House Resolution 2

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MR. ROGELIO V. SOLIS FOR HIS REMARKABLE CAREER WITH THE ASSOCIATED PRESS AS CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER FOR THE WIRE SERVICE'S JACKSON OFFICE PHOTO.

WHEREAS, veteran photojournalist Rogelio V. Solis retired from The Associated Press in January 2025 after dedicating nearly three decades as chief photographer for the wire service's Jackson office; and

WHEREAS, a native of El Paso, Texas, Mr. Solis has lived in Mississippi since 1970, and he received a mass communications degree from Jackson State University and a photojournalism degree from the University of Missouri; and

WHEREAS, before he began working for The Associated Press, where he won numerous awards for his photojournalism, Mr. Solis was a photographer with the Meridian Star newspaper and the Houma Daily Courier in Louisiana, and he also served for three years as photographer for former Governor Ray Mabus' administration; and

WHEREAS, through his lens, Mr. Solis presented Mississippi to the world, as his photographs have been published locally, nationally and internationally, and he chronicled Mississippi's most celebrated moments, including monumental sports victories, and its low points, including the massive destruction of hurricanes and other natural disasters as well as man-made calamity with criminal cases and trials; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Solis truly has a gift for capturing images that convey people's personalities, whether amid the devastation of Hurricane Katrina or during floor debates in the Mississippi House and Senate; and

WHEREAS, additionally, Mr. Solis was a high school classmate and friend of Deborah Hays, who eventually married Phil Bryant in 1976, and when she became the state's first lady in January 2012, she provided a thorough tour of the Governor's Mansion for Mr. Solis, allowing him to capture memorable photos of the historic building, including from the rooftop; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Solis's photographs have shown the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful, and will live on as an important visual documentation of the Magnolia State's history, and he was often recognized by The Associated Press for shooting some of the most remarkable photos of the day or week nationwide, which received the AP TopPix designation; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the tireless devotion to the betterment of Mississippi and honor the ardent vow to impeccable service that Mr. Rogelio V. Solis provided to The Associated Press for three decades as chief photographer for the wire service's Jackson office photo:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. Rogelio V. Solis for his remarkable career with The Associated Press as chief photographer for the wire service's Jackson office photo and extend best wishes for continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be provided to Mr. Rogelio V. Solis and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.