MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2025 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Robinson, Blount, Boyd, Frazier, McLendon, Norwood, Seymour, Simmons (12th), Sparks, Thomas
A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE LEGACY OF THE LATE MISSISSIPPI REPRESENTATIVE ICEY DAY FROM ATTALA COUNTY, THE "FATHER OF THE MISSISSIPPI INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND," ON THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS PASSING AND COMMENDING THE IMPORTANT FUNCTION OF MIB AS THE PREFERRED EMPLOYER OF INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE VISUALLY IMPAIRED.
WHEREAS, we join the employees, administrators and supporters of the Mississippi Industries for the Blind in remembering the legacy of its founder, Mississippi Representative Icey Day from Attala County, on the 70th Anniversary of his passing on December 21, 1955; and
WHEREAS, in 1928, the Mississippi Commission for the Blind was formed to administer newly enacted legislation authorizing the state to "aid the blind, whose training is not otherwise provided for, in finding employment." In 1942, a state agency, Mississippi Industries for the Blind, was founded through legislation to provide employment and training for Mississippians who are blind or visually impaired; and
WHEREAS, the mission of Mississippi Industries for the Blind (MIB) is to be the preferred employer of Mississippians who are blind or visually impaired throughout the entire State of Mississippi. MIB is the leader in providing service to individuals who are blind or visually impaired regarding the available assistance and technology that can enhance independence and self-reliance in their careers and personal lives; and
WHEREAS, Icey Wiley Day (July 1, 1891 - December 21, 1955), who was blind, was a longtime Democratic member of the Mississippi House of Representatives, representing Attala County. Representative Day was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives, representing his native Attala County as a Democrat, for the first time in 1915. He was elected again and served the terms of 1932–1936, 1936–1940, 1944–1948, and 1948–1952. During his tenure, he founded the Mississippi Industries for the Blind; and
WHEREAS, at the time of his passing, the following tributes appeared in The Clarion Ledger:
"The tragic and untimely passing of Representative Icey W. Day, Mississippi's distinguished legislator from Attala County, represents a distinct loss to progressive government. Although blind for the greater portion of his life, this handicap in no way impaired his long and useful service to the people of this state. Representative Day served as counselor for vocational rehabilitation work for the blind of our state, his monument to his memory. Nor were the efforts of this gentle and lovable personality limited to that particular field. Throughout his entire public service career, he worked tirelessly and brilliantly in all movements for the betterment of Attala County and the State of Mississippi. Icey W. Day's concept of duty and service has few parallels in the history of his county. As a member of the Legislature, as a Christian and as a father and husband, his record is without blemish. His tenacity of purpose and devotion to others stamp him as one to be remembered as one of Mississippi's greatest and most useful sons. His counsel and leadership will be sorely missed by those he served so well"; and
WHEREAS, the Jackson Daily News stated: "No man in either House or Senate was more genuinely loved. To Icey Day of Attala belongs a large share of the credit for construction of the magnificent group of buildings now occupied by the State School for the Blind and the State School for the Deaf. These two institutions will long stand as monuments to his memory"; and
WHEREAS, it is with great respect that we remember the legacy of a great Mississippian whose ambition was to respect fellow employees for their abilities to perform in the workplace and to uphold the trust to maintain a safe and productive workplace for all Mississippians:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commemorate the legacy of the late Mississippi Representative Icey Day from Attala County, the "Father of the Mississippi Industries for the Blind," on the 70th Anniversary of his passing and commend the important function of MIB as the preferred employer of individuals who are visually impaired.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Executive Director of the Mississippi Industries for the Blind, forwarded to the Governor, the Icey W. Day Memorial Building of the Mississippi Industries for the Blind, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.