HONORING LEOLA HARRIS

HONORING LEOLA HARRIS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 40 (Tuesday, March 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 3, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E174] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LEOLA HARRIS ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 3, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable servant, Leola Harris. Leola Harris, a native of Natchez, Mississippi, is a graduate of Sadie V. Thompson High School and attended Natchez Junior College. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Special Education, along with 30 additional graduate hours, from Alcorn State University. Mrs. Harris dedicated fifty-one years to serving as an Exceptional Education teacher. Throughout her distinguished career, she has been a steadfast advocate for youth and an active supporter of organizations committed to strengthening the community. She is the founder of the MLK, Jr. Youth Program, an initiative designed to provide young people with opportunities to showcase their talents, and the Isaiah HarrIs Memorial Scholarship Program, which assists students in pursuing higher education. As a respected community spokesperson, she remains committed to inspiring hope and empowering the next generation. She affirms, ``Our children are the mothers and fathers of our tomorrows, and their future is in our hands.'' Her longstanding commitment to service began during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s in Mississippi, where she participated in voter registration drives, boycotts, marches, and other efforts promoting equality and progress. She takes pride in the role those efforts played in expanding employment opportunities in Natchez. Guided by the words of Cornel West-- ``You can't lead the people if you don't love the people,'' and ``You can't save the people if you don't serve the people''-- Mrs. Harris continues to exemplify principled leadership and dedicated service. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Leola Harris for her actions and achievements in the Natchez, Mississippi community. ____________________