Senate Concurrent Resolution 569

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE RECOGNITION OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE TO MISSISSIPPI AUTHOR AND POET PATRICIA NEELY-DORSEY OF TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI, AND DESIGNATING HER AS AN UNOFFICIAL LITERARY AMBASSADOR FOR THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Patricia Neely-Dorsey is an Author, Poet and Motivational Speaker from Tupelo, Mississippi. She has published two books of poetry: "Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia" and "My Magnolia Memories and Musings." Patricia's writings are a true celebration of the South and all things Southern. Using her childhood memories, Patricia gives her readers a positive glimpse into the Southern way of life; and

WHEREAS, with Patricia's simple language and relatable themes, her poems can be read, enjoyed and understood by readers of all ages, from 8 to 80 and beyond; and

WHEREAS, Patricia Neely-Dorsey is a 1982 graduate of Tupelo High School in Tupelo, Mississippi, located in the beautiful red clay "Hills" of Mississippi, and yes, the birthplace of Elvis Presley. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. After living for almost 20 years in Memphis, Tennessee, working in the mental health field, she returned to her hometown in August 2007. Patricia currently lives in Tupelo with her husband, James; son, Henry; and miniature Schnauzer, Happy. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., an avid reader and passionate writer. Patricia travels all around the state speaking at schools, churches, libraries and various civic organizations, delivering the message of a positive Mississippi and a positive Southern experience; and

WHEREAS, her latest poem Meet My Mississippi can be used as a teaching tool for all ages and a way to showcase all the best of Mississippi. The poem contains: State Bird, Mockingbird; State Tree, Magnolia; State Flower, Magnolia; State Capitol, Jackson; State Motto, "By Valor and Arms"; State Song, "Go, Mississippi; and State Nickname, Hospitality State; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we pay tribute and express appreciation for the literary talent of a Mississippi Artist who has made Mississippi a better place and exemplifies the literary and artistic traditions of our great state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby extend the recognition of the Mississippi Legislature to Mississippi Author and Poet Patricia Neely-Dorsey of Tupelo, Mississippi, and designate her as an unofficial Literary Ambassador for the State of Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Patricia Neely-Dorsey, forwarded to the Mississippi Arts Commission, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.