[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LATE MRS. KAREN SOCK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 29, 2026

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I was saddened to learn of 
the passing of the phenomenal community leader, Mrs. Karen Sock, who 
spent decades advocating for cancer patients, students, and for a 
better South Mississippi.
  Mrs. Karen Sock, born in Cleveland, Ohio, dedicated much of her life 
to public service and community uplift. She was a leader in a male-
dominated field and led the way for women to reach the top at Coast 
Casino. In 1996, she became the Nation's first Black woman to lead a 
major casino company as a general manager at the original Harrah's 
Casino in Tunica. This paved the path for Mrs. Sock to open six casinos 
at various locations while she held leadership positions at other 
casinos, and effectively managed hundreds of millions of dollars in 
revenues for casino companies.
  Later in life, Mrs. Sock co-founded Pathways2Possibilities (P2P), an 
interactive, hands-on, career exploration experience for 8th graders. 
Engaging, educating, and empowering students to seek out a variety of 
career opportunities with access to professionals and equipment. Since 
2013, P2P has impacted over 124,000 8th graders and expanded their 
program to South Carolina and Tennessee.
  Mrs. Sock was also a dedicated breast cancer survivor whose personal 
journey led her to become a passionate advocate for cancer awareness 
and support. She led local efforts in the fight against cancer through 
prevention, education, early detection, and survivorship as the 
appointed Coalition Chair of Mississippi Gulf Coast Region for the 
Mississippi Partnership for Comprehensive Cancer Control in 2025.
  Mrs. Sock will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to 
service, her compassion for others, and the lasting impact she made on 
the lives of countless South Mississippi residents. In 2024 was awarded 
the annual John R. Blossman Humanitarian Award in recognition for P2P 
and her leadership during recovery efforts in the aftermath of 
Hurricane Katrina. She also received the Pat Santucci Spirit of the 
Coast Award in February 2026. Her legacy is reflected in the community 
she helped shape and the many individuals she inspired along the way.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the late 
Mrs. Karen Sock for her phenomenal leadership in the community and 
education.

                          ____________________