MS HC77

Commends Reverend Herman D. "Preacher" Dennis and his late wife Margaret Rogers Dennis for their contributions to their community and cultural heritage through Margaret's Grocery in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Recognizes Margaret Rogers Dennis as a pioneer African-American businesswoman who operated the grocery for over 60 years and served as a faithful Sunday School teacher at Cool Springs Missionary Baptist Church.

Honors Reverend Dennis for creating a unique "Bible Castle to God" by transforming the small country grocery with bright colors, religious verses, and folk art that attracted tourists and became a subject of cultural tourism research worldwide.

Declares the week of March 20-26, 2011, as Reverend Herman D. Dennis and Margaret's Grocery Awareness and Preservation Week in Mississippi, coinciding with the Governor's recognition and the Mississippi Arts Commission's Arts Advocacy Day on March 22, 2011.

Encourages Mississippians to acknowledge the pioneering contributions of these individuals and support efforts to maintain, restore, and preserve the folk art as a symbol of Mississippi's creative spirit and cultural heritage.