House Resolution 73

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS, COMMEMORATING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND ESTEEMED AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE OF UNSUNG MISSISSIPPI CIVIL RIGHTS HERO AND ICON, MR. JAMES RUSSELL FIGGS, AND EXPRESSING SINCERE SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, the grand architect of the universe, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny, has summoned the mortal presence of beloved Mr. James Russell Figgs, "Big Figgs," to eternal rest, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family, colleagues and friends; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi, Quitman County and the Mississippi Branch of the NAACP lost a wonderful friend, unsung hero as a civil rights activist, community icon and humanitarian on February 29, 2016, with the passing of Mr. Figgs, a forerunner in Mississippi's history as one of the state's premiere champions for civil rights and liberties during the Civil Rights Movement; and

WHEREAS, born on July 6, 1943, in Marks, Mississippi, to his late parents Jim Barfield and Ruth Elizabeth Figgs and raised on the exponential tenets of education, Christian devotion and hard work, Mr. Figgs received his primary educational foundation at Marks Industrial School before graduating from Quitman County Industrial High School as a standout player on the Dragons' Basketball Team, and subsequent thereto matriculated at Coahoma Community College where he attained an associate degree and thereafter attended Barbara Scotia College in North Carolina before transferring and earning his bachelor degree from Mississippi Valley State University; and

WHEREAS, a formidable powerbroker for change in politics and social justice, Mr. Figgs, who was raised in a divisive period in our nation's history, was compelled to take an active role in transforming the climate of equality in the South, particularly in the Mississippi Delta, and became an individual who was highly sought out and recruited for his wise counsel and support by an array of politicians, activists and organizations; and

WHEREAS, a skilled organizer and tactician who seldom yielded to defeat or despair, who amassed a great throng of respect from his peers by refusing even during the darkest hour to back down, bow down or sit down until the task at hand was successfully implemented and completed; and

WHEREAS, taking exceptional note and inspirational empowerment from the mentorship of the iconic Dr. Aaron Henry, Mr. Figgs was just as comfortable in a supporting role behind the scenes and away from the limelight uplifting others, as he was in taking the reins himself and standing out front on an issue which he felt the need to respond or expose, evidenced through his services as a Chairman of the Quitman County School District Board of Trustees, President of the Quitman County Branch of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, first African-American President of the Mississippi Democratic Party, Director of Social Services for the Delta Hills Head Start Program, President/Organizer of the Quitman County Development Organization, member of the Marks Board of Aldermen and Vice Mayor of Marks, member of the Crowder Masonic Lodge and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, a devoted husband and caring father of 15 children, two of which are adopted, and one of which is a surrogate child, Mr. Figgs retired from a storied career of service with the Quitman County School District in 2013; and

WHEREAS, during his extensive service to the NAACP, Mr. Figgs simultaneously devoted his time and talents to any sincere effort within his community and surroundings which would bring about a change and make a difference in the lives of others with a special concern and interest in the younger generations; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to reunite with those great drum majors for justice who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon his arrival to the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, the legacy of Mr. Figgs' memory, which if put to music, would be a majestic symphonic masterpiece composed by the Holy Trinity, will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors: wife, Delilah Reed-Figgs; children, Wynetta Myles, Anja Barfield, Dwight Barfield, Martrullus Willingham, Derrick Chapman, Lawanda Dogan, Yolanda Dogan, Kristie Reed, Brittany Reed, Carlos Thompson, Marian Joyce Twilley, Valerie Williams; surrogate son, Andre Hankins; adopted children, Christopher Figgs and Shirley Figgs; sixteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; five brothers and four sisters; and a multitude of nieces, nephews and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to pay homage and give tribute to such a remarkable individual and catalyst for change as Mr. James Russell Figgs, whose life's light was an impassioned beacon of inspiration to all for whom he championed the cause of civil and social equality:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss, commemorate the life and legacy of esteemed and distinguished service of unsung Mississippi Civil Rights hero and icon, Mr. James Russell Figgs, "Big Figgs," express sincere sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing and salute his long-term devotion and commitment with a renewed pledge to persevere in the struggle in his honor.

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