[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 146 (Monday, September 8, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E821-E822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DARYL RICHARDS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an 
outstanding Mississippian, Mr. Daryl Richards, Jr., for his dedication, 
leadership, and service to the elders of the Mississippi Delta as the 
Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Director for the South Delta Planning and 
Development District (SDPDD).
  Mr. Richards was born and raised in Greenville, the heart of the 
Mississippi Delta. A proud graduate of Greenville-Weston High School, 
Class of 2010, he went on to attend the University of Mississippi, 
where he earned dual degrees in Political Science and Business 
Administration. He later pursued graduate studies at Belhaven 
University, earning a Master of Business Administration.
  During his junior year of college, Mr. Richards began an internship 
with the SDPDD. A few years later, after gaining management experience 
in the private sector, he was called back to serve his community. In 
2019, at the age of 27, he was appointed as Director--becoming the 
youngest AAA Director in both the history of the District and the State 
of Mississippi.
  In this role, Mr. Richards has embraced his calling to be a voice for 
Mississippi's elderly population. Under his leadership, the Agency 
provides critical services to seniors and their families across thirty-
five municipalities and six counties. These include congregate meal 
sites, home-delivered meals, homemaker services, respite care, legal 
assistance, ombudsman services, adult day care, State Health Insurance 
Assistance, access to care programs, preventative health classes, elder 
abuse prevention, and a range of information and referral resources. 
Through these efforts, Mr. Richards and his team ensure that the most 
vulnerable members of our communities are not forgotten.
  Mr. Richards is inspired by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 
``What are you doing for others?'' This guiding principle motivates him 
daily to advocate for those who cannot

[[Page E822]]

advocate for themselves. His commitment reflects not only in his 
professional service but also in his extensive community involvement. 
He is actively engaged with Walking in Love Ministries, has served as 
Chairman of the Community Foundation of Washington County, is Treasurer 
of 100 Black Men of the Mississippi Delta, Presidential Director of 
Delta Council, a board member of the Washington County United Way, a 
Mississippi Aging TAC Member, and a board member of the Three Rivers 
CDE Advisory Board.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Mr. Daryl 
Richards, Jr., for his tireless service to the people of the 
Mississippi Delta. He stands as a shining example of leadership, 
compassion, and commitment, and he continues to make a lasting 
difference in the lives of our elders and their families.

                          ____________________