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Congressional Daily Record
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April 16, 2026
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Extensions of Remarks
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON
of mississippi
in the house of representatives
Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a moment of profound historical significance in the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi—the unveiling of a Mississippi Freedom Trail marker at Delta State University on March 10, 2026, commemorating the 1969 Black Student Organization Student Sit-In. This event marks a pivotal chapter in the university's history and in the broader Civil Rights Movement in the Mississippi Delta.
South—often met with resistance—Black students at Delta State University courageously organized to confront inequality and injustice on their campus. While the story of James Meredith is widely known, the experiences of students at smaller regional institutions like Delta State are equally deserving of recognition.
discrimination in classrooms, social spaces, and campus life. They faced unfair grading practices, racial hostility, and exclusion from full participation in the academic community. In response, these students formed the Black Student Organization (BSO) in 1969, uniting to advocate for equity, dignity, and representation.
including the hiring of Black faculty and counselors, fair grading policies, an end to racial slurs, and greater academic and cultural inclusion.
meeting, marching, and ultimately staging a sit-in at Kethley Hall on March 10, 1969. On that day, more than fifty students were arrested after refusing to leave the administration building. They were transported to the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman, where they were held overnight. Their courage in the face of intimidation and injustice became one of the most significant civil rights moments in Delta State's history and student's bravery. Though met with resistance, their actions brought meaningful change. The university began to address inequities, including hiring more Black faculty and improving fairness in academic practices. More importantly, these students helped lay the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable campus environment for future generations.
marker stands outside Kethley Hall as a lasting tribute to their bravery and determination. It serves as a reminder that progress is often born from sacrifice, and that the voices of determined individuals can shape institutions and communities for the better.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the students of the 1969 Delta State Sit-In. Their legacy continues to inspire those who seek justice, equality, and opportunity for all.