Dr. Katrina Cox and cast of the Laurel Little Theatre's Production of "The Color Purple: The Musical"; commend.

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To: Rules
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026

By: Representative Scott

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 122

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING DR. KATRINA COX 1
AND THE CAST OF THE LAUREL LITTLE THEATRE'S PRODUCTION OF "THE 2
COLOR PURPLE: THE MUSICAL" FOR THEIR HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENTS, 3
ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE AND CULTURAL IMPACT UPON THE CITY OF LAUREL 4
AND THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 5
WHEREAS, the Mississippi House of Representatives takes great 6
pride in recognizing artistic achievements that enrich 7
communities, inspire citizens and preserve the cultural fabric of 8
the State of Mississippi; and 9
WHEREAS, the Laurel Little Theatre, a longstanding cultural 10
institution located in historic Downtown Laurel, Mississippi, 11
continues its proud tradition of delivering high-quality 12
theatrical productions that celebrate the arts and reflect the 13
diverse stories that shape our shared heritage; and 14
WHEREAS, the August 2025 production of "The Color Purple: The 15
Musical," under the direction of Dr. Katrina Cox, brought together 16
an extraordinary ensemble of local talent from across Jones County 17
and southeastern Mississippi, showcasing exceptional artistry, 18
passion and dedication to the performing arts; and 19
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WHEREAS, Dr. Katrina Cox made history as the first African-20
American director at the Laurel Little Theatre, and through her 21
visionary leadership, also brought to the stage the theatre's 22
first all African-American cast, marking a transformative and 23
groundbreaking moment in the institution's history; and 24
WHEREAS, through her direction, Dr. Cox delivered a powerful 25
and emotionally resonant production of "The Color Purple," a story 26
rooted in resilience, sisterhood and triumph, reminding audiences 27
that authentic storytelling has the power to uplift, unify and 28
inspire; and 29
WHEREAS, the production not only achieved critical acclaim, 30
but also drew unprecedented attendance, welcoming new audiences 31
into the theatre and expanding the reach and accessibility of the 32
performing arts within the Laurel community; and 33
WHEREAS, the profound impact of this production extended 34
beyond the stage, fostering unity, creating a sanctuary for 35
artistic expression, strengthening community bonds and inspiring a 36
new generation of performers and patrons of the arts; and 37
WHEREAS, in recognition of her historic achievements and 38
transformative leadership, Dr. Katrina Cox was presented with the 39
Key to the City of Laurel by Mayor Johnny Magee, honoring her 40
groundbreaking role and the doors she has opened within the arts 41
and the broader community; and 42
WHEREAS, the cast and production team demonstrated 43
extraordinary commitment, professionalism and camaraderie, forming 44
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a unified ensemble whose shared dedication and passion elevated 45
the production into a cultural milestone for the Laurel Little 46
Theatre; and 47
WHEREAS, the Laurel Little Theatre's production of "The Color 48
Purple: The Musical" has been recognized as a finalist for 49
Mississippi's prestigious Pinnacle Awards, further affirming its 50
artistic excellence and statewide significance; and 51
WHEREAS, community arts organizations such as the Laurel 52
Little Theatre play an essential role in enhancing quality of 53
life, supporting economic vitality and preserving Mississippi's 54
rich artistic heritage for future generations; and 55
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to 56
honor individuals and organizations whose contributions to the 57
arts bring distinction to their communities and inspire progress 58
across the State of Mississippi: 59
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF 60
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby 61
commend and congratulate Dr. Katrina Cox and cast of the Laurel 62
Little Theatre's production of "The Color Purple: The Musical" for 63
their historic achievements, artistic excellence and profound 64
cultural impact, and extend sincere appreciation for their 65
contributions to the arts and the enrichment of the citizens of 66
Mississippi. 67
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be 68
furnished to Dr. Katrina Cox, on behalf of the cast and crew of 69
H. R. No. 122 *HR43/R2731* ~ OFFICIAL ~
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ST: Dr. Katrina Cox and cast of the Laurel
Little Theatre's Production of "The Color
Purple: The Musical"; commend.
"The Color Purple: The Musical," and to the members of the Capitol 70
Press Corps. 71