[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 179 (Tuesday, November 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING ANGIE THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 13, 2018

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable author, Ms. Angie Thomas, who is a native of Jackson, 
Mississippi.
  As a teen, Thomas indulged in the art of hip-hop while also 
publishing an article in Right-On Magazine. In 2011, she received a 
Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Belhaven University 
located in Jackson.
  In 2015, Thomas was awarded as the inaugural winner of the Walter 
Dean Myers Grant by The We Need Diverse Books Organization. In 2017, 
Thomas was recognized at the Mississippi Book Festival for inspiring 
young Mississippians that they too ``can reach their dreams.''
  Thomas is the author of the No. 1 New York Times Bestseller novel, 
The Hate U Give, which pushes a powerful message of social justice and 
the issues facing African-Americans throughout this country. The novel 
was acquired by Balzer + Bray imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
  The Hate U Give has received one of the highest amounts of starred 
reviews received for a young adult novel and will be published in over 
20 countries. It has also been on a national young adult best-seller 
list for over 80 weeks.
  In 2018, The Hate U Give was made into a movie and opened in select 
theaters on October 5th. By mid-October, it was showing nationwide. The 
Hate U Give movie is directed by George Tillman and stars actress 
Amandla Stenberg.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Angie 
Thomas for her dedication and tenacity to serving her community and 
desire to be an example for all.

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