Floor SpeechNeutral2026-08-31

HONORING DR. JOHN A. PEOPLES, JR.

TaxesDefenseEducationVeteransCivil Rights

Context

On 2026-08-31, Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING DR. JOHN A. PEOPLES, JR." in the House.

Full Text

HONORING DR. JOHN A. PEOPLES, JR.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 137 (Monday, August 31, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 137 (Monday, August 31, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E821] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DR. JOHN A. PEOPLES, JR. ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Monday, August 31, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr., a distinguished Mississippian, educator, veteran, and the sixth president of Jackson State University. A native of Starkville, Mississippi, Dr. Peoples served his country with distinction as a United States Marine during World War II. He served as a Drill Instructor at Montford Point at Camp Lejeune, where Black Marines were trained during segregation. In July 2012, Dr. Peoples was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his service as one of the African-American Marines who trained at Montford Point. After his military service, Dr. Peoples returned to Jackson State University, earning his bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1950. He later earned a master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. In 1964, he returned to Jackson State as a professor of mathematics and vice president and became president in 1967. Dr. Peoples served as president from 1967 to 1984, overseeing an extraordinary period of growth and transformation. During his tenure, enrollment increased from approximately 2,200 to 7,800 students, academic programs expanded through the doctoral level, and the University's physical facilities grew substantially. He also founded the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) unit at Jackson State University, establishing a lasting tradition of military leadership and service. Dr. Peoples led Jackson State through some of the most challenging years of the civil rights era, including the tragic May 14, 1970, shootings at Jackson State, when Phillip Gibbs and James Green were killed and other students were wounded. Beyond Jackson State, Dr. Peoples became a nationally recognized leader in higher education and was the first African-American to serve as Chairman of the Board of the American Council on Education. His contributions to education, civil rights, and public service have earned him numerous honors, including the Medgar Evers Award, the Mississippi Medal of Service, and induction into the Jackson State University and Southwestern Athletic Conference Halls of Fame. Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr., has devoted his life to service, education, leadership, and the advancement of opportunity for others. From the United States Marine Corps to the halls of Jackson State University, his legacy reflects courage, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to his community and his country. I am proud to honor Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr., for his extraordinary contributions to Mississippi, Jackson State University, the United States Marine Corps, and our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable American and Mississippi trailblazer. ____________________

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HONORING DR. JOHN A. PEOPLES, JR. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 137 (Monday, August 31, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 137 (Monday, August 31, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E821] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DR. JOHN A. PEOPLES, JR. ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Monday, August 31, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr., a distinguished Mississippian, educator, veteran, and the sixth president of Jackson State University. A native of Starkville, Mississippi, Dr. Peoples served his country with distinction as a United States Marine during World War II. He served as a Drill Instructor at Montford Point at Camp Lejeune, where Black Marines were trained during segregation. In July 2012, Dr. Peoples was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his service as one of the African-American Marines who trained at Montford Point. After his military service, Dr. Peoples returned to Jackson State University, earning his bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1950. He later earned a master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. In 1964, he returned to Jackson State as a professor of mathematics and vice president and became president in 1967. Dr. Peoples served as president from 1967 to 1984, overseeing an extraordinary period of growth and transformation. During his tenure, enrollment increased from approximately 2,200 to 7,800 students, academic programs expanded through the doctoral level, and the University's physical facilities grew substantially. He also founded the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) unit at Jackson State University, establishing a lasting tradition of military leadership and service. Dr. Peoples led Jackson State through some of the most challenging years of the civil rights era, including the tragic May 14, 1970, shootings at Jackson State, when Phillip Gibbs and James Green were killed and other students were wounded. Beyond Jackson State, Dr. Peoples became a nationally recognized leader in higher education and was the first African-American to serve as Chairman of the Board of the American Council on Education. His contributions to education, civil rights, and public service have earned him numerous honors, including the Medgar Evers Award, the Mississippi Medal of Service, and induction into the Jackson State University and Southwestern Athletic Conference Halls of Fame. Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr., has devoted his life to service, education, leadership, and the advancement of opportunity for others. From the United States Marine Corps to the halls of Jackson State University, his legacy reflects courage, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to his community and his country. I am proud to honor Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr., for his extraordinary contributions to Mississippi, Jackson State University, the United States Marine Corps, and our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable American and Mississippi trailblazer. ____________________