MS SC602

Extends the condolences of the Mississippi Legislature to the family of Lerone Bennett, Jr., a prominent Mississippi-born journalist and historian who passed away on February 14, 2018.

Recognizes Bennett's influential career as Executive Editor of Ebony Magazine and author of ten books, including "Before The Mayflower," which was called "one of the most popular single-volume histories of African-Americans ever written."

Acknowledges Bennett's contributions to chronicling African-American history and the Civil Rights Movement, as well as his service as Visiting Professor of History at Northwestern University.

Notes Bennett's numerous honors including the American Book Award, Literature Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, induction into the Hall of Fame of the National Association of Black Journalists in 2006, and inclusion in the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame.

Directs that the resolution be presented to Bennett's surviving family, forwarded to the Mississippi Arts Commission, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.