[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 193 (Thursday, November 12, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1014]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING AISHA ERMA LENORA SAFFOLD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 12, 2020

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Aisha Erma Lenora Saffold, who is a pearl that begins as a particle of 
dust or dirt and finds its way inside an oyster. Then, the oyster coats 
the particle repeatedly over time--up to two to four years--until the 
finished product is a smooth, lustrous white pearl, which often has a 
value the same as a gemstone, ranging from hundreds to even millions of 
dollars.
  They're found at the bottom of the ocean. They take all the grime and 
the dust and the dirt from the sea, and they form this valuable gem. 
For bcnvhopes and dreams.
  Our P.E.A.R.L.S. members are led by young women who serve as mentors, 
and in tum, our mentors develop leadership skills that they will carry 
with them throughout life. We strive to help young teenage girls build 
self-esteem, develop leadership skills, and recognize community 
importance.
  She aspires to empower young women to believe in themselves and teach 
them that validation comes from oneself. In a society where the media 
implants a false image of whom and what a young woman should resemble, 
she has vowed to take a stand to teach the contrary and impart 
knowledge and wisdom in PEARL's lives. She wants every Mississippi girl 
to know that they are intelligent and beautiful and can reach their 
goals and excel at all they put their hands towards. As long as they 
have someone in their corner backing and pushing them to pursue their 
dreams, they will attain them.
  She wants all of the world to know that good people and good things 
are happening in the Great State of Mississippi.
  Aisha knows that our Mississippi girls are future presidents, 
C.E.O.'s, ambassadors, producers, doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, and 
by molding and shaping them, they can achieve so much more.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and 
congratulating Mrs. Aisha Erma Lenora Saffold for being actively 
involved and making great accomplishments in Holmes County.

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