[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            BLACK HISTORY TRIBUTE TO TOMIE ZEAN TURNER GREEN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2005

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, 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 Judge Tomie Zean Turner Green of Hinds 
County. Educated in Jackson Public Schools, upon completing the 11th 
grade at Jim Hill School, Judge Green entered Tougaloo College where 
she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree. She earned a Master of 
Science degree from Jackson State University, and a Doctor of 
Jurisprudence from the Mississippi College School of Law.
  Judge Green served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 
1992-1998 and served as the Vice Chair of Ethics and as sub-chair of 
the Judiciary A committee. She also served on the Elections, Insurance, 
the Managed Care and Local & Private Legislation, Constitution and 
Investigation of State Offices committees. In 1999, Judge Green took 
the oath of office to become the first woman elected to the Hinds 
County Circuit Court. Since that time Judge Green has increased the 
accessibility and efficiency to the court by shifting judicial 
operations. Since she took the bench, Judge Green has served on the 
Judiciary Advisory Committee on Rules, and the Supreme Court's 
Committee on Media and the Courts.
  Judge Green is best noted for in Hinds County for her sponsorship and 
support of the several laws such as the Municipal Public Hazard Law; 
Illegal Acts on Premises Law; the Professional Licensure and Child 
Welfare and Child Support Enforcement Act, etc. Additionally, Judge 
Green has sought legislation to insure fairness for workers injured 
while on the job; raise the age for minors to legally possess a handgun 
from 18 to 21 years of age; to build and fund a stadium for Jackson 
State University; to establish a law school at Jackson State 
University; and to increase the opportunity and participation of 
minorities in state contracts for goods and services.

  In addition to her dedication and commitment to her career, Judge 
Green has also expressed the same to her community. Judge Green is 
currently a member of the St. Peter Baptist Church of Jackson, MS. She 
is a member of the Magnolia Bar Association, Mississippi Bar 
Association, the Federal Bar Association, the Hinds County Bar 
Association, Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity. Other memberships have 
included: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, the 
NAACP, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), MS League of 
Women Voters, American Association of University Women and Central 
Mississippi Coalition of 100 Black Women.
  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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