Bill Text: MS HC59 | 2025 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Honorable Robert George Clark, Jr.; commend life and distinguished public service career upon his passing.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced) 2025-03-06 - Title Suff Do Be Adopted [HC59 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2025-HC59-Introduced.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2025 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Scott
House Concurrent Resolution 59
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS, COMMEMORATING THE LIFE, REVERED LEGACY, AND DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE CAREER OF TRAILBLAZER AND CHAMPION OF EQUALITY, FORMER SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE OF THE MISSISSIPPI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, THE HONORABLE ROBERT GEORGE CLARK, JR., AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.
WHEREAS, it is written in II Timothy 4:7, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith," and as such, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of a dearly beloved and highly revered political pioneer, and former Mississippi House of Representatives Speaker Pro Tempore, the Honorable Robert George Clark, Jr., to eternal rest on March 4, 2025, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and many friends; and
WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi, particularly the community of Holmes County, Mississippi, lost a revered community pillar, extraordinary educator, mentor, astute civil rights activist and well-versed politician with the passing of Speaker Pro Tempore Clark, and there is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to pay our respects to the memory of one who has been called to join that innumerable heavenly caravan; and
WHEREAS, a native of Ebenezer, Mississippi, Robert George Clark, Jr., was born on October 3, 1928, to the late Robert George Clark, Sr., and Julia Ann Clark, and he became a pioneering statesman whose unwavering dedication to public service reshaped the legislative landscape of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, after earning a bachelor of arts degree from Jackson State University in 1952 and a master of science degree in administration and educational services from Michigan State University in 1959, and undertaking additional studies at Mississippi Valley State University, Florida A&M University, Western Michigan University and as a 1979 teaching fellow of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Speaker Pro Tempore Clark, began his journey of lifelong and transformative contributions to the State of Mississippi by dedicating 15 years to education as a teacher, coach and principal in the Holmes County public school system and private institutions, shaping the lives of countless young Mississippians, setting aside his initial ambition to become an attorney; and
WHEREAS, recognizing that the parents of his students could better contribute to the education of their children if they could assist their children with their schoolwork, in 1966, Speaker Pro Tempore Clark sought to create an adult education program in the school district in which he was teaching; and
WHEREAS, his entry into the political arena began when the local school board denied his request to start the adult education program, and in disapproving his request, the board promised that if the local superintendent of education would approve of such a program, the board would endorse it, whereupon Speaker Pro Tempore Clark announced his candidacy for the office of superintendent; and
WHEREAS, however, before the next election for superintendent, the Mississippi Legislature enacted a law changing the superintendent's position from elected to appointed, a change that heightened Speaker Pro Tempore Clark's recognition of the dire need for representation and equity in government, and prompted his courageous decision to run for the Mississippi House of Representatives; and
WHEREAS, Speaker Pro Temp Clark's 1967 election bid not only proved successful, but also transformative for Mississippi as well, as his election to the Mississippi House of Representatives, would indelibly etch his name in the annals of history as the first African American elected to the Legislature in the 20th century, breaking nearly a century of racial exclusion; and
WHEREAS, despite facing profound resistance and segregation in the early years of his tenure, Speaker Pro Temp Clark persevered, earning the respect of colleagues on both sides of the aisle through his intellect, resolve and dedication to justice as a fair and honest leader; and
WHEREAS, over his distinguished 36-year career in the Mississippi House of Representatives, Speaker Pro Tempore Clark ascended to key leadership roles, becoming the first African-American committee chairman in 1977, when he was named Chair of the House Education Committee, a position he held for a decade, and played a pivotal role in shaping Mississippi's education policy, including leading the passage of the landmark 1982 Education Reform Act, the 1984 Vocational Education Reform Act and the Education Enhancement Act; and
WHEREAS, Speaker Pro Tempore Clark's legislative influence expanded as he chaired the House Management Committee, House Ethics Committee, and served as Vice Chairman of the Apportionment and Elections Committee, all while holding a seat on the influential House Rules Committee; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of his unparalleled leadership and indomitable will to persevere, Clark's ascension amongst the state's most influential political powers, culminated in the apex acknowledgment of respect of his political career, when he was elected by his legislative peers to the Office of Speaker Pro Tempore of the Mississippi House of Representatives in 1992, making history once again as the first African American to hold this esteemed position, a role he was re-elected to in 1996 and 2000, solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer in Mississippi politics; and
WHEREAS, Speaker Pro Tempore Clark was one of the founding members of Central Mississippi, Inc., an antipoverty program in Central Mississippi, which has been instrumental in preparing rural children to enter the mainstream public schools; helped organize the Milton Olive III Memorial Corporation of Holmes County, an antipoverty program designed to provide essential medical care to individuals; served as Director of Project Second Start at Saints Junior College, an organization that focused on giving adults an opportunity to develop vocational skills; and organized the Fine Housing Enterprise Program which allowed numerous poor families in the county to afford decent housing; and
WHEREAS, beyond his legislative service, Speaker Pro Tempore Clark dedicated his post-legislative years to lecturing at Mississippi Valley State University and continuing to inspire future generations, as well as maintaining continued involvement with Holmes County 21st Century Commission, an organization which he organized for the purpose of preparing county residents for the 21st century through education, skill development and examples of successful work ethic; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of his lifelong service and indelible impact, the State of Mississippi proclaimed June 27, 2003, as Robert George Clark, Jr. Day and honored his legacy by naming a state government building in Jackson, Mississippi, in his name, the first African American to receive such an honor, which complimented the numerous awards and honors received during his career, including the Alumnus of the Year Award from Jackson State University, the Award of Distinction and Outstanding Leadership Award from the University of Mississippi and the Outstanding Achievement Award for Education in Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, Speaker Pro Tempore Clark was a businessman, rancher, a faithful member of the Baptist Church and the Elks, and all during his life he has been a dedicated family man, raising his two sons, Robert George III and Bryant Wandrick, by his deceased wife, Essie, on his own before the divine aligning of the cosmos blessed his sanctimonious union with his lovely and gracious beloved wife, the former Jo Ann Ross, birthing a naturally harmonious blended family that added a daughter, LaLeche, each of whom remain as testaments to his legacy of strength, integrity and service; and
WHEREAS, the essence of Speaker Pro Tempore Clark's existence can be defined in a famous quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which states, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy," which summarizes the impervious ambition of an intrepid leader of his caliber; and
WHEREAS, though he has now traversed the threshold that separates the sanctum of mortal life on this blessed earth from the immortality afforded by life's eternal ever after, the unforgettable legacy of Speaker Pro Tempore Clark's service and commitment to mankind will continue to resonate in the lives of those who were privileged to know him, serve alongside him, and benefit from his enduring contributions to the State of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, we encourage the Clark family to find solace from these words recorded in II Corinthians 1:3-4, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God"; and
WHEREAS, it is with sincere humility that this Legislature recognizes and commends the monumental life, legacy and accomplishments of legendary trailblazers of our own time, such as that of Speaker Pro Tempore Clark, whose commitment to justice, equality and progress has left an indelible mark on this great state, and whose life, like a glowing ceremonial flame in the pomp and circumstance of a sacred consecration, leapt and danced in ritualistic form to the night wind's time and cadence, before yielding itself to the kindred spirits at the glimmer of a new dawn, yet continuing to permeate the atmosphere with the fragrant aromatics of hope and inspiration:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss, commemorate the life, and honor the distinguished service of former Speaker Pro Tempore of the Mississippi House of Representatives, the Honorable Robert George Clark, Jr., and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Speaker Pro Tempore Robert George Clark, Jr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
