MS HR73

Honors Mr. James Russell Figgs ("Big Figgs"), a civil rights activist from Marks, Mississippi, who passed away on February 29, 2016

Recognizes his leadership roles including first African-American President of the Mississippi Democratic Party, President of the Quitman County Branch of the NAACP, and Chairman of the Quitman County School District Board of Trustees

Notes his service as a member of the Marks Board of Aldermen, Vice Mayor of Marks, and Director of Social Services for the Delta Hills Head Start Program

Acknowledges his mentorship under civil rights icon Dr. Aaron Henry and his contributions to civil rights and social justice in the Mississippi Delta

Expresses condolences to his surviving family, including his wife Delilah Reed-Figgs, 15 children, 16 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren