[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING MATTIE KNIGHT WASHINGTON--EDUCATOR AND COMMUNITY ACTIVIST

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                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 15, 2011

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Mattie Knight Washington. Ms. Washington, the sixth of fourteen 
children was born and raised in rural Yazoo County, Mississippi. Mrs. 
Mattie Knight Washington--an outstanding educator and community 
activist; first and foremost professes God to be her personal Savior. 
With the firm belief that family is the most basic and important 
institution in society, Mrs. Washington proudly represents the adage 
``a Knight in shining armor''! She is a fine example of bravery, 
heroism, courtesy, and generosity. This celebrated woman is the epitome 
of courage, strength and love.
  A trailblazer in the area of education, Mattie Bee (as she is 
affectionately called) learned her first lessons in a home where she 
was raised by God-fearing parents amid several siblings and members of 
her extended families. During her teen years she entered Jackson State 
College (JSU) where she worked very diligently to earn her General 
Education Diploma (GED). She pursued her goals and later earned a 
Bachelor of Science, making her first in her family to attend college. 
Being thirsty for knowledge she obtained a Masters of Science and 
Education Specialist degrees, all at her dear JSU. Although she has 
completed further studies at Delta State University, Mississippi State 
University, and the University of Southern Mississippi, Jackson State 
remains her ``school of the heart.'' She has served as president of the 
local chapter of the Jackson State University National Alumni 
Association.
  Mrs. Washington has not only taught for over 32\1/2\ years, retiring 
in 2004, but she also displays her strong desires to give every child 
the opportunity to be educated and expand their experiences through 
sponsorship/coordination of many successful educational field trips for 
students in Yazoo County to various sites in Mississippi, as well as 
Tennessee, Louisiana, Florida, New York, and the nation's capital--
Washington, DC. A lifetime member of the Mississippi Association of 
Educators (MAE) and the National Educators Association (NEA), Mrs. 
Washington takes pride in teaching children to find a love for 
education within them. She actively participates in educational 
enhancement programs and projects in the community, including the G.A. 
Carmichael Family Health Center, the Yazoo County Chamber of Commerce-
Competitive Community, Adopt-A-School Programs, serves as a board 
member of the Historical Preservation Society, and is an Election 
Commissioner.
  Reflecting on the biblical passage ``The Lord loves a cheerful giver. 
(11 Corinthians 9:6-7), Mrs. Mattie K. Washington is a strong supporter 
of the church. Having served in various capacities, particularly in the 
organization of the Youth Choir, she was one of the first three members 
of King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church to make a sizeable monetary 
contribution to the renovation efforts of its fellowship hall. She also 
assists other community churches in their efforts.
  Mattie believes in balance in her life, so she not only gives 
materialistically, but she also gives of herself through donation of 
her time and talents. She was the first African-American woman to have 
started a catering service in Yazoo County, and still enjoys cooking 
and baking for large numbers of people. One will still find this being 
displayed over the last 26 years as she honors the Mother Board of King 
Solomon's Church with an elaborate tribute dinner, where her culinary 
prowess is demonstrated. She thoroughly enjoys lauding others for their 
good work so she often takes on sponsoring dinners for the Police 
Dept., the Mayor and Board of Alderman, as well as family gatherings 
where city, state, and national officials come to break bread also. 
This year was her first year spearheading the ``Make a Difference Day'' 
event that was formally headed by nationally acclaimed local sponsor, 
Ms. Leola Dillard.
  People from all walks of life, ages, and ethnic backgrounds have 
benefitted from Mattie's contributions. Her philosophy of whether you 
are prince or pauper, queen or maid, you will find the same warm, 
friendly welcome to her home, heart, and life. (She is still educating 
through modeling!)
  Mrs. Washington attributes her inspiration to be an educator from the 
following: her parents, Roosevelt and Minnie Vaughan Knight, who were 
not afforded the opportunity to obtain formal education; daughter, 
Debra Knight Howard, an educated business leader; Joseph G. Williams, a 
fellow educator, who all preceded her in death; supported by her loving 
husband, George Washington; daughter, Jennifer Washington; and 
grandchildren, Deidra, David B., Draven Howard, and A.J. Washington; 
along with her 13 siblings and countless other relatives, friends and 
associates.
  Mrs. Mattie Knight Washington lives to ``make a difference,'' 
symbolizing courage, strength and love.

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