Extensions of Remarks E393 HON. JEFF MILLER HON. ALCEE L
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E393 ON RECOGNIZING THE 80TH BIRTH- ognize F. Willard Vickery on the occasion of whelmed with the choir’s performance, Her DAY OF F. WILLARD VICKERY his 80th birthday. His leadership through faith Royal Majesty bestowed on the Jubilee Sing- AND HIS IMPACT ON THE SCOUT- and good deeds to this day leaves an ever- ers a gift of $50,000. Her enthusiasm for the ING COMMUNITY AND NORTH- lasting impression on those who know him. choir led to the painting of the life-size portrait WEST FLORIDA f of the original 11 Jubilee Singers. Over many years of performances the Jubilee Singers A RESOLUTION TO COMMEMORATE were able to raise over $100,000 to finance HON. JEFF MILLER THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS the continued existence of Fisk University. OF FLORIDA WITH A POSTAGE STAMP IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Madam Speaker, the accomplishments of the Jubilee Singers remain the reason Fisk Friday, February 16, 2007 HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS University is able to educate students today. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I OF FLORIDA As a Fisk graduate, this institution of learning rise today to recognize the 80th birthday of F. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES is responsible for my participation in this great Willard Vickery and his impact on the scouting Friday, February 16, 2007 Congress. Thus, commemorating the Jubilee community and Northwest Florida. Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, Singers with a First Class U.S. postage stamp Mr. Vick, as he is known, began his journey I rise today to introduce a resolution to rec- would be a tremendous honor to acknowledge in scouting in 1939, obtaining the rank of ommend that the United States Postal Service the sacrifice and remember the services of Eagle Scout 5 years later. Ever since his 12th issue a postage stamp to commemorate the these young individuals. birthday in 1939, he has held the Boy Scouts achievements of the Fisk University Jubilee It took immense determination to pursue an of America in the highest regard. Because of Singers. I would like to thank my colleagues of education after many years of condemnation this pivotal time in our nation’s history, Mr. the Congressional Black Caucus and the Ten- and rejection. The majority of the Jubilee Sing- Vick served as the Scoutmaster when adult nessee Delegation that have joined me to in- ers were ex-slaves; however, this did not leaders were sent off for military service. Soon troduce this important legislation. hinder their achievement. Their status did not he would follow his former Scoutmasters’ On January 9, 2007 Fisk University cele- dictate or hinder their dreams of success. paths by joining the United States Navy upon brated its 141-year anniversary. Known for its They used their gift of music to portray the re- graduating from high school, and served in the educational excellence and inspirational lead- alities and stories of their lives. medical corps in Tennessee. He remained in ership the heart of Fisk University is found in It was the commitment and hard work of the Tennessee after the War’s end and attended its Jubilee Singers. The perseverance of the Jubilee Singers that should be highly regarded college there. It was during this time that he renowned Jubilee Singers has anchored Fisk as a selfless act. Having the perseverance to became involved once again with scouting at University’s success through the preservation fight racism, to overcome the constant hard- a local camp, and also met Annie, his wife of of the Negro Spiritual as a musical art form ship of personal financial troubles, through nearly 59 years. and contributions to perpetuate the existence sickness, and fatigue, they continued for the After graduating college, he became a full- of the University. sake of posterity. time employee of the Boy Scouts of America Sponsorship for this liberal arts institution Madam Speaker, commemorating the Jubi- in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This was the first began with support from the American Mis- lee Singers with a First Class postage stamp of several scouting camps that Mr. Vick would sionary Association, as well as a great finan- will acknowledge their legacy to the world. Ac- be instrumental in having built throughout the cial contribution by Tennessee Freedmen’s cording to the National Science Foundation, South. Throughout the next decade, his career Bureau member, General Clinton B. Fisk. His Fisk alumni earned more doctoral degrees in led him to Georgia and then Arkansas. As his generosity led him to purchase 42 acres of the natural sciences than African-American professional experience grew, so did his rep- land to start this school for newly freed slaves, graduates from any other college or university utation as a great scout leader. Mr. Vick