Floor SpeechNeutral2026-05-29

HONORING MS. AMIA D. EDWARDS

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On 2026-05-29, Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING MS. AMIA D. EDWARDS" in the House.

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HONORING MS. AMIA D. EDWARDS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 91 (Friday, May 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 91 (Friday, May 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E495] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MS. AMIA D. EDWARDS ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Friday, May 29, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a visionary entrepreneur, performing artist, and servant leader, Ms. Amia D. Edwards, whose work is transforming lives across Mississippi through the power of the arts. Ms. Edwards is the Founder and Executive Director of the Amiable Arts Foundation, a youth development organization dedicated to expanding access to performing art academic enrichment, and leadership opportunities for young people. Under her leadership, the foundation has produced impactful camps, after-school programs, theatrical productions, and community events designed to ensure that every student has the opportunity to discover and develop their talents. Through strateglc partnerships, Ms. Edwards has extended her reach directly into classrooms and communities. Her foundation has collaborated with the Jackson Public School District to implement after-school performing arts and film programs that equip middle and high school students with real-world skills in theatre, storytelling, and media production, preparing them for college and career pathways in the arts. Additionally, her work has expanded into the Hinds County School District, where her foundation provides after-school programming focused on arts education, tutoring, and confidence-building, creating safe and creative spaces for students to grow academically and artistically. Driven by a belief that creativity is a pathway to confidence, healing, and purpose, Ms. Edwards has built a platform that not only nurtures artistic expression but also develops leadership, discipline, and self-worth in the next generataion. In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Ms. Edwards is an entrepreneur developing mission-driven ventures centered on arts, entertainment, and community-based impact. She is known for her strong vision, strategic partnerships, and commitment to building sustainable pathways for youth success. Ms. Edwards is also an emerging actress, pursuing opportunities in film and media that reflect her passion for storytelling, representation, and cultural influence. Whether on stage, on screen, or in the community, she uses her platform to inspire and uplift. A respected speaker, collaborator, and creative leader, Ms. Edwards continues to pour into communities with purpose and intention. Her work reflects a deep understanding that when young people are given the tools to create, they are also given the power to lead, to dream, and to transform their futures. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Amia D. Edwards, a trailblazer whose commitment to the arts, youth empowerment, and community advancement is leaving a lasting impact across Mississippi and beyond. ____________________

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HONORING MS. AMIA D. EDWARDS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 91 (Friday, May 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 91 (Friday, May 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E495] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MS. AMIA D. EDWARDS ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Friday, May 29, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a visionary entrepreneur, performing artist, and servant leader, Ms. Amia D. Edwards, whose work is transforming lives across Mississippi through the power of the arts. Ms. Edwards is the Founder and Executive Director of the Amiable Arts Foundation, a youth development organization dedicated to expanding access to performing art academic enrichment, and leadership opportunities for young people. Under her leadership, the foundation has produced impactful camps, after-school programs, theatrical productions, and community events designed to ensure that every student has the opportunity to discover and develop their talents. Through strateglc partnerships, Ms. Edwards has extended her reach directly into classrooms and communities. Her foundation has collaborated with the Jackson Public School District to implement after-school performing arts and film programs that equip middle and high school students with real-world skills in theatre, storytelling, and media production, preparing them for college and career pathways in the arts. Additionally, her work has expanded into the Hinds County School District, where her foundation provides after-school programming focused on arts education, tutoring, and confidence-building, creating safe and creative spaces for students to grow academically and artistically. Driven by a belief that creativity is a pathway to confidence, healing, and purpose, Ms. Edwards has built a platform that not only nurtures artistic expression but also develops leadership, discipline, and self-worth in the next generataion. In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Ms. Edwards is an entrepreneur developing mission-driven ventures centered on arts, entertainment, and community-based impact. She is known for her strong vision, strategic partnerships, and commitment to building sustainable pathways for youth success. Ms. Edwards is also an emerging actress, pursuing opportunities in film and media that reflect her passion for storytelling, representation, and cultural influence. Whether on stage, on screen, or in the community, she uses her platform to inspire and uplift. A respected speaker, collaborator, and creative leader, Ms. Edwards continues to pour into communities with purpose and intention. Her work reflects a deep understanding that when young people are given the tools to create, they are also given the power to lead, to dream, and to transform their futures. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Amia D. Edwards, a trailblazer whose commitment to the arts, youth empowerment, and community advancement is leaving a lasting impact across Mississippi and beyond. ____________________