[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 115 (Tuesday, July 10, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING MRS. GLORIA RICHMOND JACKSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 10, 2018

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. 
Gloria Richmond Jackson.
  Gloria Richmond Jackson came into this world on a windy day in March 
of 1957. She is the eleventh of thirteen children born to Floyd and 
Earnestine Richmond. She spent her early years on the Adams Plantation, 
three miles southwest of Lambert, Mississippi in Quitman County.
  She left the State of Mississippi in 1972, and spent 33 years living 
in Louisiana, Texas, California and Illinois. In 2005, the Lord led her 
back to Lambett to work with the youth; but the true blessing of her 
return was the loving and nurturing relationship that developed between 
her and her mother who passed away July 17, 2011.
  Jackson's mission quickly led her to become immersed in community 
work. In June 2005, she began working with the youth at the North Delta 
Youth Development Center in Lambert. As Director of The Children's 
Village Project, she encouraged them by sharing her story of trials and 
triumphs in an attempt to assist them with healthy development.
  Jackson is proud of her southern upbringing and credits a lot of her 
accomplishments as a direct result of having a wonderful mother. She 
describes her mother as being, ``Mississippi Strong.'' Her mother 
wasn't afraid to get involved with the Civil Rights Movement of the 
1960's. She worked with others to help get African Americans registered 
to vote in Quitman County. She even defied the Superintendent of 
Education's warning, that if any of the school bus drivers participated 
in a Freedom March with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., they would be 
fired. She marched, but kept her job as a Bus Driver for the elementary 
school in Lambert.
  Mrs. Earnestine Richmond's positive impact wasn't limited to only a 
few of her children: Her first-born daughter, Tressie Richmond Woods, 
in 1965 became the first African American to work as a Loan Officer for 
the Quitman County Farmers Home Administration, located in Marks, 
Mississippi.
  Her daughter, Evon Richmond Ector, participated in the now famous, 
``Poor People's Mule Train March to Washington'' in 1968.
  Her daughter Mae Richmond Mosley was the first African American to 
become Vice President of Human Resources for Briggs and Stratton 
Engines Corporation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 2003 to 2007 when she 
retired.
  Gloria Richmond Jackson, her youngest daughter, was the first African 
American to attend Lambert Jr. High School in 1969. Five of Mrs. 
Richmond's sons have owned businesses: Edgar Richmond (Automotive 
Repair Shop) Chicago, Illinois. Benjamin and Leo Richmond, co-owners 
(Bar and Lounge) Chicago, Illinois. Charles Richmond (Vending Machine 
Service Company, St. Louis, Missouri and a Home Health Service Company 
with locations in St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri. James Richmond 
currently owns an Automotive Towing Service in Wellston, Missouri.
  Jackson was appointed to the position of Town Clerk for Lambert, June 
13, 2016. Prior to her appointment as Town Clerk, she was employed with 
Youth Opportunities Unlimited, Inc. of Lambert, Mississippi for eight 
years. There she worked as a Data Research Associate and Abstinence 
Educator in the Quitman, South Panola and Coahoma Municipal School 
Districts.
  Her career with American Airlines began at O'Hare Airport in Chicago, 
Illinois in 1989; it spanned for over fifteen years. She started out at 
American while working evenings in Facilities Maintenance, concurrently 
attending Catherine Business College at night. After graduation, she 
was promoted to Ticket Counter Agent, two years later she was promoted 
to Sales Support Representative, and later she accepted the position of 
City Ticket Office Sales Representative until 2001. At that time she 
returned to Chicago O'Hare Airport to fill a position as Premium 
Service Representative in the very same office where she once worked as 
a janitor (Facilities Maintenance). Following a seven-year leave from 
American Airlines, she returned to work at AA in 2012, commuting from 
Lambert to Chicago for seven months. She retired May 13, 2013 after 
fifteen years of dutiful service.
  Jackson is a Baptist Minister and Assistant Pastor, Sunday School 
Teacher and Lecturer at Pleasant Hope Missionary Baptist Church in 
Lambert, Mississippi under the leadership of Pastor Reginald Griffin.
  She is a Published Author, ``Leaving Lambert'' (a painful journey to 
joy in God from a small Mississippi town) Inspirational Speaker, 
Certified Abstinence Educator, Data Researcher and Retired Premium 
Service Representative.
  Jackson also entered into the political arena where she ran for 
Quitman County Tax Assessor and also ran for Chancery Clerk. She 
remains engaged in community activities, writing, her church ministry 
and mentoring the youth of Quitman County.
  In December 2010, Jackson married Robert L. Jackson, Mississippi 
State Senator for District 11. They have a blended family of six 
children, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. 
Gloria Richmond Jackson for her dedication in serving her community.

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