House Resolution 40

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING REVEREND JIMMIE LEE EDWARDS ON HIS INSPIRATIONAL EFFORTS TO NOT ONLY TRANSFORM THE SPIRITUAL LIVES OF HIS CONGREGATION, BUT TO TRANSFORM THE NEIGHBORHOODS IN WHICH THEY LIVE BY WORKING TO END VIOLENCE AND BLIGHTED NEIGHBORHOODS.

Whereas, it is written in Galatians 6:2 "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ," and Reverend Jimmie Lee Edwards is fulfilling the law of Christ carrying the burdens of violence and blight for the residents of West Jackson as the pastor of Rosemont Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, a resident of West Jackson for seventeen years, and a dedicated pastor with a heart for his congregation, Reverend Edwards has witnessed an increase in blighted properties in the City of Jackson and a spike in violence; and

WHEREAS, driven by a need to heal the environment in which his congregation lives, Reverend Edwards decided to be an agent of change beyond his church's walls by battling neighborhood blight and violence; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Edwards galvanized church and community members to unite for the purpose of demolishing drug houses and crumbling structures in the community; and

WHEREAS, the Reverend has also hosted "Stop the Violence" block parties with the help of other community leaders that included motivational speeches and activities for children; and

WHEREAS, this visionary pastor has created numerous partnerships to assist him in beautifying the community, as evidenced by his joint venture with Keep Jackson Beautiful and Working Together Jackson, in which volunteers pick up tons of trash; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor Mississippi visionaries who seek to improve the communities within our state, which also improves the quality of life for our citizens:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi, That we do hereby commend Reverend Jimmie Lee Edwards for his inspirational efforts to transform the spiritual lives and neighborhoods of his congregation by working to end violence and blighted neighborhoods.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be provided to Reverend Jimmie Lee Edwards and members of the Capitol Press Corps.