Bennie G. Thompson
Representative for Mississippi · Democratic · United States
“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.”
“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.”
“Recruitment efforts were directed toward Black communities, colleges, military veterans, and other qualified applicants throughout Mississippi. Applications from African-American candidates were processed for admission into the next Highway Patrol training class. On June 18, 1972, five African-American men entered Cadet Class No.”
“Recruitment efforts were directed toward Black communities, colleges, military veterans, and other qualified applicants throughout Mississippi. Applications from African-American candidates were processed for admission into the next Highway Patrol training class. On June 18, 1972, five African-American men entered Cadet Class No.”
“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.”
“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.”
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Every one of 30 lines we hold for Bennie G. Thompson, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account.
“Crosby, Sr., Arthur Marble, Richard ``R.O.'' Williams, and Lewis Younger, Jr.--three graduated on September 1, 1972: Walter C. Crosby, Sr., R.O. Williams, and Lewis Younger, Jr. They became the first African-American troopers in the history of the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the integration of the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the men who helped pave the path for future generations of African-American officers. ____________________”
“Recruitment efforts were directed toward Black communities, colleges, military veterans, and other qualified applicants throughout Mississippi. Applications from African-American candidates were processed for admission into the next Highway Patrol training class. On June 18, 1972, five African-American men entered Cadet Class No. 12 at the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy in Pearl, Mississippi, to train as Mississippi Highway Patrol troopers. Their admission followed federal court rulings in Morrow v. Crisler, which challenged discriminatory hiring practices within the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. The class was the first in the history of the Mississippi Highway Patrol, organized in 1939, to include African- American cadets. Of the five men admitted--James Cheeks, Walter C.”
“Crisler, challenged the Department's long-standing exclusion of African Americans from employment as Mississippi Highway Partol troopers. At the time, the Mississippi Highway Patrol, established in 1939, had never employed a Black state trooper. Evidence presented in federal court demonstrated a pattern and practice of racial discrimination in hiring and recruitment. The court found that African Americans had effectively been excluded from trooper positions. Federal judges ordered the Department of Public Safety to eliminate discriminatory practices and adopt affirmative measures to recruit qualified Black applicants. Following court orders issued in 1971, by early 1972, the Department began actively recruiting African-American candidates for positions within the Mississippi Highway Patrol.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E687] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN MISSISSIPPI HIGHWAY PATROL TROOPERS ______ 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 recognize a very pivotal time within the Mississippi Highway Patrol. In 1970, Willie L. Morrow and Jerome Mangum, with representation from the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, filed suit against the leadership of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. The case, Morrow v.”
“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. ____________________”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Crosby, Sr., Arthur Marble, Richard ``R.O.'' Williams, and Lewis Younger, Jr.--three graduated on September 1, 1972: Walter C. Crosby, Sr., R.O. Williams, and Lewis Younger, Jr. They became the first African-American troopers in the history of the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the integration of the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the men who helped pave the path for future generations of African-American officers. ____________________”
“Recruitment efforts were directed toward Black communities, colleges, military veterans, and other qualified applicants throughout Mississippi. Applications from African-American candidates were processed for admission into the next Highway Patrol training class. On June 18, 1972, five African-American men entered Cadet Class No. 12 at the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy in Pearl, Mississippi, to train as Mississippi Highway Patrol troopers. Their admission followed federal court rulings in Morrow v. Crisler, which challenged discriminatory hiring practices within the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. The class was the first in the history of the Mississippi Highway Patrol, organized in 1939, to include African- American cadets. Of the five men admitted--James Cheeks, Walter C.”
“Crisler, challenged the Department's long-standing exclusion of African Americans from employment as Mississippi Highway Partol troopers. At the time, the Mississippi Highway Patrol, established in 1939, had never employed a Black state trooper. Evidence presented in federal court demonstrated a pattern and practice of racial discrimination in hiring and recruitment. The court found that African Americans had effectively been excluded from trooper positions. Federal judges ordered the Department of Public Safety to eliminate discriminatory practices and adopt affirmative measures to recruit qualified Black applicants. Following court orders issued in 1971, by early 1972, the Department began actively recruiting African-American candidates for positions within the Mississippi Highway Patrol.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E687] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN MISSISSIPPI HIGHWAY PATROL TROOPERS ______ 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 recognize a very pivotal time within the Mississippi Highway Patrol. In 1970, Willie L. Morrow and Jerome Mangum, with representation from the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, filed suit against the leadership of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. The case, Morrow v.”
