[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 10, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LATE TENNIE SUDDUTH SELF

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 10, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
tenacious and self-motivated leader, the late Tennie Sudduth Self. 
Tennie has been a champion of service and dedication to Coahoma County.
  Tennie Sudduth was born to Sam and Essie Rush Sudduth on March 10, 
1926, in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi, and was educated in the 
racially segregated public school system of Oktibbeha County. She 
married David Cornelius Self and to this union 5 children were born: 
Audrey Wilburn, Olenza Elaine, Howrhu Marcus, David Cornelius, and Juan 
Ray.
  Tennie had a passion for cooking and providing nourishment the 
masses. She was especially known for her homemade rolls. She worked 
many years at Coahoma Junior College and Agricultural High School as 
the college dining hall manager and the high school cafeteria manager. 
Breaking racial barriers even in the 1960s, she became the first black 
dietary manager at Coahoma County Hospital.
  Tennie was a life member of the NAACP and an active behind-the-scenes 
participant in the Clarksdale/Coahoma County civil rights movement from 
the mid 1950s until well into the 2000s. She was also a member of The 
Versatile Club and The American Legion. She was a dedicated member of 
First Baptist Church, serving in its choir and as The Missionary 
Society's President for many years. She was completely in charge of the 
church's kitchen. She was a compassionate community team player who 
cared deeply for the youth and the improvement of Clarksdale even to 
the point of transporting and feeding underprivileged children out of 
her own purse--seeking nether credit nor recognition. In 2015, she was 
featured in ``Southern Living'' magazine and, that same year, the 
publication of ``DELTA JEWELS--In Search of My Grandmother's Wisdom'' 
by Center Street Publishing.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the late 
Tennie Sudduth Self for her strength, dedication, compassion and 
advocacy in her community. Her selfless service to her community, Rural 
MS Delta Region and the State of Mississippi are commended.

                          ____________________