Bill Text: MS HR50 | 2026 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: "Heal Mississippi Day"; establish as May 18th.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)
Status: (Passed) 2026-02-19 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR50 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2026-HR50-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2026 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Nelson
House Resolution 50
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING MAY 18 AS "HEAL MISSISSIPPI DAY" IN RECOGNITION OF JAMAL ROBERTS' INSPIRING PERFORMANCE OF HIS SONG "HEAL" ON AMERICAN IDOL AND DEDICATING THIS DAY TO PRAYER, REFLECTION, UNITY AND RESTORATION.
WHEREAS, on Sunday, May 18, 2025, millions of viewers tuned in to watch the season finale of American Idol and were captivated by the performance of a supremely talented contestant from the State of Mississippi, Jamal Roberts; and
WHEREAS, Jamal took the stage to perform the song "Heal," and with a new verse of his own powerful lyrics, he transformed the Tom Odell song into an original work of art; and
WHEREAS, these lyrics stunned the crowd as they witnessed Jamal call out to the Lord, "the only one that can heal," proclaiming the great need for restoration and salvation from sickness and depression; and
WHEREAS, beyond showcasing his incredible talent, Jamal's performance released a prophetic sound of healing that resonated far beyond entertainment, as it stirred hearts, inspired hope and echoed the need for spiritual, emotional and communal healing across our beloved state; and
WHEREAS, at the end of the season, Jamal was crowned as the 2025 American Idol winner, bringing immense pride and honor to his hometown of Meridian and the entire State of Mississippi, and his historic win marked the second time a Mississippian has achieved this national title; and
WHEREAS, Jamal's American Idol victory fittingly came eight years after the first Mississippian won the competition, evidencing God's perfect timing, as the number eight often symbolizes new beginnings in the Bible; and
WHEREAS, this moment carries both cultural and spiritual weight for citizens across the great Magnolia State, presenting us with a divinely appointed opportunity to set the tone for something greater than us all; and
WHEREAS, we know that the Lord brings comfort, peace and healing to those who suffer, in accordance with the words of Psalm 107:19-20, "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave"; and
WHEREAS, a testament to the power of this scripture and the nation's desire for divine healing, Jamal's "Heal" debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart, and Jamal's journey from a middle school P.E. teacher in Meridian, Mississippi, to a performer with a national platform is proof of God's unceasing faithfulness to those who use their talents to bring Him glory; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and celebrate outstanding Mississippians, especially those such as Jamal Roberts, who uses his wealth of God-given talent to spread the Lord's divine message of hope and healing, and it is most appropriate to honor and reflect upon this message by designating May 18 as "Heal Mississippi Day":
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby acknowledge and recognize May 18 as "Heal Mississippi Day" in the State of Mississippi in recognition of Jamal Roberts' inspiring performance of his song "Heal" on American Idol.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That all citizens of Mississippi are encouraged to observe this day with reflection, unity, prayer and restoration in every home, school, church, ministry and marketplace across Mississippi.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Kathy Amos and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
