House Resolution 25

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING WE2GETHER CREATING CHANGE AND ITS FOUNDER GLORIA DICKERSON.

WHEREAS, We2gether Creating Change, an inspirational program for young students in Drew, Mississippi, was created in 2009 by the remarkable Gloria Dickerson, and since its inception, it has truly encouraged the youth of Drew to use their talents, skills, and passions to create a healthy and whole life; and

WHEREAS, Gloria Dickerson, a Drew native herself as well as a civil rights activist, returned to her hometown to help improve the education there decades after integrating the former all-white Drew High School in 1965; and

WHEREAS, when she returned to Drew High School after working in Battle Creek, Michigan, and Jackson, Mississippi, Gloria was shocked to find that the formally good school she had fought to attend was in disarray, with students expressing their concern that there were not enough textbooks, teachers were not present in class and they were assigned no homework; and

WHEREAS, the condition of her alma mater inspired Gloria to teach youth, and later adults, reading skills, public speaking, law of attraction, civic participation and education, voting, history and health through her four, year-long programs: Dollars ($$$) for Your Thoughts, Pen (Penitentiary) or Pencil, Youth Early Success (YES) and adult/community classes; and

WHEREAS, each class session features a different inspiring topic, including being confident and building self-esteem, cultivating healthy relationships and graduating high school and entering college, and each one strives to empower women and girls across the state because when women thrive, Mississippi thrives; and

WHEREAS, umbrella programs of We2gether Creating Change, including Dollars ($$$) For Your Thoughts and Girls Write the World, are all part of a tradition of strong, resilient women fighting the racial history of Mississippi and the Delta through the power of education; and

WHEREAS, since its inception, Gloria has spent over $500,000.00 of her own money to keep the program active, and because she retired from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, every dollar she donates to a nonprofit organization, the foundation matches it two to one, so when she donated $50,000.00 to the nonprofit, the foundation gave $150,000.00; and

WHEREAS, Gloria received her passion for education and her support to pursue her academic dreams from her mother, who was also a community leader and civil rights activist who encouraged her children to persevere through the horrific incidents and strive for greatness; and

WHEREAS, a truly outstanding woman, Gloria Dickerson has taken risks, pushed limits, and broken ground in an effort to improve the lives of the youth of the state, and through her endeavors, she has represented Mississippi in the most honorable way, by being herself and fighting for the women throughout this state; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend fine institutions in Mississippi that have left a profound impact on her citizens by offering them the opportunity to move from poverty to prosperity and continue to serve a positive, vital role in the present and future vitality and sustainability of this great Magnolia State:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and honor We2gether Creating Change and the tireless devotion to the betterment of Mississippi that Gloria Dickerson has exhibited through its founding, and extend most sincere wishes for continued success in all future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Gloria Dickerson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.