Senate Resolution 9

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING JAMIE AND GLADYS SCOTT (THE SCOTT SISTERS) UPON THEIR RECEIPT OF THE MISSISSIPPI WORKERS' CENTER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS "FANNIE LOU HAMER AWARD."

WHEREAS, Jamie and Gladys Scott are the recipients of the Mississippi Workers' Center for Human Rights "Fannie Lou Hamer Award" on the occasion of the 10th Annual Black History Month Celebration. This award will be made on February 25, 2011, at Coleman Middle School in Greenville, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, founded in 1996, the Mississippi Workers' Center for Human Rights is a worker advocacy organization that provides support, advocacy and training for low-wage, nonunion workers in the State of Mississippi. Through direct action campaigns, organizing sessions and trainings, this Center works to change workplace conditions and advocates for equal employment opportunities for African-Americans. The Center seeks to raise awareness among workers, and through strong partnerships with its worker members seeks to develop strategies to combat racism and sexism in the workplace. Through local, national and international networking and coalition building, the Center seeks to build bridges between workers in the southern region, other parts of the country and the world; and

WHEREAS, Jamie and Gladys Scott, native daughters of Mississippi soil, were released from prison on January 7, 2011, after serving 16 years. Since their release Jamie and Gladys Scott have continuously used their experience to inspire both currently and formerly incarcerated women and men; and

WHEREAS, Jamie and Gladys Scott have vowed to dedicate their lives to the cause of justice and human rights for all; and

WHEREAS, the Fannie Lou Hamer Award Program is named in honor of civil rights activist and leader Fannie Lou Hamer who stood up against oppression across the country, challenging America to end racism and discrimination. The Center works with law, university and high school students to develop youth leadership opportunities. Under the Center's leadership, unions and other workers' rights organizations work in coalition to address critical issues affecting the working poor in the State of Mississippi. With its grassroots partners, the Center convenes several major initiatives that provide organizing and strategy development opportunities for low-wage workers; and

WHEREAS, Jamie and Gladys Scott are courageous and shining examples of those who have overcome extreme adversities to rebuild their shattered lives. In the image of the great Freedom Fighter, Fannie Lou Hamer, Jamie and Gladys Scott are champions for the dispossessed and the disenfranchised:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize Jamie and Gladys Scott (The Scott Sisters) upon their receipt of the Mississippi Workers' Center for Human Rights "Fannie Lou Hamer Award" on the 10th Annual Black History Month Celebration by the Center, and extend our best wishes to the Scott Sisters and their family on this occasion.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Jamie and Gladys Scott, forwarded to the Workers' Center for Human Rights and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.