House Resolution 131

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MEMBERS OF THE SILVER BULLET CLUB OF TALLAHATCHIE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI, FOR ITS IMPRESSIVE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE YOUTH WITHIN ITS COMMUNITY.

WHEREAS, the Silver Bullet Club was organized to support educational opportunities and provide financial scholarships to students within Tallahatchie County and the surrounding area; and

WHEREAS, founded by Mr. Henry Gipson, a hardworking farmer who noticed that many of the students graduating from high school in his community lacked the necessary financial resources to attend institutions of higher learning; and

WHEREAS, driven by his passion to assist these young people in his community, Mr. Gipson gathered a number of his like-minded local farmers, truck drivers and cotton gin workers who had a similar passion for children in their community to achieve an education beyond high school, and they created the "Silver Bullet Club" in 1987; and

WHEREAS, the founding members are Henry Gipson, Willie Gipson, Roger Gipson, Cleve Gipson, Charlie Beasley, John William, William Slaughter, Willie Moore, R.C. Sturdivant, Cleveland Crawford, Johnie Jones, Joe Walker, Sylvester McClain, Willie Hill, James Hearon, Walter Hawkins, Robert Huddleston, Lin Huddleston, Dave Reynold and Charlie Ward; and

WHEREAS, the Silver Bullet Club's first act was to purchase a door for a school classroom, and soon thereafter scholarships were given to students who graduated from high school based on criteria created by the members of the club; and

WHEREAS, in the spirit of brotherhood and community, the Silver Bullet Club also hosted parties on Father's Day and New Year's Day to build camaraderie amongst the men and their families; and

WHEREAS, throughout the years, this group of farmers, truck drivers and cotton gin workers have helped numerous students and their families; and

WHEREAS, although many of the founding members have passed this life, the remaining members still carry on the tradition of providing scholarships to students; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor selfless philanthropic efforts of Mississippians, such as the members of the Silver Bullet Club, who choose to make a positive impact on the lives of our youth, who are our future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the members of the Silver Bullet Club of Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, for its impressive contributions to the youth within its community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Silver Bullet Club and members of the Capitol Press Corps.