Mississippi at 200

Mississippi at 200 years old

This year, Mississippi turns 200 years old. I thought it ironic that I have spent so much time around various forms of the arts and those who create it as we approach this historic date. Gazing through the lens of their creativity, I am cognizant of our PAST but I am most excited about the FUTURE . This summer I plan to make this year special by attempting to understand what we can do to help repurpose Mississippi's unique landscape and invest more into human capital. I am inclined to believe that Mississippi has not seen her best days. #TogetherWeCan

Below are a few photos to show you what I have been doing since the end of the Regular 2017 Session.

Senator Willie Simmons and I gave a legislative update on education to the Bolivar County Retired Educator Personnel. I was happy to share with them many of the education related bills that passed this session. I explained to them why I voted "Yes" in some instances and "No" in others. I think it is fair to say, I left feeling more knowledgeable about their collective perspectives. #educators

The House Agriculture committee visited Alcorn State University a few days ago. It was great to be on campus. Other legislators and I had the chance to better understand the significance of what the institution does to positively impact agriculture. #HBCU

Recently, I attended the Rivers Gainspoletti launch party at Studio 230. Please check out her art at www.riversgainspoletti.com. #art

Last Friday, I spent some time talking to several Mayors on the West Side of Bolivar County. These Mayors represent a few communities that are close to the Mississippi River. I have always felt the Rosedale Port and the Great River Road State Park were opportunities for economic development and expanded recreation. I appreciate the time they gave me to ask questions and discover how I can support efforts in their individual communities. #ruralcommunitiesmatter

(Pictured below: Mayor Carl Lewis of Beulah, Mayor Frances Ward, Mayor Carey Estes, and I.)

Shortly after the 2017 regular legislative session ended, I went on Super Talk Mississippi in Jackson, Mississippi hosted by J.T. Williamson. We discussed my first legislative session and a few of the topics legislators addressed. #supertalk

If you didn't know, Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, Mississippi is a big deal to blues fans. Here, I am photographed with Red Paden, of Red's Juke Joint, and guest from different places around the country. #jukejoint

Judge Linda Coleman was attending a book signing that depicted the life of Isiah T. Montgomery, the founder of Mound Bayou, Mississippi. Here, she got a chance to say hello to my daughter, Abee. #moundbayou

My neighbor and first legislative page, Zemenskis Dotstry, recently graduated from Shelby Broadstreet High School. You can tell by the smile that he was excited about graduation. I was proud to be the guest speaker at this memorable event. #goodkid

If you are ever in Mound Bayou, make sure you stop by Tom Thumb Restaurant and order the hot wings. Here, I am pictured with the owner, Tommie Williams. #food

Club Hurricane in Cleveland, Mississippi is one of the oldest remaining juke joints. So when film maker Winfield Ezell visited the Mississippi Delta a few weeks ago, I had to take him to check it out. #summertimefun

Tiffany Robinson, a first year teacher, asked me to be keynote speak at the Leland Middle School Career Day that she helped to organize. The kids were introduced to various career choices that included being a police officer, engineer, barber, photographer, healthcare specialists, and biologist. #youth

I got to spend some time with Mississippi Governor Ronnie Musgrove (2000-2003). While in graduate school at Mississippi State University, I worked on his gubernatorial campaign. #governor

A few weeks ago, I moderated the Shelby Alderman and Mayor forum hosted by the Concerned Citizens Shelby. For over an hour and a half on two separate days, several citizens and I listened to the candidates respond to important topics that impact our small community. #ruralcommunities

Even though Shorlone Crockham-Green and I disagree a lot on basketball topics, we do agree on making sure kids in Bolivar County have a chance to participate in worthwhile summer activities. She is spearheading a basketball camp this summer in Cleveland, Mississippi. #hoops

I attended Winstonville Homecoming which is always a treat. The food and fellowship was great. #ruralcommunitiesmatter

I pitched in for a while at the Lion's Club Fundraiser. The steaks were coming hot off the grill. Thanks Angela Peltan for the invite. #service

My friend Dorothy Grady-Scarbrough was hanging with family and taking photos in downtown Shelby, Mississippi for Mother's Day. They were having so much fun I stopped to photobomb. #familytime

Thanks to Farae Wolfe for having me to speak at the The Community Youth Career Development Center (CYCDC) awards banquet this week. It is an initiative born through a partnership with the Bolivar County Community Action Agency, Inc. and Families First for Mississippi. CYCDC is an after school program that serves students in Bolivar County. Currently, they have four sites (Cleveland, Mound Bayou, Rosedale, and Shaw) that serve students in the Cleveland, North Bolivar, and West Bolivar School Districts. The program is in its first year and officially began serving students at the end of January, 2017.

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Representative Abe M. Hudson, Jr. | 662-522-1400| www.abemhudsonjr.com

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