Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Phillip Martin, who has led the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians since 1979, will speak Monday [March 21] at Mississippi State.
Martin will deliver the keynote address at the annual Academic Achievement Awards program sponsored by the university's Holmes Cultural Diversity Center. The public program begins at 7 p.m. in the Bost Extension Center auditorium.
During a 6 p.m. reception at the same location, the MSU Native American Association will honor Martin for his career cultural and professional achievements.
"This event recognizes the outstanding scholastic achievements of African-American, Native American, Asian-American, and Hispanic American students," said Holmes center director Aretha Jones Cook.
"Chief Martin is an active leader and spokesperson who will bring many insights to the group," she added.
Martin first joined the Tribal Council in 1957 following 10 years' active duty with the U.S. Air Force. He subsequently served as the tribe's Community Action Agency director before becoming actively involved in local government.
During 45 years of service to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Martin has led efforts to establish 23 tribally owned and operated businesses and service operations.
The Pearl River Resort and its Silver Star and Golden Moon hotels and casinos are major regional attractions on the 35,000-acre reservation near Philadelphia. The tribe is the state's second-largest employer, with more than 9,000 permanent, full-time jobs.
During his tenure, Martin established the Choctaw Tribal Scholarships Program to ensure that all Mississippi Choctaw students have the ability to attend colleges and universities of their choice. Since it began in 1994, more than 1,200 students have pursued higher education.
For more information, telephone the Holmes Center at (662) 325-2033.