[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 7, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING DICK'S PLACE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 7, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
long-time business in Hinds County, MS, Dick's Place. Dick's Place has 
shown what can be done through consistency, dedication, and a desire to 
serve.
  In 1949, Richard Anderson obtained a piece of land on Highway 80 near 
Bolton, MS. During this time, Highway 80 was a major thoroughfare for 
cars and buses. On the newly purchased land, he would create a juke 
joint named ``Dick's Place.'' With the advent of Interstate 20, the 
original building had to be demolished and the business moved to its 
current location, 2625 S. Frontage Road in Clinton, in 1952. Starting 
out in was more country store than juke joint. Barbeque was introduced 
as a mainstay, leading to the juke joint growing even more.
  For Dick's Place to survive and remain a safe place for African 
Americans during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, dues had to 
be paid to keep the doors open. Several times attempts were made to 
firebomb the establishment. Richard Anderson, Sr. recalls watching a 
white Mississippi State Trooper pull off the side of the road, throw a 
Molotov-cocktail-type bomb right at the front door, then get in his car 
and drive away. Gathering while black wasn't a crime by law, but it was 
seen as threat to White Supremacists in the area.
  Dick's Place is now owned by Richard Anderson, Jr., who took over the 
business in 1984 when his father passed. Dick's Place is open daily 
from noon until whenever, and to be sure, Dick's Place is welcoming to 
all. Day in and day out, you will find the one-of-a-kind, Lorraine 
Henderson, tending bar and keeping the kitchen popping. She is the 
heartbeat of Dick's Place and has been for the last 28 years. Right 
next door is Richie's One Stop, also owned by the family.
  The theme of this year's anniversary was--Being Thankful. This was 
the first in-person anniversary celebration since COVID, and about 100 
patrons were treated to a real treat on Sunday evenings. It was a grand 
occasion, and the unique spirit felt that evening was the same spirit 
felt that kept it surviving and thriving for seventy-three years and 
counting.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dick's 
Place for its 73 years of service in the State of Mississippi.

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