MS HC39

Commemorates the life and legacy of the Honorable Senator Alice Rae Varnado Harden, the first African-American female elected to the Mississippi State Senate, who passed away on December 6, 2012.

Recognizes Senator Harden's 14 years as a classroom teacher and educator, including three years as President of the Mississippi Association of Educators before her election to the Senate in 1988.

Honors her legislative achievements as the first African-American Senate Chair of the Education Committee, including passage of teacher education reform, child care reform, and school district conservatorship program legislation.

Acknowledges her extensive civic and professional affiliations including leadership roles with the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus, Mississippi Advisory Committee to the United States Civil Rights Commission, and numerous community organizations.

Extends deepest sympathy to Senator Harden's survivors, including her husband Dennis L. Harden and son Sachem, and directs copies of the resolution be furnished to her family and the Capitol Press Corps.