House Resolution 52

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING DR. CHANDRA M. MINOR, DMD, FOR BEING THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN FEMALE ORTHODONTIST IN MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Dr. Chandra M. Minor, DMD, is the first African-American female orthodontist in Mississippi, a history-making achievement for both Dr. Minor and for the Magnolia State; and

WHEREAS, born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, on January 5, 1986, to Ms. Cynthia M. Minor and Mr. Willie F. Butler, Dr. Minor exhibited a gift for learning at a young age, and she started preschool at two years old and rode a school bus that was driven by her grandmother, Ms. Patsy Ruth Minor; and

WHEREAS, excelling academically throughout her young life, Dr. Minor enrolled in gifted classes in elementary school, and in middle school she attended the Medcorp summer program, which was sponsored by the University of Mississippi Medical Center and was designed to expose children from under-privileged areas of the state to a possible future in the healthcare field, and while participating in the program, she attended classes at both Jackson State University and Alcorn State University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Minor attended Hazlehurst High School and was tremendously active in various student organizations, such as the Beta Club, SADD Club, Student Government Association, yearbook staff and Health Occupations Students of America, and she also represented the student body as Miss Hazlehurst High School; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from high school as valedictorian in 2004, Dr. Minor earned her bachelor's degree in biology from Alcorn State University, graduating summa cum laude, and during her time there, she was a member of the Alcorn State University Gospel Choir, Honor Student Organization, Beta Kappa Chi Honor Society and the Tri-Beta Honor Society, and she served as president of the Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society and as the treasurer and chairman of the finance and budget committee of the Delta Epsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; and

WHEREAS, throughout high school and college, Dr. Minor intended to pursue a career in the healthcare industry, and by observing various healthcare professionals and by having a desire to improve the self-esteem of others by enhancing their smiles, she decided to pursue a career in orthodontics; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Minor attended dental school as a Robert Hearin Scholar at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where she served as president of the local Student National Dental Association and as secretary of the local Hispanic Student Dental Association, and upon completion of dental school in 2012, Dr. Minor received her Doctorate of Dental Medicine, and then she furthered her education by completing Howard University's postdoctoral orthodontic residency program in Washington, D.C., where she received her Certificate in Orthodontics in May 2014; and

WHEREAS, upon returning to her home state of Mississippi, Dr. Minor became the Magnolia State's first African-American female orthodontist, and in November 2014 she opened her practice, Smile Design Orthodontics, in Pearl, Mississippi, where she provides services such as traditional metal braces, clear (ceramic) braces, Invisalign, and several other types of orthodontic treatments, and she also practices in Vicksburg and McComb; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Minor was honored with the opportunity to be the keynote speaker at the 2015 Hazlehurst High School graduation and at the 2017 Alcorn State University Mid-Winter Conference, and because her story is an encouragement to those who intend to excel academically and reach their goals, she is often asked to speak at various churches and schools to encourage youth in small towns by sharing her story, and her message to these young people is, "If I can do it, so can you. With determination, hard work, a positive attitude, motivation and trust in God, all things are possible."; and

WHEREAS, being dedicated to educating the community about the importance of proper oral healthcare and the impact that orthodontics has on physical appearance and overall self-esteem, Dr. Minor's goal is to provide high quality orthodontic treatment and enhance each patient's smile, and at Smile Design Orthodontics, Dr. Minor strives to ensure that her patients feel like family when they visit her office; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend outstanding Mississippians, especially those such as Dr. Minor, who inspire young people throughout the state to achieve their goals in life despite any challenges they may face and whose steadfast commitment to her patients brings honor to her family, her community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Dr. Chandra M. Minor, DMD, for being the first African-American female orthodontist in the State of Mississippi, and extend best wishes for success in all of her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Chandra M. Minor, DMD, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.