MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2006 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Jackson (11th), Walls, Butler, Simmons, Thomas, Jackson (32nd), Harden, Turner, Frazier, Jordan

Senate Resolution 24

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MAYOR BETTY FOWLER UPON HER RECEIPT OF THE FANNIE LOU HAMER HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD AS PART OF THE 5TH ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION.

     WHEREAS, the Mississippi Workers' Center for Human Rights (the Center) marks Saturday, February 25, 2006, as its 5th Annual Black History Month Celebration; and

     WHEREAS, the theme of this year's celebration is "Lift Every Voice and Sing" Celebrate 365 Days a Year; and

     WHEREAS, on this day, in honor of the life of Fannie Lou Hamer, the Center is presenting the Fannie Lou Hamer Human Rights Award to the Honorable Betty Fowler, Mayor of the Town of Sunflower, Mississippi; and

     WHEREAS, Mayor Betty Fowler made history when she became the first African-American Mayor of the Town of Sunflower in 2001 and was reelected in 2005; and

     WHEREAS, Mayor Fowler serves the Town of Sunflower with distinction and a true sense of commitment to providing opportunities for all residents in the Town of Sunflower; and

     WHEREAS, during Mayor Fowler's tenure, additional affordable housing has been built for local residents and a community center constructed and a host of other accomplishments and improvements have been made in the Town of Sunflower; and

     WHEREAS, Mayor Fowler is a woman of outstanding historical note, having been the only person in the United States to serve as the Mayor of two separate municipalities:  Moorehead, Mississippi, from 1993 to 1997, and now the Town of Sunflower; and

     WHEREAS, Mayor Betty Fowler, as a native of Sunflower County, Mississippi, has dedicated her life since childhood to the dream of equality for all:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mayor Betty Fowler of Sunflower, Mississippi, upon her receipt of the Fannie Lou Hamer Human Rights Award by the Mississippi Workers' Center for Human Rights as part of the 5th Annual Black History Month Celebration, and extend the best wishes of the Senate to her for continued success.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mayor Fowler and her family, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.