MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2022 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Paden
WHEREAS, given the rich history of successes of the great Magnolia State's native sons and daughters, who have become shining ambassadors of the state's wealth of artistic, musical, literary and silver-screen talents, very little mystery remains to the validity that Mississippi is a place where legends are born and dreams become reality; and
WHEREAS, in 2001, the Mississippi Legislature, by virtue of Senate Bill No. 2666, provided for the creation of an educational, entertaining and interactive facility in Meridian, which materialized in the establishment of the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX), which tells the stories of all of Mississippi's arts and entertainment icons; and
WHEREAS, in homage to the enduring impact of the state's creative legacy, The MAX initiated the Mississippi Hall of Fame in January 2017, with an inaugural class of 18 inductees, and in keeping with the tradition of honoring the influential men and women who trace their roots to Mississippi and represent the best of Mississippi's artistic talents, The MAX has deemed it fitting to induct Mr. W.C. Handy, a Clarksdale resident and blues legend, into the 2022 Class of the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, born in Florence, Alabama, the son of a minister, Mr. Handy also had ties to Clarksdale, and has garnered the title amongst music experts as "the Father of the Blues"; and
WHEREAS, having lived from 1873 to 1958, Handy's name does not strike a chord of notable popularity in households today because his major achievements, as a composer and musician, came in the early 20th century; and
WHEREAS, influenced by African-American folk music traditions, Handy settled in Clarksdale, and immersed himself in a local variation of the blues, and credited as having written and published the first commercially successful blues song, "Memphis Blues," and is celebrated at Alabama's annual W.C. Handy Music Festival; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor the diverse mix of creative legends from across the State of Mississippi of Mr. W.C. Handy's intrinsic talent, and whose contributions to the entertainment industry bestow great pride and esteem upon all Mississippians:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby acknowledge and honor the impeccable artistry, craftsmanship, talent and impactful contributions to the entertainment industry of Mr. W.C. Handy, upon his induction into the 2022 Class of Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience Hall of Fame on December 15, 2022.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to The MAX and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.