House Resolution 49

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE SUCCESS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF JUDGE MABLEAN EPHRIAM AND RECOGNIZING HER CONTRIBUTIONS AS A NATIONAL MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER.

WHEREAS, Judge Mablean Ephriam, a native of Hazlehurst, Mississippi, and resident of Los Angeles, California, has surmounted various obstacles to obtain national acclaim, notoriety and greatness, and has used her gifts and success to change and inspire the lives of many throughout the United States as a motivational speaker; and

WHEREAS, the ninth child of ten children born to Robert and Mable Ephriam, and the proud mother of four children, Judge Ephriam is now the presiding TV Judge on "Divorce Court," televised by Fox Television; and

WHEREAS, presiding over "Divorce Court" since 1998, Judge Ephriam recently shared in the joyous occasion of the show's 1,000th episode; and

WHEREAS, beginning her legal career in law enforcement as a correctional officer at the Women's Division of the Federal Bureau of Prisoners, Terminal Islands, Judge Ephriam's determination and perseverance allowed her to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a lawyer; and

WHEREAS, while raising a family, she accepted employment as a legal secretary, simultaneously attending and ultimately completing her course of studies at Whittier College of Law; and

WHEREAS, a nationally recognized speaker traveling throughout the country to inform and educate individuals on real-life topics, Judge Ephriam, equipped with over 20 years of experience as a trial attorney and mediator, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the bench of "Divorce Court"; and

WHEREAS, well known for her community and professional involvement, Judge Ephriam is co-owner of E & E House of Care, "Assisted Living for the Elderly" and founder of the Honoring Unsung Fathers (H.U.F.) Awards, which recognizes fathers who accept responsibility for their children and participate in the vital developments in their lives; and

WHEREAS, recipient of numerous honors, awards and recognitions, Judge Ephriam has been recognized by the Women's Lawyers Association of Los Angeles with a Distinguished Service Award for her contribution as cofounder of the Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law, in addition to having received the 1995 Woman of the Year Award presented by the California State Assembly - 48th District; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend such outstanding Mississippians as Judge Ephriam, whose life, works and contributions to society reflect the inner depths of warmth, congeniality, hospitality and genuine concern for mankind that makes the State of Mississippi proud of its natives:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Judge Mablean Ephriam on her many successes and accomplishments, recognize her contributions as a nationally acclaimed motivational speaker and extend our heartiest wishes for success in all her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Judge Mablean Ephriam and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.