MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2007 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Huddleston, Dickson, Coleman (65th), Bailey, Banks, Broomfield, Buck, Calhoun, Clark, Ellis, Harrison, Hines, Middleton, Gardner, Robinson (63rd), Straughter, Thomas, Watson, Young
A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE DEDICATED SERVICE OF R.O. WILLIAMS, LEWIS YOUNGER, Jr., AND WALTER CROSBY UPON BEING THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN MEMBERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI HIGHWAY PATROL.
WHEREAS, throughout American history, African Americans have contributed to the construction of the foundation of this nation by setting benchmarks of excellence by which others could pattern themselves after; and
WHEREAS, R.O. Williams, Lewis Younger, Jr., and Walter Crosby, retired officers of the Mississippi Highway Patrol, fall nothing short of this benchmark, as these three individuals established a milestone in African-American and Mississippi history by becoming the first African-American highway patrolmen; and
WHEREAS, R.O. Williams, born September 12, 1950, in McComb, Pike County, Mississippi, to Hillary and Letha Williams, Sr., graduated from Eva Gordon Attendance Center in 1968, attended Utica Junior College from 1968-1970 and graduated from Tougaloo College; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Williams entered patrol school June 18, 1972, one of 50 members of Class No. 12 and one of 32 who successfully completed academy coursework and training, graduating on September 1, 1972; and
WHEREAS, having retired from the patrol in 1996 as Master Sergeant of Investigation after 24 years of distinguished service, Mr. Williams has since been employed with the United States Marshal Service, the Mississippi State Senate as Sergeant-at-Arms, the United States Census Bureau and presently working with the Mississippi State Capitol Police; and
WHEREAS, Lewis Younger, Jr., born September 8, 1950, in Eden, Mississippi, on the outskirts of Yazoo City, to Lewis, Sr., and Mary Younger, graduated from N.D. Taylor High School in 1968 and attended Jackson State University; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Younger entered patrol school June 18, 1972, one of 50 members of Class No. 12 and one of 32 who successfully completed academy coursework and training, graduating on September 1, 1972; and
WHEREAS, having retired from the patrol in 1992 as Major after 20 years of distinguished service, Mr. Younger currently serves as the City of Jackson's Code Enforcement Officer and referees high school basketball; and
WHEREAS, Walter Crosby, born May 29, 1950, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to O.C. and Cleo Crosby, graduated from Rowan High School in 1968 and attended the University of Southern Mississippi for two years; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Crosby entered patrol school June 18, 1972, one of 50 members of Class No. 12 and one of 32 who successfully completed academy coursework and training, graduating on September 1, 1972; and
WHEREAS, having retired from the patrol in 1982 as Sergeant after 10 years of distinguished service; and
WHEREAS, due to great strides of these individuals to transcend barriers and nuances to blaze a trail for other aspiring law enforcement officers to follow, Mississippi's law enforcement personnel are among the nation's elite in serving and protecting the state's populace, holding fast to the "Virtue Et Armis" coat-of-arms; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize these remarkable individuals and their efforts to become shining examples of excellence, depicting the power of perseverance and determination to effectuate change in our state's history:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the dedicated service of R.O. Williams, Lewis Younger, Jr., and Walter Crosby upon being the first African-American members of the Mississippi Highway Patrol and extend sincere wishes for continued success in all their future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to R.O. Williams, Lewis Younger, Jr., Walter Crosby and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.