[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 125 (Tuesday, July 22, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MR. FRANK FIGGERS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
lifelong civil rights activist, educator, and servant leader, Mr. Frank 
Figgers. A son of Mississippi, Mr. Figgers has dedicated his life to 
empowering communities, defending civil rights, and shaping a more just 
society.
  Mr. Figgers is a graduate of Tougaloo College, Class of 1971, where 
his journey as a freedom fighter began through his work rooted with the 
Jackson Human Rights Project, founded by SNCC Field Organizer Howard 
Spencer. He played a foundational role in launching the Georgetown 
Liberation School, which evolved into the Black and Proud Elementary 
School, an institution rooted in liberation, pride, and academic 
excellence.
  Throughout his life, Mr. Figgers has remained on the front lines of 
social transformation. He served eight years as Election Commissioner 
for Hinds County District 3, becoming the first African American 
elected to that post in his district. His professional career also 
includes 27 years at Sherwin-Williams Company as an Architectural 
Products Specialist, serving in key leadership positions. Additionally, 
he served as a Parent and Community Development Specialist at Lanier 
High School through the nationally recognized Algebra Project, working 
to close education gaps in underserved schools.
  Currently, Mr. Figgers serves as Program Manager of Community 
Outreach and Education at One Voice, a non-partisan nonprofit committed 
to strengthening civic engagement, promoting voting rights, and 
advancing leadership development throughout Mississippi.
  Mr. Figgers' commitment to education, youth development, and social 
justice extends through his leadership on multiple boards and advisory 
bodies. He is a longtime member of the Board of Trustees for the 
Jackson Public School District. He serves as Vice Chairman of the Board 
of Directors for the Veterans of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement 
(VMCRM), preserving the legacy and lessons of the Movement for future 
generations. He has served, since 1998, as a board member of the Young 
People's Project (YPP) in Jackson, an organization rooted in the legacy 
of the Algebra Project, which uses peer-to-peer math literacy and 
organizing as tools for youth empowerment.
  Mr. Figgers is also a member of China Grove Lodge No. 110 of the M.W. 
Stringer Grand Lodge of MS, PHA. He is also a Life Member of the NAACP, 
demontrating his enduring passion for justice and equality. Recently, 
Mr. Figgers was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the 
Mississippi Historical Society.
  Spiritually grounded and civically engaged, Mr. Figgers is a faithful 
member of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, MS, serving 
as a deacon and the Chairman of Finance. He is the proud husband of 
Mrs. Laura Terrell Figgers and the devoted father of Fareeda Tobechi 
Figgers.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Frank 
Figgers. His life reflects integrity, resilience, and a steadfast 
commitment to empowering others through education, activism, and 
service. Mississippi and this Nation are better because of him.

                          ____________________