House Resolution 66

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. ISAIAH MADISON AND EXTENDING THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE MISSISSIPPI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, a historical figure and trailblazer was lost when Dr. Isaiah Madison departed this earthly life on March 1, 2012, at the blessed age of 71; and

WHEREAS, he was known as the "architect" of the historic Ayers desegration case because he crafted the 37-page lawsuit that claimed Mississippi underfunded its historically black universities in comparison to funding provided to historically white institutions; and

WHEREAS, a native of Lake Cormorant, Mississippi, he graduated as salutatorian of his 1960 Delta Center High School class in Walls, Mississippi, and went on to obtain a bachelor of arts degree and juris doctorate from Howard University in Washington, D.C., before earning a master's degree in political science from Atlanta University and a master's degree in theology from the Theological Center; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Madison taught political science at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and he was an instructor in the Clinical Law Program at Howard University's Law School; and

WHEREAS, driven by his passion to improve the academic future and relevance of historically black colleges in Mississippi, Dr. Madison became the Founding Chairman of the Black Mississippians' Council on Higher Education, which became the support group that provided financial and organizational support in the Ayers effort; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Madison was highly instrumental in achieving the $503,000,000.00 settlement that was later reached in the case; and

WHEREAS, a prolific writer and author, Dr. Madison published several poems and essays dealing with a wide variety of subjects from law to social justice; and

WHEREAS, ever faithful to his Christian theology and devotion, Dr. Madison was a pastor and church leader in the United Methodist Church, serving congregants in Mississippi and Georgia, and he was also a member of New Dimensions International Ministries, where he served as an assistant pastor; and

WHEREAS, after retiring from his legal practice, Dr. Madison worked at Jackson State University as an Associate Professor of Political Science and taught courses in public law, American government and legal research and writing; and

WHEREAS, although Dr. Madison's journey in the legal community, academia and Christianity afforded him the opportunity to encounter and work with people from all walks of life, he was revered by many for his giving and generous nature as a passionate citizen of the community; and

WHEREAS, as Dr. Madison has now traversed the river of life to now stand on the golden shores of Heaven's landing, his brave legacy of perseverance, achievement and sincere concern for historically black institutions will be forever and indelibly etched into history; and

WHEREAS, to carry on his legacy and honor his memory, he leaves his loving wife, Carol A. Madison; stepson, William L. Poston; five brothers and four sisters; and a host of other family members and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life and legacy of a great advocate and educator, such as Dr. Madison, who has improved the status of Mississippi's historically black academic institutions and touched the lives of countless individuals:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life and legacy of Dr. Isaiah Madison and express our deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Dr. Isaiah Madison and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.