It’s been 75 years since Dr. King was born. And though he is no longer with us today in person, his spirit is, and his actions continue to inspire progress. 

According to a recent report by the National Urban League, more African American families have joined the middle class and the number of African American businesses is increasing.  Census Bureau figures indicate that African Americans are graduating from college in greater numbers.

But we still have a long way to go toward achieving Dr. King’s dream. One in 5 children today live in poverty - and 30 percent of those are African Americans. Last year the unemployment rate among African Americans was in the double digits - an unacceptable figure as we move into the new year. 

Dr. King led a lifetime of relentless perseverance to achieve the ultimate goal - equality among all races. In pursuit of this quest, he was jailed. And eventually, he was assassinated for daring to dream - daring to dream that all of us could live in a land free of segregation - a land blind to the color of a person’s skin.

As we commemorate Dr. King’s legacy, I urge all of us to take the time and reflect on Dr. King’s dream and continue to be a part of keeping that dream alive.

 “I am extremely proud of these young men, and am honored they would step forward to take an active role in serving our great nation,” said Ross. “I am grateful, and I commend, these students for their strong desire to serve our country. 

 “The next step for these young men is final consideration by the service academies. This process is highly selective, and I wish these students the best as they compete for appointment. Our academies seek not only those in peak physical condition, but also those who display natural leadership, high moral character, and a commitment to academics. Regardless of the outcome, these outstanding young adults will make their families, communities, and our country very proud.” 

Ross has nominated the following students from the Fourth District for the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, or the U.S. Military Academy: 

                         Mr.  Chance T. Watson, Smackover High School 
                         Son of Jimmy C. and Karen Watson 
                         Louann 

                         Mr. Chris Nelson, Malvern High School 
                         Son of Walter Funk 
                         Leola 

                         Mr. Matthew Cody McNeely 
                         Mount Holy High School 
                         Son of Matt NcNeely and Denise Yancey 
                         El Dorado 

                         Mr. William H. Smethers, Second Baptist Christian 
                         Son of Ted and Susan Smethers 
                         Hot Springs 

                         Mr. Joseph Fortenberry, Arkansas City High School 
                         Son of G. Shawn and Rhonda Fortenberry 
                         Arkansas City 

                         Mr. Richard Mark West, III 
                         Lake Hamilton High School 
                         Son of Richard West. Jr. 
                         Royal 

                         Mr. James M. Keisler, Malvern High School 
                         Son of Ray and Cathey Bergan 
                         Malvern 

                         Mr. Jimmy Burt Hicks, Lake Hamilton High School 
                         Son of Jimmy Hicks and Linda Lancaster 
                         Hot Springs 

                         Mr. Kaleb John Euseppi 
                         Arkansas School for Math and Sciences 
                         Son of James and Denise Euseppi 
                         Altheimer 

                         Mr. Brandon B. Thurman, Watson Chapel High School 
                         Son of Byron Thurman and Gloria Lyons 
                         Pine Bluff 

                         Mr. Jacob Daniel Pitchford, High School 
                         Son of William H. and Sherri Pitchford 
                         Mena

(PRESCOTT) – Fourth District Rep. Mike Ross (D-Ark) Monday announced he will tour targeted economic development projects throughout the Fourth District Jan. 15-16 with Region Six Director of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), Pedro Garza. Ross and Garza will visit projects that have been funded by the EDA, or will be potentially fund, in the communities of Hot Springs, Warren, Arkadelphia, Magnolia and Pine Bluff.

“I am looking forward to showing Mr. Garza -- in person -- the impact the Economic Development Administration's investments in the Fourth District have made,” said Ross. “But equally important, I want Mr. Garza to see, first-hand, how important the investment in future Fourth District projects is to creating economic opportunities and jobs for our working families.”

The Economic Development Administration is divided into six regions across the country. Mr. Garza’s jurisdiction includes Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. 

“The fact that he represents such a large area makes his visit to the Fourth District especially significant - it proves he is committed to promoting and ensuring the economic development of our district,” said Ross.

“When I was elected to serve the citizens of Arkansas's Fourth District, I promised I would be a ‘hands-on’ congressman, and an economic ambassador for our district.  Mr. Garza’s trip is just another important step I have initiated to fulfill that pledge. I am looking forward to continuing my commitment to try and create economic opportunities for our district.”

Following is the current schedule for Congressman Ross and Director Garza’s tour.  Please note this schedule is subject to change. 

Thursday, Jan. 15 -- 

12:00 – 1:30 PM: Community Leader Lunch and project presentations by Western Arkansas Planning & Development District (WAPDD) and Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce
Location:  Hot Springs Convention Center

1:30 – 2:30 PM:  Tour/site visit: Hot Springs National Park Bathhouse 
   Location: Hot Springs Bathhouse Row

3:15 – 4:00 PM: Community Leaders Reception/ tour of
Arkadelphia Civic Complex
 Location: Arkadelphia Civic Complex

5:30 – 6:15  Presentation and Site tour:  Southern Arkansas University Air Frame and Power Plant School
 Location: Texarkana, Ark.

Friday, January 16th – 

9:00 – 10:00  Community Leaders Coffee and Project Presentation by the Magnolia Economic Development Corporation 
Location: SE Ark Development District Office, Magnolia

10:15 – 10:30  Site visit: Columbia Industrial Park 
   Location: Magnolia

12:00 – 12:30   Site visit: Warren Industrial Park and H&L Poultry Facility 
 Location: Warren

12:40 – 1:30 Lunch/Project Presentation: Southeast Arkansas Intermodal Facility and the Water Pretreatment Facility
 Location: Warren

2:30 – 3:15  Community Leaders Reception and Farmers Market Project Presentation 
Location: SE Ark. Development District Office, Pine Bluff, 

 3:25 – 3:45   Site tour: Farmers Market Proposed Location
    Location: Pine Bluff