POPLARVILLE – State Rep. Jeramey Anderson challenged Pearl River Community College students to continue the work of the civil rights leaders who changed America.
Anderson, who played soccer at PRCC in 2010-12, was the speaker for a Feb. 16 Black History Month program on the Poplarville campus.
“Today we honor those fearless leaders who marched 50 years ago,” he said. “Because they marched, America changed for me and you.”
Anderson represents District 110 in Jackson County and was the youngest person ever to serve in the Mississippi House of Representatives when he was sworn into office on his 22nd birthday in December 2013.
He encouraged the audience to study the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others whose work led to school integration, voting rights and other changes and to continue their work.
“Change does not come from Washington but to Washington,” Anderson said. “We all play a part in the advancement of our country. That’s the lesson of the past and the promise of tomorrow – that despite great obstacles we can overcome.”
Anderson’s remarks echoed those of Chris Oney, who became the first African-American head coach at PRCC when he was named men’s basketball coach earlier this year. He also encouraged students to build a brighter future on the foundation built by others.
“The person you see in your mirror every morning can become whatever you want to be,” Oney said.
Rep. Jeramey Anderson of Moss Point was the speaker for the Black History Month program Feb. 16 at Pearl River Community College in Poplarville.
PRCC Public Relations photo
