[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 57 (Monday, April 3, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E429-E430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING HENRY ``LIL SONNY'' NICKSON, JR.

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 3, 2017

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Tunica County Board Supervisor Henry ``Lil Sonny'' Nickson, Jr.
  Supervisor Nickson was born to Mary and Henry Nickson, Sr. He has one 
sister, Sharla Brown-Nickson and was raised in Tunica, MS. Mr. Nickson 
is 40 years old. He is an 8th

[[Page E430]]

grade Social Studies teacher at Tunica Middle School in the Tunica 
County School District. He previously served two terms on the Board of 
Alderman for the Town of Tunica. Mr. Nickson was the First African 
American elected to this position in Tunica County's history. He 
currently is in his second term as Tunica County Supervisor/District 
No. 4.
  Supervisor Nickson is recognized amongst his family, his community, 
and his colleagues as a man of integrity and for the service, 
compassion, and outstanding spirit he has. He regularly attends and 
serves as a member of Pleasant Ridge Missionary Baptist Church in 
Tunica, Mississippi.
  Supervisor Nickson attended and graduated from public high school in 
Tunica County. After earning his high school diploma from Rosa Fort 
High School (1994), he attended Jackson State University in Jackson, MS 
(Spr '99) as a Business Management Major. He became a member of Phi 
Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Beta Chapter. He is a member of 
Keystone No. 20, Masonic Lodge. For a few years after graduating from 
Jackson State University, Mr. Nickson enrolled in graduate school at 
Jackson State University (MAT Alternative Route Teaching Program). 
Also, he worked as a substitute teacher at Murrah High School and 
Mazzio's Pizza in Jackson, MS. After 2 years in Jackson, he returned to 
Tunica to be closer to his children and family.
  On his return back to his hometown, Henry started jobs as a teacher's 
aide in the Tunica County School District and Jailor at the Tunica 
County Sheriff's Department. Also, Henry began the journey to become a 
licensed teacher. After a year as a substitute teacher, in 2001 Henry 
was hired as a GED/ESL/BASIC skills instructor for Coahoma Community 
College (Adult Basic Education Program). During the next several years, 
Henry would get promoted at the Tunica County Sheriff's Department as: 
Jail Supervisor (Corporal), County Team Leader (Coahoma Community 
College/Adult Basic Education Program), served as Planning Commissioner 
(Tunica County District No. 4), served as Tunica County Coordinator for 
Congressman Thompson, and returned back to the Tunica County School 
District as an In-School Suspension Coordinator and GED instructor. In 
2009, Henry obtained his teacher's license and was hired at Tunica 
Middle School as a Social Studies Teacher/Coach and in 2010 obtained 
his Masters of Art Degree in Teaching from Belhaven University. Henry 
is currently working on completing his EDS in Educational Leadership 
and Administration Program at Delta State University.
  Although he excelled in his employment, Supervisor Nickson's 
political career has been rewarding. In 2005, He became the 1st African 
American to qualify and win a political seat in the Town as Alderman/
Ward No. 5. After an unsuccessful bid for state representative/District 
No. 9 in 2007, he regrouped and in 2012 was elected to the Tunica 
County Board of Supervisors (after an unsuccessful bid in 2003) and is 
currently in his 2nd term as Vice-president of the Tunica County Board 
of Supervisors.
  Supervisor Nickson is married to Lashunna Owens-Nickson (Jackson 
State University '04) of Heidelberg, MS. They have eight children: 
Henri, Chasidy, Anthony, James, Chasity (Jackson State University), 
Khalid (Jackson State University), Khalil (Jackson State University) 
and Nikesha (Concorde Nursing Program).
  Supervisor Henry ``Lil Sonny'' Nickson, Jr.'s leadership, passion, 
dedication, dependability, and service has made him synonymous with 
being one of the best, if not the best, elected official and community 
leader in the state of Mississippi. At the end of the day, Henry ``Lil 
Sonny'' Nickson, Jr. is recognized for his service to God, his family, 
his country, his community, and the people that seek his help.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Supervisor 
Henry ``Lil Sonny'' Nickson, Jr. for his dedication to serving this 
great state and country.

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