Recognizing Mike Epps, Comedian, Producer, and Actor

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARSON. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Mike Epps, who will be filming his next Netflix comedy special in his hometown of Indianapolis and will also be inducted into the Madam Walker Legacy Center Walk of Fame on November 20, 2021.

Mike was born in Indianapolis to parents Mary Reed and Tommie Epps, and raised in our great city. Mike began performing comedy as a teenager. After achieving success in standup comedy, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to pursue a career in comedy at the Comedy Act Theater.

At 21 years old, Mike moved to New York City where he became a sensation in the underground Black comedy scene. Mike's career continued to prosper, performing in two HBO Def Comedy Jam broadcasts and appearing in the movie ``Strays'' in 1997 and the television series ``The Sopranos'' in 1999.

After New York, Mike's rise to fame took him to Los Angeles, where he landed a role in Ice Cube's movie ``Next Friday.'' His acting career gained momentum, appearing in films such as ``Dr. Dolittle 2 ,'' ``All About the Benjamins'' and ``The Fighting Temptations,'' to name just a few.

Mike has used his platform to support our city and give back to others. In 2012, he served as the ``Super Bowl Ambassador'' to Indianapolis. In addition, his generous contributions to the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation for the Arts in Georgia has helped provide opportunities for young people wishing to follow in his footsteps.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mike Epps. Our community is proud of his success and deeply grateful for his dedicated philanthropic and mentorship efforts, which are making a positive impact in the lives of countless young people across the country.

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