Congressman Bennie G. Thompson

Remembering my friend and sister Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee today—a steadfast advocate, trailblazer, and voice for justice. Her legacy of fearless leadership and commitment to her community will continue to inspire generations.

Rest in power, Congresswoman Jackson-Lee. 🕊️

Please take the time to read this article that gives insight into our black history.

How Freedom Summer 60 years ago changed the nation forever The civil rights activism of the summer of 1964 was a turning point that led to the passage of major legislation.

I was honored to be the guest speaker at the 137th Founders Day celebration for the town of Mound Bayou, Mississippi. Mound Bayou is the oldest all-black community in the United States, established on July 12, 1887.

Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Dorothy Sanders Wells on your groundbreaking election as the first woman and first Black person to become the Episcopal Bishop of Mississippi! Your leadership and vision have shattered barriers and paved the way for a more inclusive future. Here's to your remarkable journey of faith and service, inspiring generations to come. Mississippi is blessed to have you at the helm!

Recently, I had the pleasure of welcoming Cassidy Hodges of Terry High School, the 1st Place District Winner of the 2024 Congressional Art Challenge, to D.C. She celebrated her win alongside other district winners nationwide and brought an amazing portrait to gift me. Keep soaring, Cassidy!

Please help me give a warm welcome to my Summer 2024 interns! They’ve been working tirelessly all summer, assisting the constituents of the Second Congressional District and gaining insights into legislative duties and political communications. I’m grateful for their dedication and confident that the knowledge they’ve gained here will positively impact our country even after they leave my office.

Pictured from left to right: Kayle Amos, Jaheim Wilder, Congressman Thompson, Rokiyah Hobbs, Myiesha Smith, John Wicks III.

The Supreme Court is anything but Supreme. I am disappointed by the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity. Accountability shouldn't be negotiable.

Graduation marks a significant milestone in a person’s life, filled with anticipation and celebration. It becomes all the more memorable when the graduate receives support and recognition from their community.

Today, I would like to highlight Tamela L. Fair, a native of Friars Point, Mississippi.

Tamela received her Master of Art in Teaching from Mississippi Valley State University. Her favorite quote is, "Never give up because great things take time!"

Congratulations, Tamela! May you continue to rise and achieve greater heights!

Graduation marks a significant milestone in a person’s life, filled with anticipation and celebration. It becomes all the more memorable when the graduate receives support and recognition from their community.

Today, I would like to highlight Jo'Shariah Trenese McCray, a native of Leland, Mississippi.

Jo'Shariah received her high school diploma from Leland High School and will attend Alcorn State University in the fall to major in agriculture. Her favorite quote is, "If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward."

Congratulations, Jo'Shariah! May you continue to rise and achieve greater heights!

Thank you to everyone for uplifting and showing support to our 2024 graduates! Our submission portal has now closed and we look forward to highlighting more graduates next summer!

Graduation marks a significant milestone in a person’s life, filled with anticipation and celebration. It becomes all the more memorable when the graduate receives support and recognition from their community.

Today, I would like to highlight Brikerrria Hall, a native of Indianola, Mississippi.

Brikerrria received her high school diploma from Gentry High School. She will attend Hinds Community College in the fall to major in education. Her favorite quote is, "Slow progress is better than no progress. Stay positive and never give up."

Congratulations, Brikerrria! May you continue to rise and achieve greater heights!

Graduation marks a significant milestone in a person’s life, filled with anticipation and celebration. It becomes all the more memorable when the graduate receives support and recognition from their community.

Today, I would like to highlight Cody Simpson, a native of Sardis, Mississippi.

Cody received his high school diploma from North Panola High School and will attend East Central Community College in the fall to major in engineering. His favorite quote is, "Futures don't make themselves, you have to create them."

Congratulations, Cody! May you continue to rise and achieve greater heights!

Graduation marks a significant milestone in a person’s life, filled with anticipation and celebration. It becomes all the more memorable when the graduate receives support and recognition from their community.

Today, I would like to highlight My’Quita, a native of Forest, Mississippi.

My’Quita received her high school diploma from Scott Central Attendance Center and will attend Alcorn State University in the fall to major in nursing. Her favorite quote is, "I can do all things through Christ."

Congratulations, My’Quita! May you continue to rise and achieve greater heights!

I was glad to have Joshua Davenport, an agriculture teacher at South Panola High School, and Chrishon Ellis, a senior at South Panola High School, come to visit me yesterday.

The use of "Black Jobs" by Donald Trump is highly concerning. Employment should be based on skills and merit, not racial labels. Let's focus on creating equal opportunities for all Americans without divisive language.

Graduation marks a significant milestone in a person’s life, filled with anticipation and celebration. It becomes all the more memorable when the graduate receives support and recognition from their community.

Today, I would like to highlight Nikeria Gilmore, a native of Greenwood, Mississippi.

Nikeria received her high school diploma from Greenwood High School. She will attend Mississippi Delta Community College in the fall to major in nursing. Her favorite quote is, "Trust in the LORD with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in ALL of your ways and he shall direct your paths."

Congratulations,Nikeria! May you continue to rise and achieve greater heights!

