Mississippi SR71: Paying tribute to the memory of pioneering Journalist and JSU Professor Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony of Jackson, Mississippi.

What the bill says

A resolution paying tribute to the memory of dr. elayne hayes-anthony, pioneering journalist and jsu professor and acting president, and extending sympathy on her passing.

From the engrossed text:

A RESOLUTION PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF DR. ELAYNE HAYES-ANTHONY, PIONEERING JOURNALIST AND JSU PROFESSOR AND ACTING PRESIDENT, AND EXTENDING SYMPATHY ON HER PASSING. WHEREAS, Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony, barrier-breaking journalist and former JSU acting president, passed away on March 5, 2026; and WHEREAS, leaders across Mississippi are paying tribute to Dr. Hayes‐Anthony, a pioneering journalist, educator and longtime public servant whose career reshaped media, higher education and state policy over more than five decades; and WHEREAS, Elayne Hayes‐Anthony, a Jackson native and celebrated communicator, made history at WJTV‐12 as the first African American woman to serve as an anchor, producer and reporter at the station. Her breakthroughs in broadcast journalism opened doors for women and people of color across Mississippi newsrooms; and WHEREAS, her career later expanded into higher education, where she served as Chair of Jackson State University's Department *SS08/R1610* S. R. No. 71 ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2 26/SS08/R1610 PAGE 1 (rdd\tb) of Journalism and Media Studies and was appointed acting president in 2023. Throughout her career, Hayes-Anthony held numerous leadership roles in higher education and public service. She had previously chaired the Department of Communications at Belhaven University for 17 years; and WHEREAS, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said in a social media post that Hayes‐Anthony's contributions left a lasting mark. "Dr. Hayes‐Anthony was truly a remarkable person," …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Norwood, Sollie B. (D, 28) · primary sponsor
• Frazier, Hillman Terome (D, 27)
• Blount, David (D, 29)
• Mumford, Kamesha B. (D, 26)
• Derrick Simmons (D, 12)
• Blackmon, Bradford (D, 21)
• Thomas, Joseph (D, 22)
• Turner-Ford, Angela (D)
• Michel, J. Walter (R, 25)
• Hickman, Rod (D, 32)

Latest actions

1. March 20, 2026: Adopted
2. March 16, 2026: Title Suff Do Be Adopted
3. March 13, 2026: Referred To Rules

Votes

• Adopted (March 20, 2026): 45 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SR71?

SR71 is a bill in the Mississippi Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Paying tribute to the memory of pioneering Journalist and JSU Professor Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony of Jackson, Mississippi.

What does SR71 do?

In its own words: A resolution paying tribute to the memory of dr. elayne hayes-anthony, pioneering journalist and jsu professor and acting president, and extending sympathy on her passing.

What is the status of SR71?

Passed both chambers as of March 20, 2026. Latest action: Adopted (March 20, 2026).

Who sponsored SR71?

Norwood, Sollie B. (D, 28), with 9 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SR71?

On the Mississippi Legislature website: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SR/SR0071.xml