Senate Concurrent Resolution 537

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE TO THE SURVIVING FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF JACKSON COMMUNITY LEADER AND ACTIVIST INEVA MAY-PITTMAN AND REMEMBERING HER ADVOCACY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND HER MANY ACHIEVEMENTS.

WHEREAS, we join the City of Jackson in mourning the loss of Community Leader and Activist Ineva May-Pittman on January 2, 2023, at age 88; and

WHEREAS, "The City of Jackson is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Mrs. Ineva May-Pittman," Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said in a press statement. He further noted, "Mrs. May-Pittman was a lifelong advocate for human rights and an active member of numerous civic, religious, Civil Rights and professional organizations. I consider her a mentor and a true friend"; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. May-Pittman was well known for her political actions during the Civil Rights era and her commitment to civic engagement. Ineva worked with Medgar Evers advocating for voting rights, education and equal opportunity. In later years, she became the Jackson NAACP Branch President. Her extensive work in the community earned her respect and admiration in Jackson and throughout the Mississippi communities. She was a member of the National Business and Professional Women's Club, the National Council of Negro Women, Jackson State University National Alumni Association, the State Democratic Executive Committee, and the Garden Club Council. Ineva was also a Gold Life Member of the Lanier High School National Alumni Association (LHSNAA). As a long-time, dedicated member of LHSNAA, she made numerous donations to support students and school departments; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. May-Pittman had many accomplishments and achievements. Her recognitions included: City Usher Ministry Dedicated Service Award-1989; Black Women of Political Action-1989 for circulating petitions to save Smith Robertson Museum, and petitioning the city to name the airport after Medgar Wiley Evers; Jackson Association of Educators-1987; Jackson Public School Distinguished Service Award-1988; National Council of Negro Women Dedicated Service Award-1984; Jackson Section NCNW Finer Womanhood Award-1978; Jackson Branch NAACP John H. Dixon Outstanding Community Service Award, 1977, 1988; Personality of the South Publication; LHSNAA Alumnus of the Year 2016 and many more; and

WHEREAS, in 2017, Poindexter Park was renamed in her honor, a tribute to her contributions to the City of Jackson. Mrs. May-Pittman is remembered as passionate and driven, and her legacy demonstrates her involved dedication to the service of her people, city and state; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. May-Pittman is survived by her son, Albert, and one grandson; and

WHEREAS, we pay tribute and cherish fondly the memory of this most public-spirited citizen of Mississippi, whose enormous civic energy is an example to others of how to live your convictions with courage and who will be missed by all Mississippians who have been fortunate enough to have known her special wisdom:

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 deepest sympathy of the Legislature to the surviving family and friends of Jackson Community Leader and Activist Ineva May-Pittman and remember her advocacy for human rights and her many achievements.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Ineva May-Pittman, forwarded to Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.