[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 5, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING PHILLIP C. WEST

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 5, 2024

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable servant, Phillip C. West.
  Mr. West was born and reared in Natchez, Mississippi, to the parents, 
Mr. and Mrs. Sam West. Mr. West attended and graduated from Sadie V. 
Thompson High School in 1964.
  After completing high school, Mr. West advanced his career by 
enrolling at Alcorn State University, where he emerged as a student 
activist between 1966 and 1968. Demonstrating unwavering dedication, 
Mr. West ascended to the position of Vice-President of the Natchez 
NAACP from 1972 to 1974. His leadership continued to flourish as he 
assumed the role of President of the NAACP from 1974 to 1980.
  He was elected and served on the Adams County Board of Supervisors 
from 1980 to 1997. Notably, in 1992, he achieved a historic milestone 
by becoming the first black individual to serve as President of the 
board. Following his tenure on the board, Mr. West was elected three 
times to the Mississippi House of Representatives, serving from 1997 to 
2004. During his legislative tenure, he distinguished himself as a two-
term chairman of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus.
  In 2004, Mr. West continued to break barriers by being elected as 
Mayor of Natchez, marking the first time a black individual had held 
the position since Reconstruction.
  Presently, Mr. West is serving as Vice-President of the Natchez-Adams 
School Board of Trustees for approximately (7) years. He is still 
active in many community affairs. He has continued his lifelong fight 
for equal opportunity, equal justice under law, and real progress for 
all.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. 
Phillip C. West for his continuing dedication and tenacity to serving 
his community and desire to be an example for all.

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