HONORING CHARLES "SMARTY PANTS" KING, JR.

On 2026-07-14, Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING CHARLES "SMARTY PANTS" KING, JR." in the House.

HONORING CHARLES "SMARTY PANTS" KING, JR.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E679] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING CHARLES ``SMARTY PANTS'' KING, JR. ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Charles ``Smarty Pants'' King, Jr., a gifted educator, artist, mentor, and servant leader whose life's work has touched the minds and hearts of children throughout Mississippi. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Mr. King spent much of his childhood in Battle Creek, Michigan. As a young person, he was optimistic and had a powerful imagination, yet he often felt that traditional classrooms did not allow him to think freely. Rather than allowing that experience to defeat him, he turned it into purpose. He made it his mission to help children think for themselves, use their imaginations, and discover the greatness already inside them. In 1980, Mr. King founded Smarty Pants Educational Services, choosing the elephant as the face of the organization because, as he explained, it is the largest land mammal. When he moved to Mississippi in 1985 to care for his grandfather, he continued to grow his work and took a ``catch them where they are'' approach to teaching. He understood that every child does not learn the same way, but every child deserves the opportunity to learn. Known affectionately as ``Smarty Pants,'' a name that became part of his legal identity, Mr. King used magic, brain teasers, artwork, riddles, and his beloved elephant character to make learning come alive. Those who encountered him quickly learned that his lessons often began with a question, a puzzle, or a moment of wonder. He loved the ``whys'' in life, and that curiosity allowed him to connect with children in a language they could understand. Behind every smile and creative lesson was a deeper mission. He taught young people the importance of education, self-love, staying drug-free, making wise choices, and believing in the gifts God placed within them. His guiding belief says it best: ``If a child can't learn the way I teach, then I must learn to teach the way he can learn.'' That statement is more than a motto. It is a testimony of patience, compassion, and commitment to meeting children where they are. As an artist, Mr. King created thousands of pieces of artwork filled with symbols, puzzles, and hidden lessons. His art was not made simply to be seen. It was made to be studied, questioned, and understood. Through symbols and visual storytelling, he taught Black history, critical thinking, and life lessons in ways that reached young people beyond the walls of a traditional classroom. In 2024, the Mississippi House of Representatives recognized Mr. King for his many years of service to youth and congratulated him upon his retirement. Though retired, Mr. King's heart for students remains strong, and he still shares his gifts from time to time to encourage, teach, and inspire young learners. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Charles ``Smarty Pants'' King, Jr., a living example of imagination in service, education with heart, and the enduring truth that every child deserves to be seen, taught, and inspired. ____________________