[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E431-E432]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING JOSEPH C. THOMAS, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 12, 2026

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
and honor the life, service, and extraordinary achievements of Senator 
Joseph C. Thomas, Sr., a trailblazer, public servant, and devoted 
family man whose legacy has left an indelible mark on the State of 
Mississippi and beyond.
  Born on June 25, 1949, Senator Thomas has dedicated his life to 
breaking barriers and opening doors for others. He is married to 
Elizabeth Wilburn, and together they have raised three children--Joe 
Thomas, Jr., Kirk Thomas, and Whitney L. Thomas--and are blessed with 
grandchildren who continue his proud legacy.
  Senator Thomas' professional journey is one defined by courage, 
excellence, and historic accomplishment. He became he first African 
American hired to work at a bank in Yazoo City, Mississippi, marking 
the beginning of a distinguished career in banking and finance. On May 
1, 1972, he made history again as the first African American hired at 
Delta National Bank. His leadership and dedication led to a series of 
groundbreaking achievements: he became the first African American Loan 
Officer in the State of Mississippi, the first African American 
Assistant Vice President at Delta National Bank, and later the first 
African American Vice President at Deposit Guaranty National Bank. 
After 30 years of exemplary service, he retired from an institution now 
known as Regions Bank.
  Beyond his professional accomplishments, Senator Thomas has been a 
pioneer in education and public service. He was the first African 
American to serve as President of the Yazoo City Municipal School 
District and the first from Yazoo County to serve on the State School 
Board Association. His leadership extended into regulatory and civic 
roles, where he became the first African American Vice-President of the 
Mississippi Real Estate Appraisal Board and served as Vice Chairman of 
the Public Service Commission in Yazoo City.
  His influence reached the national stage as well, serving as the 
first African American from his community on the National Board of 
Directors of the American Public Power Association

[[Page E432]]

in Washington, D.C. He also demonstrated a deep commitment to community 
development as the first African American President of League 
Management Corporation in Yazoo City, providing essential housing 
services for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.
  In public office, Senator Thomas continued to make history as the 
first African American State Senator from Yazoo County, representing 
Mississippi State Senate District 22 with integrity, vision, and 
dedication to his constituents.
  Senator Thomas embodies the very best of public service--breaking 
barriers, uplifting communities, and paving the way for future 
generations. His life's work stands as a testament to perseverance, 
leadership, and an unwavering commitment to progress.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Senator 
Joseph C. Thomas, Sr. for his remarkable contributions and for the 
legacy he has created for the people of Mississippi and our Nation.

                          ____________________