for excellence in educational achievement and advancement, Piney Woods has epitomized the devotion of institutional education; and

     WHEREAS, for its diligence and commitment to promote a more humanitarian and civilly equal society, Piney Woods has endeavored to become an honorary ambassador for peace throughout the world, with a major focus for equality in Africa; and

     WHEREAS, because of this unwavering commitment, the Piney Woods Cotton Blossom Singers have been extended the invitation to participate in the festivities celebrating National Racial Reconciliation in South Africa; and

     WHEREAS, nationally acclaimed, the Cotton Blossom Singers have appeared on numerous national television programs and earned countless awards and superior ratings; and

     WHEREAS, having been inducted into the Mississippi Hall of Fame and receiving the State of Mississippi's highest award, the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts, the Cotton Blossom Singers traveled to West Africa in 1995 to attend the Third African-American Summit in Dakar, Senegal, where they performed before several heads of state, including 14 African presidents, 30 ambassadors and more than 2,000 African and American business leaders; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the State's leading educational institutions and the youth, who are its future:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Piney Woods School and the Cotton Blossom Singers upon representing the State of Mississippi and the United States during the National Racial Reconciliation Day Celebration in South Africa, and extend our wishes for continued success in all its future endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the President of Piney Woods School and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.