Senate Resolution 13

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE RECOGNITION OF THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE TO AWARD-WINNING BROADCASTER AND MISSISSIPPI STORYTELLER WALT GRAYSON FROM GREENVILLE, MISSISSIPPI, AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE 2025 GOVERNOR'S ARTS AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT.

WHEREAS, the Governor's Arts Awards Program has announced its 2025 recipients, which include award-winning Broadcaster and Mississippi Storyteller Walt Grayson of Greenville and Brandon, Mississippi, as the 2025 Governor's Arts Award recipient for Lifetime Achievement; and

WHEREAS, established in 1988, Governor's Arts Awards are given to individuals and organizations to recognize outstanding work in the artistic disciplines, as well as arts-based community development and arts patronage in Mississippi. The awards are presented in partnership with the Governor's Office and signify the important relationship between government and the arts; and

WHEREAS, Walt Grayson, a revered figure in Mississippi, has spent over five decades narrating the stories of his beloved state; and

WHEREAS, Grayson grew up in Greenville, Mississippi, where he worked at WJPR radio station while in high school. Grayson never intended to pursue a career in broadcasting. At Mississippi College, he chose a degree in Bible and a minor in history. Grayson aspired to become a preacher, but ultimately, his love of broadcasting prevailed; and

WHEREAS, Grayson continued to work in radio for WRBC and several other Jackson radio stations until he transitioned to television in 1984 when he joined the WLBT team. Grayson wore many hats throughout his tenure there, including anchor, reporter, and weatherman. With his deep connection to Mississippi's culture and his background in history, Grayson could tell Mississippi's story in a way that connected deeply with audiences. However, his impact goes beyond his professional achievements. Known for his warm demeanor and genuine connection with people, Grayson is often approached by fans who see him more as a cherished family member than a celebrity. His humility and accessibility have endeared him to many, making him a true icon of Mississippi culture; and

WHEREAS, it was a natural fit when Grayson was chosen to host Mississippi Roads on Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB), a program that explores Mississippi's history, culture, unique landmarks, people and stories. During his time as host, Grayson told countless Mississippi stories. The program became so popular that it was picked up by the PBS Create TV nationally; and

WHEREAS, his storytelling extends to print. Grayson has written four books about his travels around Mississippi and writes a monthly column for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi's newspaper, Today in Mississippi. His book Looking Around Mississippi Some More was selected as the 2008 nonfiction Book of the Year by the Mississippi Library Association; and

WHEREAS, Grayson continues to explore and share the stories of Mississippi, driven by an unwavering love for his home state and its people. He currently works as a news anchor and lifestyle/feature reporter for WJTV-12 in Jackson, Mississippi. His role at WJTV-12 allows him to continue his beloved storytelling tradition, capturing the essence of Mississippi for a new generation of viewers. Grayson won two Southeast Regional Emmy Awards for his work on WJTV-12's A Mississippi Carol Christmas special; and

WHEREAS, Grayson has been honored numerous times for his outstanding work. He has multiple Emmy nominations and awards and is a member of the Mississippi Associated Press Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the Emmy Golden Circle. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Greenville Arts Council; and

WHEREAS, as long as there are stories to tell and places to discover, Grayson remains dedicated to his craft, embodying the spirit of Mississippi through every tale he shares; and

WHEREAS, he is married to his junior high school sweetheart, Jo, and they have three children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and

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

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby extend the recognition of the Mississippi Senate to award-winning Broadcaster and Mississippi Storyteller Walt Grayson from Greenville, Mississippi, as the recipient of the 2025 Governor's Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement and extend our congratulations to this outstanding arts and civic leader on this auspicious occasion.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Walt Grayson and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.