House Resolution 112

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE LEGENDS OF THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY AND EXTENDING OUR MOST SINCERE WISHES FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS IN ALL OF THEIR FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

WHEREAS, the Legends of the Automobile Industry is a truly outstanding group of men who have taken risks, pushed limits, and broken ground in the automobile industry, as the esteemed group consists of the first African Americans to be hired initially as salesmen in the City of Jackson, Mississippi in the rolling seventies; and

WHEREAS, this illustrious group of men have distinguished themselves as action-oriented, influential, talented and resourceful individuals, and each deserves to have his unique accomplishments celebrated and praised; and

WHEREAS, the late Harvey Dorsey was the first salesman hired by a new car dealership; Tom Allen was the first general manager and has been in the business for 43 years; Winston Pittman was the first owner of a new car dealership 45 years ago and has been in the business ever since; Robert Williams has thrived in the automobile industry for over 40 years; the late Clyde Pittman was a salesman for over 40 years; Lee Barnett was the first bargain lot manager; and

WHEREAS, additionally, Maurice Ellis was a finance manager; Malone Hughes has been in the business for 40 years; Bill Benford's tenure in the automobile industry dates back 42 years; Willis Wells has 37 years of experience in the automobile industry under his belt; Lee Johnson has been in the automobile business for 33 years; Joe Powell has spent 44 years of his life in the business; and Johnny Morrow was the first African-American wholesaler in the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, most of the gentlemen in this fine group are still involved with automobile sales, as their loyalty and dedication to the profession is truly unparalleled, and a documentary is being created to feature their stories and over 350 years of collective experience; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor the lives of fine Mississippians who have selflessly dedicated their lives to the betterment of this great Magnolia State, especially those such as the Legends of the Automobile Industry in Jackson, Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and commend the Legends of the Automobile Industry and extend sincere wishes for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

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