MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Fredericks, Barnett (116th), Creel, Dedeaux, Guice, Ishee, Janus, Peranich, Simpson

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING MS. ESTHER COLEMAN UPON RECEIVING THE 1999 LAUREL WREATH AWARD.

WHEREAS, Ms. Esther Coleman, a long-time resident of Gulfport, received the 1999 Laurel Wreath Award, sponsored by Union Planters Bank, and awarded to someone who has made a significant contribution to the Coast; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Coleman received a bachelor's degree in business from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Coleman has owned Armon's Restaurant and Catering in the Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport since 1978, when she was the first woman or minority to receive an airport concessions contract in the United States; and

WHEREAS, an active member of her community, Ms. Coleman has helped improve the Coast's economy through leadership positions on the Mississippi State Port Authority Board of Commissioners, where she became the first African-American woman in the country to become president of the port authority; and

WHEREAS, in addition, Ms. Coleman is a member of Coast Chamber, Coast 21, Kids Voting Mississippi, Gulfport Rotary Club and the Genesis Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Coleman has received numerous honors including being named as Business Woman of the Year by Mississippi Black Page Magazine, the winner of the Pace Setter Award from the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast and the Harriet Tubman Award from the Magnolia Bar Association; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Coleman is described by her peers as a true leader, a mentor, a role model and a lady with lots of courage; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Coleman has been lovingly supported in all her endeavors by her family including her three sons, Walter, Gregory and Armon and five grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippians such as Ms. Esther Coleman, who has dedicated her life to improving the quality of life for the citizens of the Mississippi Gulf Coast:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Ms. Esther Coleman upon receiving the 1999 Laurel Wreath Award and express heartiest wishes for many years of good health, happiness, peace and joy.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Ms. Esther Coleman and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.