[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 15 (Friday, January 24, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E77]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING DeJUAN WATTS, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 24, 2020

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. 
DeJuan Watts, Sr., a remarkable individual with phenomenal communal 
involvement impacting the lives of others through service and outreach 
in the community.
  As a lifelong resident of the Mississippi Delta, Dejuan Watts, Sr. 
exemplifies the necessary intangible characteristics of perseverance, 
selflessness, integrity, and resilience. While every human should 
exemplify these qualities, there are certain individuals who epitomize 
those assets and adopt standards far beyond those as essential 
peculiarities. It takes special mentorship and unwavering commitment to 
become one of those individuals. Dejuan Watts, Sr. embeds this into 
individuals who have been heartened by his numerous services positively 
affecting communities, careers, and ultimately lives.
  Mr. Watts has proven to be a socially and academically incisive 
individual. A graduate of Quitman County High School, COGIC Seminary, 
and a current student of Liberty University working untiring hours 
within our communities and beyond, he continually expresses adoration 
for being involved in encouraging the well-being of others. Though 
willingly helping each person possible is important, he has a 
partiality for helping young men. Over the last 30 years, Mr. Watts has 
worked alongside Boyz to Men Mentoring, Youth Opportunities Unlimited, 
Quitman County School District, Quitman County Development 
Organization, M. S. Palmer Performing Arts, and most recently Tougaloo 
College's Delta Health Partners Healthy Start Initiative. Through the 
latter mentioned, Mr. Watts utilizes social work services aimed to 
empower and encourage young men to be present and active fathers to 
grow and sustain healthy family relationships. Completing countless 
hours of community service and volunteerism he continually seeks 
opportunities to serve, illustrating his work ethic, generosity, and 
leadership.
  Dejuan Watts whole heartedly shows the importance of family in the 
community: as husband of Pearl Gordon Watts; father of two sons: 
Dejuan, Jr. and Torian Watts; two daughters in love: Nakisha and Jalisa 
Watts; and two very special grandchildren: Harlem and Kingston. He also 
serves as clergy in the community, appointed by the Northern 
Mississippi Jurisdiction Presiding Bishop and as Pastor of Rose Chapel 
Church of God In Christ in Crenshaw, MS.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. 
DeJuan Watts, Sr. as an unwittingly committed member of our community. 
Given his devotion to continual improvement of youth, health, and 
wellness DeJuan Watts, Sr. upholds moral and ethical standards of 
remarkable caliber.

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