[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 17 (Wednesday, February 16, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              BLACK HISTORY TRIBUTE TO KING T. EVANS, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 16, 2005

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, throughout the month of 
February, I would like to recognize outstanding African Americans of 
the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi, and their contribution 
to Black History. The 23 counties of the 2nd District are well 
represented from both a local and national perspective.
  Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, first as 
``Negro History Week'' and later as ``Black History Month.'' In fact, 
black history had barely begun to be studied--or even documented--when 
the tradition originated. Although blacks have been in America as far 
back as colonial times, it was not until the 20th century that they 
gained a presence in our history books.
  Though scarcely documented in history books, if at all, the crucial 
role African Americans have played in the development of our nation 
must not be overlooked.
  I would like to recognize Mr. King T. Evans, Sr. of Sharkey County in 
the State of Mississippi. Mr. Evan has dedicated his life to community 
services as an advocate, member, and president of the Sharkey County 
branch of NAACP. During the Civil Rights era, Mr. Evans was 
instrumental in securing the return of a high school in the City of 
Anguilla for black students that was originally constructed for white 
students in the community. As a result of his longevity during the 
Civil Rights Era, Mr. Evans was recognized as a ``Long Distance 
Runner'' by the Mississippi Conference of the NAACP.
  Mr. Evans is also known as the co-founder of one of the oldest 
funeral homes in Greenville, Mississippi, Edwards & Evans Funeral Home 
(1944). In addition, Mr. Evans recorded oral family history and the 
history of the Mississippi Delta Region on CD-ROM for the University of 
Southern Mississippi along with filming historical pleas and 
contemporary culture of the MS Delta Region to preserve the rich 
history of this area in the 2nd Congressional District.
  He has received numerous awards for his outstanding contribution to 
the African American Race-Received ``Outstanding Volunteer Award,'' 
Service Award, and Appreciation Award. For his hard work and dedication 
to African Americans, the City of Greenville has honored him with a 
street being named ``King T. Evans Street'' and the South Delta School 
District has named their resource room the ``King T. Evans Resource 
Room'' in his honor. Mr. Evans has been a true trailblazer for the 
African-American community.
  I take great pride in recognizing and paying tribute to this 
outstanding African American of the 2nd Congressional District of 
Mississippi who deserves mention, not only in the month of February but 
year round.

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