MS HC97

Commends and congratulates Rick Cleveland for being selected for the 2011 Richard Wright Literary Excellence Award, an honor established in 1994 by the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration.

Recognizes Cleveland's 40+ year career as a Mississippi writer and journalist, including his work since 1979 as a reporter, sports editor and columnist for The Clarion-Ledger covering major national sporting events.

Highlights Cleveland's coverage of Hurricane Katrina aftermath and tornado victims, which earned him a Best of Gannett award in 2005 for stories about Mississippians seeking normalcy in their lives.

Notes that Cleveland has authored three books and is recognized for covering everyday Mississippians alongside major athletes such as Brett Favre, Walter Payton, and Jerry Rice.

Directs that copies of this resolution be furnished to Rick Cleveland and members of the Capitol Press Corps.