Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-04-09

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. LAURA NORWOOD DAVIS

TaxesCivil Rights

Context

On 2026-04-09, Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. LAURA NORWOOD DAVIS" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered civil rights.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. LAURA NORWOOD DAVIS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 63 (Thursday, April 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 63 (Thursday, April 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E311] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. LAURA NORWOOD DAVIS ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Thursday, April 9, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Mrs. Laura Norwood Davis, a trailblazer, educator, servant leader, and devoted community advocate from Carroll County, Mississippi, whose extraordinary life of service left an indelible mark upon her community and our state. Mrs. Davis lived a life defined by faith, education, and public service. A woman of strong conviction and unwavering dedication, she worked tirelessly to uplift others and expand opportunities for future generations. Her leadership helped shape educational progress and community advancement throughout Carroll County and beyond. A faithful and active member of Helm Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Mrs. Davis devoted many years of service to her church family. She faithfully served as church secretary and trustee and was an engaged member of the Missionary Society and the Board of Christian Education. Her commitment to Christian service reflected her deep belief in faith as a guiding force for both personal and community transformation. Mrs. Davis was also a pioneering leader in education. She made history as the first African American woman elected to serve on the Carroll County School Board, breaking barriers and opening doors for others to follow. Her dedication to improving educational outcomes and advocating for students and educators earned her statewide recognition when she became the first recipient from Carroll County to be named School Board Member of the Year for the State of Mississippi. Through her leadership, she championed equity, excellence, and opportunity in public education. Her professional and civic involvement extended far beyond the classroom. Mrs. Davis was a lifetime member of the Mississippi Association of Educators and remained actively engaged in organizations committed to civil rights, community development, and service. She was a proud member of the NAACP, the Carroll Development Association, and the Theta Pi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, where she exemplified scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. Although she is no longer with us, throughout her life, Mrs. Davis demonstrated a steadfast commitment to empowering others through education, civic engagement, and faith-based leadership. She served as a mentor, advocate, and role model whose influence continues to resonate across generations. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Laura Norwood Davis for her historic achievements, her faithful service, and her enduring contributions to the people of Carroll County and the State of Mississippi. ____________________

View original source →

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. LAURA NORWOOD DAVIS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 63 (Thursday, April 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 63 (Thursday, April 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E311] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. LAURA NORWOOD DAVIS ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Thursday, April 9, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Mrs. Laura Norwood Davis, a trailblazer, educator, servant leader, and devoted community advocate from Carroll County, Mississippi, whose extraordinary life of service left an indelible mark upon her community and our state. Mrs. Davis lived a life defined by faith, education, and public service. A woman of strong conviction and unwavering dedication, she worked tirelessly to uplift others and expand opportunities for future generations. Her leadership helped shape educational progress and community advancement throughout Carroll County and beyond. A faithful and active member of Helm Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Mrs. Davis devoted many years of service to her church family. She faithfully served as church secretary and trustee and was an engaged member of the Missionary Society and the Board of Christian Education. Her commitment to Christian service reflected her deep belief in faith as a guiding force for both personal and community transformation. Mrs. Davis was also a pioneering leader in education. She made history as the first African American woman elected to serve on the Carroll County School Board, breaking barriers and opening doors for others to follow. Her dedication to improving educational outcomes and advocating for students and educators earned her statewide recognition when she became the first recipient from Carroll County to be named School Board Member of the Year for the State of Mississippi. Through her leadership, she championed equity, excellence, and opportunity in public education. Her professional and civic involvement extended far beyond the classroom. Mrs. Davis was a lifetime member of the Mississippi Association of Educators and remained actively engaged in organizations committed to civil rights, community development, and service. She was a proud member of the NAACP, the Carroll Development Association, and the Theta Pi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, where she exemplified scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. Although she is no longer with us, throughout her life, Mrs. Davis demonstrated a steadfast commitment to empowering others through education, civic engagement, and faith-based leadership. She served as a mentor, advocate, and role model whose influence continues to resonate across generations. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Laura Norwood Davis for her historic achievements, her faithful service, and her enduring contributions to the people of Carroll County and the State of Mississippi. ____________________