[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 119 (Wednesday, July 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING WHITNEY S. FRENCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 12, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
tenacious and self-motivated leader, Whitney S. French. She has shown 
what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to 
achieve.
  Whitney S. French was born on January 6, 1986, to Willie and Shirley 
French. Except for a few childhood years in Jackson, MS, and her 
college years at Alcorn State University, Whitney is a proud lifelong 
resident of Marks, Quitman County, Mississippi.
  Whitney is a 2004 graduate of Madison Shannon Palmer High School 
(MSPHS). In 2010, she received her Bachelor of Social Work from Alcorn 
State University. To give back to her alma maters, she actively serves 
on the QCHS-MSPHS Scholarship Gala Committee, is the Chaplain and 
Recruitment Committee Chair for the North Delta-Clarksdale Alcorn 
Alumni Chapter and is a member of the Advisory Board for the Alcorn 
State University Department of Social Work.
  Whitney has a long history of serving her community through church. 
As a child, she used to accompany her grandmother, Cora Burrell Walker, 
to Valley Queen M.B. Church to help prepare boxes for their food pantry 
and would assist with other Kitchen Committee and Missionary Society 
duties. Whitney was baptized at College Hill Missionary Baptist Church 
in Jackson, MS, where she participated in the youth choir and holiday 
programs. Once Whitney returned to Valley Queen, she remained active in 
the choir and served as a welcome and announcing clerk. She is 
currently a member of Brown Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves 
on the Brown Everywhere Virtual Community Core Team, in the Single's 
Ministry, and as Virtual Greeter Team.
  Whitney has always been known for being a talker. This has led her to 
several leadership positions throughout life. In high school, she 
served as class president from freshman to senior year. During her high 
school years, she represented Quitman County in a statewide Sankofa 
knowledge bowl, at a Congressional Black Caucus conference, through the 
youth credit union board, and as a member bf the QC Performing Arts 
Choir.
  Whitney makes sure to advocate on behalf of her community in meetings 
revolved around community resources and planning. She serves as a board 
member for the Quitman County Arts Council and on the Board of 
Directors for Quitman County Economic Development and Tourism, Inc. 
Whitney is currently honing her leadership skills as a 2023 fellow of 
Delta Regional Authority's Delta Leadership Institute. She also works 
to increase access to education and resources needed for young people 
to have healthier outcomes.
  Even before she could vote, Whitney was passionate about her 
community exercising their rights to vote and being fully represented. 
As a youth, Whitney worked as a poll watcher and canvassed the 
community during election and census terms. After returning to the 
community from college, Whitney was active with the local Democratic 
Executive Committee and Voters' League. She currently uses her voice on 
social media to encourage her friends and fol1owers to be aware active 
in the political process.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Miss 
Whitney S. French for her contributions and service to her community.

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