[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 23 (Monday, February 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E220-E221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING ANNIE PEARL SPEARS NICHOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 14, 2011

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Annie 
Pearl Spears Nichols, a lifelong resident of Canton, Mississippi. Born 
November 20, 1944, Annie Pearl Spears Nichols attended school in the

[[Page E221]]

Canton area and later received her Licensed Practical Nursing Degree 
from Hinds Community College in 1972. Mrs. Nichols has spent a great 
majority of her lifetime actively participating in the Civil Rights 
struggle. She began her involvement in 1965 when she became an 
intricate voice in the Voter Education/Registration Movement in Canton. 
Many local mentors, such as the late Ms. Annie Devine, taught her 
pivotal information on organizing movements towards the integration of 
public facilities and schools. Her efforts were rewarded in the 
establishment of Freedom Schools and the successful organization of 
boycotts and civil rights demonstration in the area.
  In 1968, Annie married Attorney John Andrews Nichols, who was 
Canton's first Black attorney and first Black to run for Mayor for the 
City of Canton. Mrs. Nichols gave birth to four (4) children: Andrea, 
April; Alexis, and Adam. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols both pursued positions in 
public office; unfortunately, they were both defeated. Despite much 
opposition from the whites in the community, she and her husband 
continued their quest for equality and civil rights by participating in 
the March to Washington, DC and voicing concerns for continued funding 
of the Head Start Program. Through her struggles, she was afforded the 
opportunity to work alongside legendary figures of the Civil Rights 
Era, including James Meredith and Fannie Lou Hamer.
  Her community outreach expands to a number of civic organizations in 
which she is involved, such as Founder of the ``Let's Talk Cancer'' 
support group of Canton, commissioner of the Canton Housing Authority, 
President of the Eastside Neighborhood Watch Association, and a member 
of the Women for Progress. Mrs. Nichols has been honored with 
Excellence in Leadership Awards and continues to be a model for hard 
work and dedication in her community through volunteering with the 
Triple C and the Canton PTSA.

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