House Resolution 75

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE HONORABLE JUDGE IVORY E. BRITTON ON BEING SELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL JUDGES ASSOCIATION.

WHEREAS, the Honorable Ivory E. Britton, Hinds County Justice Court Judge of District 2, was elected to the office of President of the National Judges Association on May 20, 2004; and

WHEREAS, born January 9, 1947, in Jackson, Mississippi, Judge Britton attended Jackson Public Schools and graduated from Brinkley High School before matriculating at Draughons' Business College, where he earned a business accounting degree; and

WHEREAS, a former Hinds County Deputy Sheriff and the department's first black communications officer, Judge Britton was elected to the Justice Court on November 16, 1993, becoming the first Brinkley High School graduate to become an elected public official; and

WHEREAS, having attended National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada, after being elected, Judge Britton was appointed Municipal Judge in the Town of Edwards in January 2001; and

WHEREAS, active in community and civic affairs, Judge Britton is a member of the NAACP, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), charter member of the Jackson Chapter of SCLC and member of the Cade Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a Sunday School teacher; and

WHEREAS, having a deep passion for the plight of the city and state's youth, Judge Britton has worked with Walton Elementary School under the Adopt-a-School Program, the City of Jackson's After-School Program at the Medgar Evers Center in the Virden Addition Neighborhood and the City of Jackson Park and Recreation Department's Summer Youth Program; and

WHEREAS, for his distinguished and committed community service, Judge Britton has received numerous honors from civic groups, various churches and the City of Jackson, including: certificates of appreciation from Hope Springs and Society Ridge Missionary Baptist Churches, awards of commendation for contributions to the City of Jackson's Youth Program and a commendation from Congressman Bennie Thompson as an "Outstanding Leader in the Community" for his work with the McClean Volunteer Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, throughout the triumphs and trials of his career, Judge Britton has received constant support and encouragement from his wife, Liza; and children, Perry, Tabitha and late son, Dexter; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence in the accomplishments of our local, state and national leaders, as evidenced by the success of Judge Britton:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Judge Ivory E. Britton upon his election as President of the National Judges Association and extend our most heartfelt wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

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