House Resolution 73

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING MR. EDWARD EVANS FOR BEING THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESS OWNER IN KOSCIUSKO, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Mr. Edward Evans, the former owner of Parker's Shoe Shop, holds the honorable distinction of being the first African American business owner in Kosciusko; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Evans, a native of the Maxville Community, which is near Kosciusko, is a graduate of Spring Hill School; and

WHEREAS, before acquiring his shoe business, Mr. Evans served in the United States Army where he was a rifleman in the predominantly African American 92nd Infantry during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Evans bravely fought in the Euro-African Middle Eastern Theater in October 1944 and was wounded by enemy fire in May 1945; and

WHEREAS, due to valiant service for his country, Mr. Evans was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Evans learned the art of repairing shoes from his brother-in-law, Mr. Wesley White, after being discharged from the Army; and

WHEREAS, after working for Parker's Shoe Shop for over 30 years, Mr. Evans bought the shop from the original owner, Mr. Austin Parker, upon his retirement; and

WHEREAS, in 1972, Mr. Evans received a loan for $20,000.00 from Merchants & Farmers Bank to purchase the shoe shop, and as a testament of his discipline and work ethic, he paid off the loan in only eight years; and

WHEREAS, after providing a much needed service to his community in making sure that shoes were kept in good repair, Mr. Evans sold the shoe shop in 1986; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Evans, after selling the shop, opened a dress shop next to Parker's Shoe Shop with his wife of nearly 50 years, the late Corrine Evans, who steadfastly supported him in all of his endeavors; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the support he received from his late wife, Mr. Evans continues to receive love and support from his daughter, Shirley Lang, who received a strong work ethic and Christian foundation from her parents; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and pay special tribute to a remarkable individual such as Mr. Edward Evans, who is a business pioneer in Kosciusko as well as an outstanding role model for his community at large:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Mr. Edward Evans on his being an innovative business pioneer and entrepreneur and extend to him our heartiest wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Edward Evans and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.