[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 17 (Wednesday, February 16, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  BLACK HISTORY TRIBUTE TO FRANK DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                        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. Frank Davis of Claiborne County, 
Mississippi. Mr. Davis was born March 22, 1947. Upon his completion of 
high school, he served two years in the United States Army, where he 
developed a passion to protect and serve. Afterwards, Mr. Davis 
attended Alcorn State University and obtained his B.S. degree in 1971. 
Davis continued his educational studies at the University of Southern 
Mississippi in 1973 in Criminal Justice and Alcorn State University in 
1988 in Business Education. Following his extensive educational 
studies, Mr. Frank Davis became the first elected black Sheriff for the 
State of Mississippi.
  Sheriff Davis has served in many capacities throughout Claiborne 
County. His long standing commitment in law enforcement has lead him to 
hold the position of First Sergeant of the 114th Military Police 
Company and Deputy Sheriff of Claiborne under the leadership of the 
late and former Sheriff Dan McCaa. In addition, Mr. Davis has held the 
position of Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Port Gibson, 
Director of Claiborne County Civil Defense, Acting Superintendent of 
Education for the Claiborne County Public Civil Defense, and Acting 
Superintendent of Education for the Claiborne County Public School 
District.
  Sheriff Davis has not only held several key positions throughout his 
career, but he has held key positions with civic organizations 
throughout the county. Sheriff Davis was elected president of the 
Mississippi Sheriff Association from 2000-2001, making him the first 
black to hold this position. He is a founding father of NOBLE (National 
Organization of Black Law Enforcement) Chapter in Mississippi, and 
served as president in 1990. He is a member of the Young Men of 
America, a member of the Heritage Corridor Study and served on the Boys 
and Girls Ranch Board of Mississippi Sheriff's Association Boys and 
Girls Ranch. Additionally, his compassion for people and their 
rehabilitation while incarcerated led him to continue studying. 
Ultimately, he became certified in jail management, criminal 
investigations, mentally ill inmates, street survival and rural 
homicide to name a few. Today, he continues his devotion to justice by 
serving as Sheriff of Claiborne County with 25 years of dedicated 
service.
  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.

                          ____________________