[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 124 (Thursday, July 9, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E618]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LEFLORE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 9, 2020

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable group of leaders, the Leflore County Board of Supervisors.
  On Monday, June 22, 2020 the Leflore County Board of Supervisors 
voted to remove the Confederate monument located on the Leflore County 
Courthouse lawn. This Confederate monument has long been a divisive 
symbol for the citizens in the city of Greenwood, MS and Leflore 
County.
  Unveiled on October 9, 1913 on the courthouse lawn, this monument has 
intimidated and invoked fear for over 100 years in citizens that have 
come to the courthouse to conduct county business. As a symbol of 
treason and slavery, this monument had no right to be in a public 
place.
  After legal advisement from Board Attorney Joyce Chiles, Supervisor 
Reginald Moore made a motion to have the Confederate monument removed 
from the courthouse lawn. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Eric 
Mitchell. Supervisors Robert Collins and Anjuan Brown joined in support 
and the motion was carried 4-0, with one member, Sam Abraham, absent 
from the meeting. This is a historic achievement for Leflore County as 
Mississippians move to create a more inclusive climate throughout the 
state.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
Leflore County Board of Supervisors for their dedication and bravery to 
promote racial equality.

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