[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 10, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E13]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING NORMA MICHAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 10, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
hero, Norma Michael. This Jackson, Mississippi native was on a mission 
to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to her neighbors, taking on the 
task by buying an overgrown lot on her street and planting a garden. 
The retiree is now feeding the elderly and other residents and hoping 
to inspire the start of more gardens in the inner city.
  ``The Lord just said Norma start a garden,'' said Norma Michael. In 
2020, across the street from Michael's Powers Avenue home was a lot 
owned by the state that sat empty for more than 20 years. She purchased 
it for less than $500 with a vision.
  ``When I got the property, I was like, well, this will be a mighty 
big garden for just me,'' said Michael. ``So, I said, `Well, I'll share 
it with my neighbors.' ''
  The Air Force vet and retiree had no experience planting, and after 
clearing the lot and much hard work, it's now the ``Sharing is Caring 
Neighborhood Block Garden.'' In it are rows and rows of corn, tomatoes, 
greens, beans, melons, strawberries, and more.
  ``I come out here. I tend the garden,'' said Michael. ``I have one 
neighbor that helps me to plant things, and I come out in the mornings, 
and I water and harvest, and then I offer the harvest to my 
neighbors.'' Ninety-one-year-old Clara Triggs lives just a few doors 
down from the garden. ``She brings me so many things, and everything 
she brings is my favorite,'' said Triggs.
  Since starting her garden, she has started a non-profit to try to 
turn her small garden into something bigger. She has also received 
donations to help her continue the good work.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Norma 
Michael for her service in the U.S. Air Force, her community and for 
being an exemplary citizen in the state of Mississippi.