Senate Concurrent Resolution 592

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE ACTING CAREER OF CASSANDRA "CASSI" DAVIS FROM HOLLY SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Cassandra "Cassi" Davis (born July 31, 1966) is an American actress and best known for her role as Ella Payne on "Tyler Perry's House of Payne." House of Payne aired more episodes (a total of 254) than any other television series (of any genre) with a predominantly African-American cast, surpassing "The Jeffersons" (253 episodes), "Family Matters" (215 episodes) and "The Cosby Show" (202 episodes). Davis has done extensive work with Director and Writer Tyler Perry and has played many roles in his various productions; and

WHEREAS, born in the booming metropolis of Holly Springs, Mississippi, Davis' acting career began in 1988 with her role in the Spike Lee film, School Daze. Her early theatre production credits include appearances in He say...She say...But what does God say, Love on Layaway, Silent Bomb, Black Olive and Big Otis Blues Revue. Moreover, her television production credits include appearances on "Living Single," "Married with Children," "Kenan & Kel," "The Parkers," "Chicago Hope" and "The PJ's." She established her acting career by appearing in Tyler Perry productions such as Madea's Family Reunion, Madea Goes to Jail, Daddy's Little Girls, Women Thou Art Loosed, A Madea's Christmas and "Tyler Perry's House of Payne." Her starring role debut was in a Tyler Perry Production play, Aunt Bam's Place; and

WHEREAS, Cassandra attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and majored in music (vocal performance). She left the college in 1991 one credit hour short of graduating to pursue an acting opportunity, and then returned to Spelman College in 2008 to complete her degree, graduating in December of that same year; and

WHEREAS, she accredits her devout, born-again Christian faith as the main reason behind her professional success and so often exclaims...God Did It!!!; and

WHEREAS, Cassi is the daughter of the late John and Catherine Davis of Holly Springs, Mississippi. She has two brothers: Jon (Vivian) Davis and Tracy (Kimberly) Davis; one sister: Casshaunda D. (Devin) Riddle; two nephews (Jon and Khari); five nieces (Janay, Antonise, Kailah, Vivia, and CaiDyn); one great-niece (Jhaniyah); and one great-nephew (Jordyn). Cassandra is a 1984 graduate of Holly Springs High School where she reigned as Miss Holly Springs High School (1983-1984); and

WHEREAS, in 2003, Davis was awarded Best Actress by the NAACP Theatre Award Committee. She was also presented with the City of Holly Springs Proclamation in 2012 by Mayor Andre' DeBerry. For a second time in 2013, Davis was the recipient of the Most Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series by the NAACP Image Award Committee for her role as Ella Payne on Tyler Perry's, "House of Payne"; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we commend the acting legacy of this great Mississippi artist who has brought honor to her profession, her community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and pay tribute to the acting career of Cassandra "Cassi" Davis from Holly Springs, Mississippi, and extend our best wishes for continued professional success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Cassi Davis, forwarded to the Mississippi Arts Commission and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.