be- ranging in ages from 6 to 67. in the Nation. came known as a leader who put passion into On August 22, 1867, three years after the The original students who left Fisk Univer- the development of professional young men Emancipation Proclamation, Fisk became in- sity in October 6, 1871, never had the oppor- through the Boy Scouts. In fact, the governor corporated and was finally able to provide stu- tunity to finish their education. Yet instead of Arkansas at the time was so impressed that dents of color with the opportunity to obtain an they risked their lives to save Fisk University he specifically tasked his son with learning education. When faced with financial hardship, knowing one day their dreams would come from Mr. Vick. it was the Jubilee Singers that overcame sig- true. In the early 1960s, Mr. Vick brought his nificant opposition to generate life-sustaining Madam Speaker, for their past accomplish- family to Pensacola, Florida. Soon after, he revenue. ments and continued success for the future, I was named the Executive Scout for the Gulf The advancement of this choir throughout ask Congress to commemorate these heroes Coast Council. During his time in this position the racially prejudiced Nashville community of my alma mater with a United States post- Mr. Vick made a very notable hire. Roy Wil- brought great struggle and hostility. Parents age stamp. The legacy of the Fisk Jubilee liams, who was hired to be the Finance Direc- and University staff were initially opposed to Singers should be recognized as an enduring tor, later went on to become the Chief Execu- the choir traveling due to the threat of vio- triumph of American history. I ask my col- tive of the Boy Scouts of America. There is no lence. As a result the financial sponsorship leagues to support this legislation and ask the doubt in my mind that the leadership and from the American Methodist Association de- House Leadership to swiftly bring this resolu- mentoring provided by Mr. Vick played an in- nied funding for the school. Against these tion to the floor for consideration. strumental role in shaping Roy into the scout odds, the director and founder, George L. f leader he is today. White, persevered and scheduled the choir a Roy also worked with many outside the tour in the fall of 1867. Mr. White told the CELEBRATING NATIONAL DAY OF scouting community, including members of A.M.A., ‘‘I’m depending on God, not you,’’ and SERBIA AND HONORING SERBIA First Baptist Church and Rotary International. set off with his singers and the last $40 of the FOR 125 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC Mr. Vick was a host for several foreign ex- school’s treasury. RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED change students and also served on the Com- Madam Speaker, the Fisk Jubilee Singers STATES munity Task Force addressing the problem of then embarked on what became an inter- violence in public schools. Other educational national tour to raise funds for Fisk University. HON. MELISSA L. BEAN work included serving as a volunteer drum- Their first grand appearance was for a Na- OF ILLINOIS ming teacher to elementary and middle school tional Convention for Influential Ministers, in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES students. Ohio at Oberlin College. It was one of the first Certainly, scouting was the mainstay public performances of the secret music that Friday, February 16, 2007 through most of his life, eventually earning him African Americans had sung in fields and be- Ms. BEAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. His hind closed doors. In this performance, Negro celebrate National Day of Serbia, which ob- strong faith, along with that of his wife Annie, Spirituals, which had been a means of com- serves the anniversary of the adoption of Ser- helped to guide and focus men and women of munication and the celebration of spirituality bia’s first modern constitution in 1835. In addi- all ages to become better people through for centuries, were first introduced to the pub- tion, this year marks Serbia’s first National helping themselves and helping others. lic sphere. Day as an independent nation-state. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United The highlight of their international tour was February 15th is also Armed Forces Day in States Congress, it is an honor for me to rec- an audience with Queen Victoria. Over- Serbia which commemorates the beginning of VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:34 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD07\E17FE7.REC E17FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E394 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 17, 2007 the first Serbian uprising against the Ottoman Although Sidney Sheldon was born in Chi- PAYING TRIBUTE TO RAY LEE Empire in 1804. On this day over 200 years cago, Illinois, he remained a life-long resident HUNT ago, Serbians began the arduous effort to gain of the Coachella Valley.