[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 95 (Tuesday, June 4, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E589]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                HONORING MARSHALL'S MUSIC AND BOOK STORE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 2024

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
oldest Black-owned bookstore in the Nation, Marshall's Music and Book 
Store.
  Jackson, Mississippi, is home to the oldest Black-owned bookstore in 
North America. Marshall's Music and Book Store in the heart of downtown 
Jackson is a family business that opened in 1938.
  The quaint store on the almost empty Farish Street has shelves 
stacked high with books, music, and everything in between. The walls 
are also plastered with photos of unsung African American heroes with 
roots in Mississippi.
  Pastor Louis Wilcher of the Greater Pearlie Grove Missionary Baptist 
Church first opened the store 85 years ago on the corner of Farish and 
Oakley streets. Now, Primm is the third-generation owner of the store. 
She believes in teaching people about the past, saying that Black 
history didn't begin with slavery.
  Her newfound hope now lies in opening a school. Primm believes that 
the way to stop the surge of violent youth crime is to teach children 
about hope.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Marshall's 
Music and Book Store for its longevity and dedication to serving the 
community.

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