Senate Resolution 99

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING WOMEN FOR PROGRESS OF MISSISSIPPI, INC., FOR 45 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Women for Progress of Mississippi, Inc., was chartered on May 11, 1978, as a nonprofit, nonpartisan community improvement organization of action-oriented, influential and talented individuals. Under the leadership of Mrs. Dorothy T. Stewart, founder and first president, Women For Progress's mission was to become a catalyst for: Advocacy, Awareness, and Action; and

WHEREAS, Women for Progress has a reputation for being a catalyst for action and helping people understand their roles as citizens; and

WHEREAS, Women for Progress founder, the late Mrs. Dorothy Thompson Stewart Samuel, taught her family, students, organization members and community members, "You already have the power and must see yourself having the power"; and

WHEREAS, the late Mrs. Dorothy Thompson Stewart Samuel was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the only daughter of King David Thompson and Mable Woods Thompson. She grew up in Clinton, Mississippi, and graduated high school as her class salutatorian at Holy Ghost Catholic High School in Jackson, Mississippi. She went on to graduate with honors from Jackson State University. She was a life-long educator teaching at Sumner Hill High School in her hometown of Clinton, Mississippi, Jackson Public Schools and Menlo Park High School and Thornton Alternative High School in northern California. She furthered her education at Clark University (Worchester, MA), Mississippi College, University of Mexico-Mexico City and the University of Mississippi. She served on the charter boards for the Urban League Guild of Jackson and Mission Mississippi. She also served on the board of Ballet Mississippi and is a Board Member Emerita for the Margaret Walker Center. She was the mother of Angela Stewart, Monica Stewart Wilson, and Peter Stewart, and she had seven grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, the major thrusts of Women for Progress of Mississippi, Inc., are political action, education, economic development and cultural advancement; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the organization's history, Women for Progress of Mississippi, Inc.'s, political action has been a major priority. Making the political system more responsive to the needs of the citizens was the organization's first step in addressing many of the issues facing our communities. Early activities focused primarily on increasing the number of minorities in the State Legislature as a source of empowerment and access to the seats of power. Political forums were held to disseminate information on the issues and the candidates. Records document the organization's support of civil rights legend, Senator Henry J. Kirksey, who was vital to major change in the political makeup of our government. The organization hosted the inaugural gala held for the newly elected state African American legislators. Few early African American legislative candidates were elected without their fundraising events, forums and "Get Out The Vote Drives." Voter participation and voter awareness are still major concerns; and

WHEREAS, Women for Progress has assisted students and faculty in the public schools in securing books, teaching materials and supplies. Many activists have served as resource speakers, mentors and tutors; and

WHEREAS, economic development is also a major priority of Women for Progress of Mississippi, Inc., as it facilitates the upward mobility of minorities. Following the principle of cooperative economics activists supporting minority business and economic development. These activities are currently administered through the Women's Business & Entrepreneur's Network; and

WHEREAS, cultural advancement is also a major priority of Women for Progress of Mississippi, Inc. The celebration of Kwanzaa became important in the promotion and celebration of the greatness of their African American history and heritage in 1978. Understanding cultural differences is crucial to the process of racial reconciliation and the eradication of racism, sexism and genderism. The current President, Mrs. Willie Jones, created a weekly radio program, Women for Progress Radio WMPR 90.1 FM to effectuate change and increase awareness. Sankofa Book Club and the annual Kwanzaa celebration are two projects used to promote cultural awareness; and

WHEREAS, Women for Progress of Mississippi actively seek women who possess an interest in voluntarism, a commitment to community service and an interest in developing potential for voluntary community participation; and

WHEREAS, Women for Progress of Mississippi's core projects include: Women for Progress Radio Network, Women for Progress Lunch & Learn, Women for Progress Political & Education Forums, Women for Progress "She Should Run," Engaging More Women for Public Leadership, the Dorothy Stewart Samuel Scholarship Fund, Women for Progress Cookbook, Project Aspire Youth Leadership Institute — Project Aspire Soaring Eagles, Kwanzaa and Sankofa Book Club, which highlights the passion and activism of the membership; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the accomplishments and civic energy of this influential organization:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Women for Progress of Mississippi, Inc., for 45 years of public service to the citizens of the State of Mississippi, and extend the best wishes of the Mississippi Senate for the future prosperity of this organization.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Director of Women for Progress of Mississippi, Inc., and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.