Bill Text: MS HC112 | 2011 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Mr. Walter Lee Simpson; commend and recognize symbolic service as first African-American firefighter in Greenville, MS.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Passed) 2011-03-30 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HC112 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2011-HC112-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2011 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Bailey, Hines
House Concurrent Resolution 112
(As Adopted by House and Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND RECOGNIZING THE SYMBOLIC EFFORTS AND SERVICE OF MR. WALTER LEE SIMPSON UPON BEING THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN FIREFIGHTER IN THE CITY OF GREENVILLE, MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, Mr. Walter Lee Simpson is an element of Mississippi's living history and its black history, having the monumentally noted title as the City of Greenville, Mississippi's first African-American firefighter; and
WHEREAS, on February 16, 1972, at approximately 6:00 p.m., a landmark event in history transpired when 22-year-old Simpson transitioned from fighting fires in the Greenville's black neighborhoods to integrate the department that tended the fire calls in the city's predominately Caucasian neighborhoods, and thus blazing the trail for others to follow despite the disdain, ridicule and prejudices of his white counterparts; and
WHEREAS, facing enormous odds in his effort to perform his job dutifully, Mr. Simpson's persistence and dedication to those duties enhanced and inspired the lives of those whom he has touched and continues to touch, and helped pave the way for other African Americans to excel in the Greenville Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, a selfless individual whose contributions to society have made a lasting impact on the City of Greenville, the State of Mississippi and our country, Mr. Simpson's legacy will continue to influence future generations to advocate for their beliefs and strive towards the attainment of their dreams and tearing down the barriers of separation which serve as impediments for reaching the pinnacles of excellence; and
WHEREAS, because of Mr. Simpson's determination, humility and fortitude in times of adversity, more than 25 African Americans have served or currently serve with the Greenville Fire Department in a leadership capacity; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of his historic significance to reshaping the race relations between white and black firefighters in Greenville, Mr. Simpson has been honored by the State of Mississippi, the City of Greenville, the State of Tennessee, Mississippi Congressman Bennie G. Thompson and Tennessee Congressman Stephen Cohen with the designation of February 20, 2009, as "Walter Lee Simpson Appreciation Day"; and
WHEREAS, it is only fitting that this Legislature acknowledge the contributions of such a resilient individual as Mr. Simpson, whose life and service are a testament of the substantial progress the State of Mississippi has made in race relations and the harmony of the common chord we all share as Mississippians:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and recognize the symbolic efforts and service of Mr. Walter Lee Simpson upon being the first African-American firefighter in the City of Greenville, Mississippi, and extend our most sincere wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Walter Lee Simpson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
