[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 54 (Monday, April 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E528]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING MR. HEZEKIAH WATKINS FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE GREENWOOD, 
                         MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 16, 2012

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an 
extraordinary civil rights activist, Mr. Hezekiah Watkins. Mr. Watkins 
is a lifelong resident of Jackson, Mississippi. He graduated from 
Lanier High School and continued his education at Utica Junior College, 
Southern Illinois University and East Tennessee State University.
  Mr. Watkins became a lifelong proponent of justice after his 
involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1961, the ``Freedom 
Fighters'' banned together in Jackson, Mississippi to demonstrate 
against state segregation laws, and for doing so, 328 people were 
arrested with the charge ``breach of peace.'' At the age of 13, Mr. 
Watkins was the youngest to be arrested and sent to Parchman Prison 
during the Freedom Riders movement. He continued his involvement in 
Mississippi's fight for civil rights, and as a result was arrested over 
100 times more in years to follow. These experiences caused him to 
commit to improving the quality of life and opportunities for young 
African American youth and all of mankind.
  Mr. Watkins began his career as a young entrepreneur and took on full 
time employment with Jackson Hinds Comprehensive Health Center and 
Hinds County Human Recourses Agency.
  He is currently employed with the Jackson Medical Mall and owner of 
the Corner Food Market and Deli in Jackson, Mississippi. Mr. Watkins 
continues his activism for justice as a community leader who promotes 
community and civic involvement in Mississippi's African American 
youth.
  Mr. Watkins has been married for the past 23 years to the former 
Chris Tanner. Together, they delight in the joys of three children, 
Marvin, Quentin, and Kristi. They also have four grandchildren, Quentin 
II, Brandon, Corey and Mason.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. 
Hezekiah Watkins for his dedication and service as a Civil Rights 
advocate and pioneer during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.

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