Graduation marks a significant milestone in a person’s life, filled with anticipation and celebration. It becomes all the more memorable when the graduate receives support and recognition from their community.

Today, I would like to highlight Vershon Stokes, a native of Flora, Mississippi.

Vershon received his high school diploma from Madison Central and will attend the Jackson State University in the fall to major in music. His favorite quote is, "You will never do a whole lot not unless you’re brave enough to try."

Congratulations, Vershon! May you continue to rise and achieve greater heights!

Graduation marks a significant milestone in a person’s life, filled with anticipation and celebration. It becomes all the more memorable when the graduate receives support and recognition from their community.

Today, I would like to highlight Camilah Victoria Cousin, a native of Jackson, Mississippi.

Camilah received her high school diploma from William B. Murrah High School. She will attend Xavier University of Louisiana in the fall to major in Biology Pre-Med. Her favorite quote is, "Build your own pyramids, write your own hieroglyphs."

Congratulations, Camilah! May you continue to rise and achieve greater heights!

Graduation marks a significant milestone in a person’s life, filled with anticipation and celebration. It becomes all the more memorable when the graduate receives support and recognition from their community.

Today, I would like to highlight Dr. Amaya Raye Conner, a native of Terry, Mississippi.

Amaya received her Masters in Health Care Administration from Regis University and Doctorate of Pharmacy from Xavier University of Louisiana concurrently. Her favorite scripture is, "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."

Congratulations, Amaya! May you continue to rise and achieve greater heights!

Graduation marks a significant milestone in a person’s life, filled with anticipation and celebration. It becomes all the more memorable when the graduate receives support and recognition from their community.

Today, I would like to highlight Arianna and Arielle Brumfield, natives of Jackson, Mississippi.

Arianna and Arielle have received their high school diplomas from Murrah High School, as well as their Associate's Degrees from Tougaloo College as part of the Tougaloo Early College High School program. They will continue to attend Tougaloo in the fall as they aspire to become attorneys who will help shape the future of African Americans in Mississippi. Arianna and Arielle's favorite quote is, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.."

Congratulations, Arianna and Arielle! May you continue to rise and achieve greater heights!

Graduation marks a significant milestone in a person’s life, filled with anticipation and celebration. It becomes all the more memorable when the graduate receives support and recognition from their community.

Today, I would like to highlight Terrell Alford, a native of Crystal Springs, Mississippi.

Terrell received his high school diploma from Crystal Springs High School and will attend the University of Southern Mississippi in the fall to major in Education. His favorite quote is, "Every time you failed was just pushing you a step closer to success."

Congratulations, Terrell! May you continue to rise and achieve greater heights!

Graduation marks a significant milestone in a person’s life, filled with anticipation and
celebration. It becomes all the more memorable when the graduate receives support and recognition from their community.

Today, I would like to highlight Deion Anderson, a native of Memphis, Tennessee.

Deion received his Bachelor of Arts in mass communications from Tougaloo College. His favorite quote is, "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow."

Congratulations, Deion! May you continue to rise and achieve greater heights!

Graduation marks a significant milestone in a person’s life, filled with anticipation and celebration. It becomes all the more memorable when the graduate receives support and recognition from their community.

Today, I would like to highlight MaKendra K. Toliver, a native of Tunica, Mississippi.

MaKendra received her high school diploma from Rosa Fort High School. She will attend the University of Mississippi in the fall to major in dental hygiene. Her favorite quote is, "I can’t cry about having a lot on my plate when the goal is to eat."

Congratulations, MaKendra! May you continue to rise and achieve greater heights!

Graduation marks a significant milestone in a person’s life, filled with anticipation and
celebration. It becomes all the more memorable when the graduate receives support and recognition from their community.

Today, I would like to highlight Trina McIntosh, a native of Greenville, Mississippi. Trina has received her Master of Education from William Carey University.

Congratulations, Trina! May you continue to rise and achieve greater heights!

Graduation marks a significant milestone in a person’s life, filled with anticipation and celebration. It becomes all the more memorable when the graduate receives support and recognition from their community.

Today, I would like to highlight Kortlin Powell, a native of Bolton, Mississippi.

Kortlin received her high school diploma from Raymond High School and will attend Hinds Community College in the fall to major in business management. Her favorite quote is, "The only time you should ever look back, is to see how far you’ve come."

Congratulations, Kortlin! May you continue to rise and achieve greater heights!

Graduation marks a significant milestone in a person’s life, filled with anticipation and
celebration. It becomes all the more memorable when the graduate receives support and recognition from their community.

Today, I would like to highlight MaKaylah K. Knox Sanders, a native of Greenville, Mississippi.

MaKaylah received her Bachelor's in Elementary Education from Rust College. Her favorite quote is, "The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."

Congratulations, MaKaylah! May you continue to rise and achieve greater heights!

Graduation marks a significant milestone in a person’s life, filled with anticipation and
celebration. It becomes all the more memorable when the graduate receives support and recognition from their community.

Today, I would like to highlight Amaris W’ytez Howard, a native of Como, Mississippi.

Amaris received his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Mississippi. His favorite quote is, "God took my DISABILITY and turned it into THIS-ABILITY."

Congratulations, Amaris! May you continue to rise and achieve greater heights!