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THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
Office of University Communications
NEWS RELEASE
Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation Gets State License Plate
Mississippi residents now have another way to support the by purchasing a historic automobile license plate that bears the foundation’s name.
The foundation applied for a specialty license plate to help further raise awareness of the issues of cancer as well to raise funds to support the construction of a new headquarters which will be located in Ruleville, Miss., the hometown of the late Civil Rights leader, Fannie Lou Hamer, who died from untreated breast cancer.
The license plate was previously approved by the Mississippi Legislature and Gov. Phil Bryant with pre-sale orders of 386. As of today (July 1, 2015), the license plate is available to all Mississippi taxpayers.
“We would like to thank The University of Southern Mississippi, our Community Health Workers, the consumers, and everyone who helped make this dream become a lifesaving reality,” said Freddie White-Johnson, founder and president of the Fannie Lou Hamer Foundation. White-Johnson also serves as director of the Mississippi Network for Cancer Control and Prevention at Southern Miss.
White-Johnson also expressed appreciation to Senator(s) Willie Simmons, Lydia Chassaniol, David Jordan, Robert Jackson, John Horhn, Sollie Norwood, and Derrick T. Simmons for introducing and sponsoring the distinctive tag. The gratitude extends to all members of the Mississippi House and Senate who supported the legislation and to Bryant for signing the bill into law.
The license plate was designed by the late Cordina Barber, a native of Ruleville, who served as a Community Health Advisor.
“This initiative will give back to the community both in terms of improved health status and as an economic catalyst,” said White-Johnson. “Moreover, it will serve as a symbolic reminder of the unlimited possibilities of what can happen when we work together in accomplishing a long-lasting legacy of saving lives and goodwill that continues to give back for generations to come.”
For more information about how to get involved in the fight against cancer, call Dr. Alfio Rausa, chairman of the Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Board of Directors, at 662.453.4563 or White-Johnson, at 662.453.3688 or 662.392.5458.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Founded in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi is a comprehensive doctoral and research-driven university with a proud history and an eye on the future. A dual-campus university, Southern Miss serves students on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, in addition to five teaching and research sites in Mississippi and through Online at Southern Miss. Since 2006, Southern Miss students have collected seven Goldwater Scholarships, three Truman Scholarships and 14 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships. Our Center for Undergraduate Research affords our students meaningful research opportunities, and as a proven leader in innovation, we conduct transformative research that translates into real-world solutions. As one of a select number of institutions in the nation accredited in art, dance, music and theatre, we are a haven for creativity and artistic expression. In the classroom or lab, on the playing field, or in the performance hall, we strive to have a positive impact not only on our students, but also the world around us. Further information is found at www.usm.edu.
NOTE TO EDITOR: View this story online and download accompanying photos at: https://www.usm.edu/news/