“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. ____________________”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Through her ministry, she has touched countless individuals by sharing messages of hope, purpose, and spiritual growth. A proud daughter of John and Shirley Meeks of Yazoo City, Mississippi, Ms. Ryland's accomplishments are a testament to the values of faith, perseverance, service, and dedication instilled in her throughout her life. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join in congratulating Krishni Ryland on these extraordinary achievements and in celebrating her continued contributions to education, faith, and public service. Her life and work serve as an inspiration to all. ____________________”
“Through this work, she encourages readers to deepen their understanding of biblical teachings and challenges them to examine commonly held beliefs through the lens of Scripture. Continuing her mission of service, Ms. Ryland will begin her teaching career in the fall of 2026 as a Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education educator. In this role, she will have the opportunity to inspire, mentor, and equip the next generation of leaders and professionals. Her transition from military service to the classroom reflects her enduring commitment to empowering others and strengthening communities through education. Ms. Ryland is also the founder of Speak Life Outreach Ministries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging, uplifting, and transforming lives through faith-based outreach and biblical teaching.”
“Ryland retired from military service and embarked upon a new journey centered on education, faith, and service to others. Her commitment to personal growth and lifelong learning is evident in her impressive academic accomplishments. Most recently, she entered a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in Secondary Education from Liberty University. Prior to this achievement, she earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in Secondary Education from Liberty University. Prior to this achievement, she earned bachelor's degrees in Business Administration and Religion, demonstrating her dedication to both professional excellence and spiritual development. In a addition to completing her master's degree, Ms. Ryland has become a published author with the release of her book, Did God Really Say That? Unlearning What We Thought Was Scripture.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E675] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING KRISHNI RYLAND ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Monday, July 13, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Ms. Krishni Ryland as she celebrates a remarkable season of achievement marked by three significant milestones: earning a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in Secondary Education, publishing her first book, and beginning her teaching career as a Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education educator. After faithfully serving our nation for 20 years in the United States Army, Ms.”
“Her contributions to Disability Determination Services and to the legislative community have left a lasting legacy that will be felt for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Kristy Embry for her outstanding career and unwavering commitment to public service. We congratulate her on her well-earned retirement and extend our sincere gratitude and best wishes for happiness, good health, and success in the years ahead. ____________________”
“In this role, she has faithfully served for more than a decade, overseeing critical operations and helping ensure that Mississippians receive the attention and support they deserve. Her commitment to public service has earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, elected officials, and citizens alike. Ms. Embry is the daughter of William ``Bill'' Norton and Jonnelle ``Jonnie'' Norton. In 2004, she married Scott Embry, and together they raised their daughter, Caroline Embry. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she enjoys cooking, baking, and traveling, passions that reflect her warm spirit and love for family and community. On June 30, 2026, Ms. Embry will conclude a remarkable career marked by dedication, leadership, and faithful service to the people of Mississippi.”
“A graduate of Mississippi State University in 1998, she began her career with Disability Determination Services in 2001, embarking on a path of public service that would positively impact countless individuals and families across our state. In 2004, Ms. Embry joined the Division of Legislative Relations, where she worked closely with Members of Congress and state legislators regarding Social Security disability cases. Through her professionalism, responsiveness, and deep knowledge of the disability determination process, she became a trusted resource for legislative offices and constituents seeking assistance. Her dedication and leadership led to her promotion as Director of the Non-Vocational Legislative Relations Team in 2015.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E590] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MS. KRISTY EMBRY ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Thursday, June 18, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Ms. Kristy Embry upon the occasion of her retirement after twenty-five years of distinguished service with Disability Determination Services. Ms. Embry has dedicated her professional career to serving the citizens of Mississippi with excellence, integrity, and compassion.”
“Her contributions to Disability Determination Services and to the legislative community have left a lasting legacy that will be felt for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Kristy Embry for her outstanding career and unwavering commitment to public service. We congratulate her on her well-earned retirement and extend our sincere gratitude and best wishes for happiness, good health, and success in the years ahead. ____________________”
“In this role, she has faithfully served for more than a decade, overseeing critical operations and helping ensure that Mississippians receive the attention and support they deserve. Her commitment to public service has earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, elected officials, and citizens alike. Ms. Embry is the daughter of William ``Bill'' Norton and Jonnelle ``Jonnie'' Norton. In 2004, she married Scott Embry, and together they raised their daughter, Caroline Embry. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she enjoys cooking, baking, and traveling, passions that reflect her warm spirit and love for family and community. On June 30, 2026, Ms. Embry will conclude a remarkable career marked by dedication, leadership, and faithful service to the people of Mississippi.”
“A graduate of Mississippi State University in 1998, she began her career with Disability Determination Services in 2001, embarking on a path of public service that would positively impact countless individuals and families across our state. In 2004, Ms. Embry joined the Division of Legislative Relations, where she worked closely with Members of Congress and state legislators regarding Social Security disability cases. Through her professionalism, responsiveness, and deep knowledge of the disability determination process, she became a trusted resource for legislative offices and constituents seeking assistance. Her dedication and leadership led to her promotion as Director of the Non-Vocational Legislative Relations Team in 2015.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E590] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MS. KRISTY EMBRY ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Thursday, June 18, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Ms. Kristy Embry upon the occasion of her retirement after twenty-five years of distinguished service with Disability Determination Services. Ms. Embry has dedicated her professional career to serving the citizens of Mississippi with excellence, integrity, and compassion.”