MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2018 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Horhn, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Norwood, Frazier, Michel, Blount, Blackmon, Simmons (13th), Butler, Barnett, Jordan, Chassaniol, Witherspoon, Turner-Ford
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE LEGACY OF WILLORA CRAFT EPHRAM, THE OWNER OF JACKSON LANDMARK "PEACHES RESTAURANT," AND EXTENDING THE CONDOLENCES OF THE LEGISLATURE ON HER PASSING.
WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of Willora Craft Ephram, the owner of Peaches Restaurant, a Jackson landmark, who passed away on January 28, 2018; and
WHEREAS, Willora Craft Ephram was affectionately known as "Peaches." Ms. Ephram saved her money until she was able to open the Southern soul-food restaurant in 1961. Everyone from Muhammad Ali to Medgar Evers to Barack Obama visited the eatery; and
WHEREAS, along with delicious food, a bit of history comes with the Peaches experience. During the Civil Rights Era, leaders of the Movement dined in the restaurant, and President Barack Obama made a stop at Peaches Restaurant during his trip to Jackson while on the campaign trail. Integration took away the core African-American businesses from Farish Street during the 1970s, causing many to close or relocate. But Peaches Restaurant remained much as it was; and
WHEREAS, Peaches Restaurant was a soul-food Mecca on Farish Street since Willora "Peaches" Ephram first opened the doors in 1961. Her son, Roderick Ephram, continued to run Peaches Restaurant until its closing in 2013. Roderick is proud of the rich history and symbolism his mother's restaurant has in the City of Jackson. While Peaches did not have a formal mission statement, Ephram says, "Just know that it was Jackson's original soul-food restaurant"; and
WHEREAS, Ephram says that Peaches had a positive influence, mainly because the restaurant welcomed everyone with open arms. His mother's goal, he says, was to feed the people, even the ones who were homeless. This kind of warm welcome may be why Peaches Restaurant was successful for so long. The city is making moves to revitalize the historic Farish Street area, once a thriving African-American community in the heart of Jackson before desegregation and urban renewal; and
WHEREAS, in 2002, Ms. Ephram received a Hometown Hero in Travel and Tourism Award from the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau. She also received Keys to the City from two Jackson mayors. In 2013, illness caused Ms. Ephram to step down from running the business; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we pay tribute to the history of this iconic Jackson family business and cherish fondly the memory of a most public-spirited citizen of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the legacy of Willora Craft Ephram, the owner of Jackson Landmark "Peaches Restaurant," and extend the condolences of the Legislature on her passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of "Peaches" Ephram and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.