Officially sworn in Jan. 5 as a member of the Mississippi House of Representaties. Orlando Paden is a member of the Sunflower River Blues Association. A lifelong resident of Coahoma County, he was president of the Student Government Association at Coahoma Community College and graduated from Alcorn State University. Paden has directed work study programs at CCC, served in the college’s administration, and has been active in tourism, church, and community activities.

His father, Red Paden, seated in group photo, owns Red’s Blues Club, a legend once described by Esquire magazine as the best place in America to hear live blues. He is recipient of the Blues Foundation’s ‘Keeping the Blues Alive’ award.

Orlando Paden, D-Clarksdale, is officially sworn into the Mississippi House of Representatives, at noon Tuesday, Jan. 5.

State Rep. Orlando Paden, D-Clarksdale, is surrounded by proud family members from Clarksdale in the Mississippi Capitol Tuesday including Red Paden, his dad (seated); Lisa Paden, his mother; and two nephews: Justin, 9, and his baby brother, Kaide. The House of Representatives was overflowing for the noon ceremony.

Photos by Panny Mayfield