Mayor Holloway’s remarks to the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, Dec. 4, 1996, Broadwater Beach Resort, Biloxi.
Delegates to the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, honored guests, friends…. I’m honored to be here this morning to welcome you to Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Let me spend a few minutes telling you what I call the Biloxi story.
We are very proud of how far this city has come in just the last four years. First-class hotels rooms and other new development and improvements have been introduced throughout the city. Of course, along with this economic upsurge, thousands of jobs have been created. We’ve worked hard,and God has truly blessed us.
I’m reminded of the other day when one of our citizens turned 100, and we decided to throw a little party for him at City Hall. So while he was sitting there, I asked him, well, you’ve lived here for 100 years now. What do you think of all of the changes?
He looked up at me and said “I was against every damn one of them.”
There’s something to be said for tradition and not changing, but frankly, I have to disagree with this gentleman. Change for us has been outstanding and unparalleled.
And today, you delegates to the National Black Caucus, are part of that change. Your being here today is a significant milestone, for it represents the first national convention in this city in several years. And we couldn’t be happier and more proud to have you here. Our hospitality folks are going to do everything they can to make your stay enjoyable.
As you work to meet that challenge to “build the bridge to the 21st Century,” I invite you to tap into the energy of this community. Mississippi and Biloxi are not changing, Mississippi and Biloxi HAVE changed. And you, my friends, are part of that change.
Again, welcome to our city. Don’t spend ALL of your time in our casinos or in your rooms. I invite you to get out into the community. See our historic sites and enjoy our great restaurants. Most of all, enjoy yourselves, leave with great memories of your time here, and come back soon and often.
