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


                     HONORING MS. HATTIE R. JORDAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        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 Ms. 
Hattie R. Jordan, the daughter of slaves who was reared on various 
plantations and the last one being owned by the late State of 
Mississippi Senator James O. Eastland. Her goal was not continue to 
chop and pick cotton for the rest of her life. Her goal was to get 
herself and her family off the plantation for a better way of life. 
Seven months after receiving her degree in Social Studies from 
Mississippi Valley State University she was able to build a house in 
Ruleville, Mississippi, and moved her surviving relatives, her father 
and sister from the plantation.
  Ms. Jordan's dedication to other blacks in the Mississippi Delta to 
have a better life propelled her to become the first black educator to 
work at Rosedale High School in Rosedale, Mississippi, and be involved 
in the Civil Rights Movement. She joined the NAACP where she still has 
membership. She entered political office in 1993 as an Alderwoman for 
the City of Ruleville and served four terms ending in 2009.
  She was and is instrumental in keeping the legacy of Ms. Fannie Lou 
Hamer alive. Ms. Jordan raised $115,000 to construct the Fannie Lou 
Hamer Memorial Garden. Her commitment to her community has developed 
into sponsoring the Ruleville Scholarship fundraiser, Ruleville 
Employees, and Senior Citizen's Dinner, organizing Annual Back-to-
School Rallies, Annual Christmas give-away for the youth of Ruleville, 
sponsoring Student Council Debating Teams, Senior Class sponsor, and 
volunteering with numerous community organizations which enhance 
citizens' lives.
  Ms. Jordan lives by the motto: ``I can do all things through Christ, 
which strengthen me''.
  Mr. Speaker I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Hattie 
Jordan's dedication to education and the civil rights of others. Her 
life has touched the lives of people both young and old.

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