[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 7, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING A.W. HOLT

                                 ______
                                 

                        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 
remarkable individual, A.W. Holt.
  A graduate from Brinkly High School in Jackson, MS, where he 
participated in basketball, baseball, and track. A.W., who was also 
known as the ``Awesome Wonder'', attended Jackson State University 
(JSU) and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.
  Holt played for the JSU Basketball Tigers and enjoyed a winning 
season each year while he was there. During his freshman year, his team 
won the Soutwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tournament. The 
following season the Tigers won the Georgia Invitational Tournament, 
and he was selected as one of the tournament's Most Valuable Players. 
That year the team also won the National Association of Intercollegiate 
Athletics (NAIA) Championship. In 1968, Holt was selected to the ALL-
SWAC 1st Team.
  During his junior and senior years, Holt served as Captain of the JSU 
basketball team, and was pitcher for the JSU baseball team in 1968. The 
team won a SWAC Championship. In 1969, he received All-American 
Honorable Mention and appeared in the 1969 edition of Outstanding 
College Athletes of America.
  His success did not stop at the collegiate level. In May 1969, the 
Dallas Chaparrals drafted Holt in the 3rd round of the American 
Basketball Association (ABA). He also played for the Chicago Bulls in 
the National Basketball Association (NBA). During his career, he played 
for the Scranton Minors, the Northwest Travelers, and the New Orleans 
Jazz.
  Upon his return to Jackson, MS, Holt was employed at JSU as 
Assistance Director and then Director of the New Men's Dormitory. He 
participated in the Jackson City Basketball and Baseball Leagues as a 
player and an umpire.
  In 2004, he retired from the Hinds County Sheriff's Department after 
30 years of service. While there, he ws named one the three 1st Black 
sergeants and later 1st Black lieutenant at the Hinds County Sheriff's 
Department.
  Holt and his wife Margaret have 2 sons, Christopher and Alvin. Alvin 
is deceased.
  A.W. Holt was inducted in the Jackson State University Sports Hall of 
Fame in 2004.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing A.W Holt 
for his dedication and tenacity to serving his community and desire to 
be an example for all.

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