MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2006 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Jackson (32nd), Horhn, Butler, Carmichael, Walls, Frazier, Williamson, Dawkins
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE CIVIC AND HUMANITARIAN CONTRIBUTIONS OF REPRESENTATIVE CHARLES L. YOUNG, SR., AND EXPRESSING THE THANKS OF THE SENATE.
WHEREAS, Charles L. Young, Sr., fits the definition of a humanitarian. His dedication to community and education keeps the doors of opportunities open; and
WHEREAS, Charles L. Young was born on August 27, 1931. His parents were E.F. Young and Velma Beal Young from Meridian, Mississippi. He has four children: Veldore, Arthur, Deidre and Charles, Jr. His wife, Doretha, passed away several years ago; and
WHEREAS, Charles attended the Meridian Public School System and graduated from high school in 1947. He attended Tennessee State University when his father passed away. His mother shouldered the load of keeping E.F. Young Manufacturing Company afloat. After receiving a BS Degree in Business Administration, Charles served in the United States Army in the Korean Conflict and received several medals, including the Bronze Star for Valor; and
WHEREAS, after returning from his service in the Armed Forces, Charles worked with his mother in the family business, that started in 1931. While doing this he also became involved in the Civil Rights Movement. In a time when it was not popular for an African-American to be in the Chamber of Commerce, he was the first member. Charles was several times "removed" from Weidmann's Restaurant for being an African-American patron, but is now an investor of the restaurant building; and
WHEREAS, he continues to head the community through his public service, when in 1980 he ran for the Mississippi House of Representatives. Since his service began, he has been unopposed; and
WHEREAS, Charles is dedicated to children and their education. He focused his efforts on helping low-income children by creating Head Start in Mississippi. It is designed to receive education, immunizations and healthy meals to children ages 3-5. This preschool, Head Start, now takes children as early as six weeks of age. It is a full-day program for those in need. This provides the chance for so many young children to have the opportunity for early childhood education. Charles is a Board Member, and has been since its creation; and
WHEREAS, Charles believes when God gives you the opportunity, you have to take advantage of it. Every Sunday he has a van that he takes out to the Local Housing Authority Community and picks up children for Sunday School and lunch. He is always making a better way for children; and
WHEREAS, his love for tennis also flows over to children, as he sponsors an annual tennis camp for over 100 children; and
WHEREAS, Representative Young is currently Chairman of the Universities and Colleges Committee. While serving in the Legislature, Charles has become one of its most respected members and has made a huge impact in his local community. He has tirelessly worked to help Meridian Community College, East Mississippi State Hospital, The Riley Center and Hope for Children. It is his legislative influence that implemented sponsorship for Hope for Children and The Riley Center; and
WHEREAS, Charles continues to open new doors for the betterment of children and this community. He is a true humanitarian who has established an admirable record of service to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the civic and humanitarian contributions of Representative Charles L. Young, Sr., and extend to him the thanks and best wishes of the Mississippi Senate in his future successes.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Representative Young and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.