[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 19 (Friday, February 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E285-E286]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               BLACK HISTORY TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH C. THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2005

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, throughout the month of 
February, I would

[[Page E286]]

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 Senator Joseph C. Thomas of Yazoo County. 
Senator Thomas is a graduate of Jackson State University with a 
Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. He is also a 
graduate of the Mississippi School of Banking at the University of 
Mississippi. He is retired as Vice President from AmSouth National Bank 
after 30 years of service. He has served as the National Treasurer and 
Executive Vice President of the Friends Amistad, a national 
organization in support of the Amistad Research Center in New Orleans, 
LA.
  Senator Thomas currently serves as board member and chairman of the 
management committee of the Yazoo County Fair and Civic League, Inc. He 
served as Chairman of the Policy Council of the American Public Power 
Association (APPA), which represents about 2,000 not-for-profits, 
community-owned electric utilities. He is the past president of the 
Yazoo City Municipal School Board and has been a member of the 
Mississippi Real Estate Appraisal Board. He was selected by the 
Mississippi Economic Council as on of the outstanding young men under 
35 in 1977. Senator Thomas received the National Association for Equal 
Opportunity in Higher Education Award (NAFEO) in 1997. Senator Thomas 
received the American Public Power Association's Spence Vanderlin 
Public Official Award in 1997 in Toronto Canada.
  Senator Thomas loves history and has served as Chairman of the Oakes 
African American Cultural Center since it started in 1992. Senator 
Thomas is considered to be a noted historian on the subject of African-
American history in Mississippi. In 2003, he won the position of 
Senator of District 21 for the State of Mississippi. He is serving on 
the Finance, Insurance, Banking Economic Development & Tourism, 
Education and Judiciary B Committees. Senator Thomas is married to the 
former Elizabeth Wilburn of Benton, Mississippi and they are the proud 
parents of three children, Joseph Jr., Kirk and Whitney.
  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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