[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 135 (Friday, August 12, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E836]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING CARLENE PALMER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 12, 2022

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
legend, Mrs. Carlene Palmer. Mrs. Palmer has shown what can be done 
through hard work, dedication, determination, and a desire to be a 
trailblazer.
  Mrs. Carlene Palmer was born on October 3, 1926. She is the first 
female African American to own a dry-cleaning business known as 
Southside Cleaners in the Freetown Community of Crystal Springs, MS. 
During segregation times in Crystal Springs, Freetown was known as the 
part of town that African Americans owned businesses such as cafes, 
hair salons, cab services, dry cleaning, laundry buildings, etc.
  Mrs. Palmer proudly served her community with this business for 47 
years from 1962 until her health caused her to retire in 2009. At the 
ripe age of 95 years old, Mrs. Palmer still looks forward to making her 
famous Sunday dinner every week. She is a true crown jewel of Crystal 
Springs, MS.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. 
Carlene Palmer for her outstanding service and history making in 
Crystal Springs, Mississippi.

                          ____________________