[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               BLACK HISTORY TRIBUTE TO GERTRUDE A. YOUNG

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2005

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississipi. 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 Gertrude Anderson Young of Warren County. 
Mrs. Young was born to the late Mr. Wanzie Anderson and Josephine 
Anderson.
  Mrs. Young is a 1973 honor graduate of North Vicksburg High School, a 
1976 honor graduate of Mississippi Valley State University where she 
received a degree in Nursing, a 1983 Hinds Community College honor 
graduate, and 1999 honor graduate of Alcorn State University.
  Mrs. Young has worked as a Registered Nurse for 20 years. Mrs. Young 
is noted in Warren County for creating a 24-hour hotline and weekly 
radio program for teens called ``Talk to Me''. In addition, she was 
elected as the first woman to serve as Warren County Election 
Commissioner of District 3. Presently, she is a published writer and 
she serves as the City of Vicksburg's first female elected official as 
North Ward Alderman and Mayor Pro-Tem.
  Mrs. Young is the 1996 recipient of the State's Child Advocate of the 
Year award and the Fannie Lou Hamer award. She was inducted into the 
2001-2003 Who's Who Among American Women. Mrs. Young is a member of Mt. 
Carmel Missionary Baptist Church where she serves as an Associate 
Minister. She is the former president of the Mississippi Black Caucus 
of Local Elected Official (MBC-LEO) and she is a member of numerous 
local, State, and Federal boards and organizations including Delta 
Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
  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.

                          ____________________