Last Updated: 10 Jan, 2025 | Views: 132
Age: 77
Profession: Politician
Other Profession(s): Politician
Famous For: Member of the House Homeland Security Committee
Higher Education: Tougaloo College (BA) Jackson State University (MS)
About (Profile/Biography):
Bennie Gordon Thompson, born January 28, 1948, is a prominent American politician and civil rights advocate who has represented Mississippi's 2nd congressional district since 1993. As the longest-serving African American elected official in the state, Thompson has been a powerful voice for rural communities and racial justice. He gained national prominence as Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee and later as Chairman of the January 6th Select Committee. Known for his straightforward approach and dedication to constituent services, Thompson's journey from alderman in tiny Bolton, Mississippi, to leading critical congressional investigations exemplifies his commitment to public service.
Early Life & Education of Bennie Thompson
• Young Bennie was raised in Bolton, Mississippi, during the height of segregation in the American South.
• The future congressman earned his B.A. in Political Science from Tougaloo College in 1968.
• Thompson completed his M.S. in Educational Administration from Jackson State University in 1972.
• The young activist organized voter registration drives while still a student.
Political Journey of Bennie Thompson
• The Bolton native began his political career as alderman in his hometown in 1969.
• Thompson served as Mayor of Bolton from 1973 to 1980, becoming one of Mississippi's first African American mayors.
• The determined politician won election as Hinds County Supervisor, serving from 1980 to 1993.
• The congressman has won 15 consecutive terms representing Mississippi's 2nd district since 1993.
Major Controversies around Bennie Thompson
• In 2021, Thompson filed a civil lawsuit against Donald Trump under the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871.
• The congressman faced criticism for boycotting the opening of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum due to Trump's attendance.
• Thompson sparked debate by being the only congressman to vote against the Homeland Security bill in 2002.
Awards & Recognition received by Bennie Thompson
• Received the Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award for Public Service (2014).
• Awarded the Mississippi Valley State University Medallion of Honor.
• Presented with the American Civil Liberties Union's Democracy Defense Award (2022).
• Honorary Doctorate from Tougaloo College for lifetime achievement in public service.
Bennie Thompson’s Leadership Roles
• Big Ben (his nickname among colleagues) became the first Democrat to chair the Homeland Security Committee.
• The veteran lawmaker served as Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.
• Thompson led the historic January 6th Select Committee investigation in 2021-2022.
• The congressman currently serves as Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee.
Lesser-Known Facts about Bennie Thompson
• The congressman is an avid collector of African American memorabilia and historical artifacts.
• Thompson worked as a school teacher before entering politics full-time.
• The representative maintains a small farm in Bolton where he grows vegetables.
• The politician has never missed a Congressional vote in over two decades of service.
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