E1364 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 31, 2012 CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVER- munity. It was under the hot sun that she shortly thereafter with the hope that he SARY GOLDEN JUBILEE OF HAR- picked beans every day after school and first might one day sail to Brooklyn and reunite LEM’S BELOVED SYLVIA’S RES- fell in love with food. And it was there that with his love. Although he never quite made Sylvia initially met her future husband at it to Brooklyn through the Navy, the two TAURANT the tender age of 11 as she worked alongside married soon enough and moved to the vil- him on the farm. You could say it was des- lage of Harlem. HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL tiny. On the tough and often unforgiving streets OF NEW YORK Sylvia’s mother Julia worked tirelessly as of New York, almost everyone was chasing a laundress in New York and saved nearly after a dream. But it was the incomparable IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES every penny with the aim of purchasing the lessons of integrity, sacrifice, dedication and Tuesday, July 31, 2012 property adjacent to her own mother. That courage of her childhood that laid the foun- Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I stand to honor dream ultimately came to fruition. She re- dation for Sylvia’s eventual empire in Har- a venerable Harlem institution, Sylvia’s Res- turned to South Carolina when Sylvia was lem and was an imprint for the nation. When still an adolescent. Julia bought property the Woods first moved uptown, Herbert drove taurant, on its 50th anniversary. Founded by next to the farm and had her own house con- a cab to earn a living, while Sylvia worked a the late Sylvia Woods, Sylvia’s is nationally structed. factory job on Long Island. Exhausted for and internationally famous, yet its soul re- Together, as a family unit, they worked her commute, she seized an opportunity to mains in Harlem. the farm and provided living examples of work as a waitress at Johnson’s Luncheon- On Wednesday, August 1, 2012, to kick off strong, independent, Black land owning ette on Lenox Avenue. It was a decision that Sylvia’s Restaurant’s 50th Anniversary Golden women for young Sylvia to one day rep- later proved invaluable. Jubilee, the Woods family salutes the Harlem licate. When Sylvia first accepted this waitressing In addition to their domestic work and community with a complimentary Southern- job, it was yet another daring move not only maintenance of the farm, both Sylvia’s because she was inexperienced, but because style sidewalk breakfast party featuring Cake mother and grandmother were midwives for she had never set foot inside a restaurant be- Man Raven complete with a voter registration Hemingway during their prime. Despite fore. Growing up in the Deep South at a time drive, children’s programming, live entertain- being unable to read or write, her grand- when most restaurants barred Blacks and ment, guest speakers, prize giveaways and mother was the community’s only midwife Black-owned restaurants were basically non- plenty of ‘‘Dancing in the Streets.’’ The cele- at the time. This unyielding persistence to existent, she had no knowledge of the com- bration continues with The Golden Jubilee Pa- rise above adversity was a quality passed plexities of the fast-paced industry. But Syl- rade, featuring the awesome Brooklyn Step- down to Sylvia, as was a sense of humility via was a quick learner. and gratitude for all of life’s blessings. Syl- In 1962, when the owner of this luncheon- pers, which begins at Adam Clayton Powell, via herself once recounted that as a young ette was leaving to focus on other ventures, Jr. Harlem State Office Building African Village child, she considered herself extremely lucky he offered to sell Sylvia the establishment. Plaza from 125th Street and 7th Avenue to to be able to study by a lamp, for many in After her initial shock, Sylvia realized the Sylvia’s Restaurant at 127th Street and Lenox her neighborhood could not afford elec- potential this venue could have for a commu- Avenue. tricity. It was these humble beginnings that nity that was still yearning for a place to I’d like to include in this CONGRESSIONAL allowed Sylvia to continue to cherish each call home. Remaining true to the ideals of RECORD, in celebration of this milestone occa- and every success and never waver in support working as a family, Sylvia went to her sion the obituary that was prepared in remem- of the less fortunate. mother who then mortgaged the family farm During her formative years in Hemingway, and allowed her daughter’s concept to be- brance of Mrs. Sylvia Woods. Sylvia observed a community that lived and come a reality. On Aug. 1, 1962, Sylvia’s IN REMEMBRANCE OF SYLVIA WOODS, worked for the benefit of all. It was common- opened its doors. It had 15 stools and six FEBRUARY 2, 1926–JULY 19, 2012 place to adopt someone’s child if the need booths. If ever there was a woman who defined arose, or to help out in a person’s home if Having a business is no small feat, let strength, ambition and determination cou- necessary. Sylvia’s mother and grandmother alone a restaurant vying to survive during a pled with enough entrepreneurial spirit to had both adopted children at various points period when many were forced to close their uplift and inspire generations, it was Sylvia in their lives. It was in this environment doors. It was Sylvia’s faith and unbelievable Pressley Woods, ‘The Queen of Soul Food.’ where Sylvia’s dedication to hard work was relationship with Herbert that allowed her Encapsulating family traditions of love, fine tuned, as her mother made sure she to overcome any obstacle big or small. From unity, female empowerment and of course stayed busy even on rainy days when the the fields of South Carolina where they soul into her business ventures, she not only beans could not be picked. Learning to sew looked after one another, through an endur- established an imprint with her famed res- and mend, Sylvia started replacing buttons ing marriage that saw the birth of four chil- taurant Sylvia’s, but the visionary blazed a and repairing worn out clothing for herself dren—Van, Bedelia, Kenneth and Crizette— trail for an entire community to emulate. and the family. But soon enough, that the Woods had a bond that few will ever ex- After a blessed 86 years with us, Sylvia transitioned into a new creative outlet. perience in their lives. Both were born in Woods departed this world and reunited with Without the benefit of patterns to duplicate, Hemingway, and both lost their fathers as her late husband, Herbert Deward Woods, on or any formal training, Sylvia began making babies. And in an added twist of fate, both July 19, 2012. clothes—complete outfits—and tapping into Sylvia’s mother and Herbert’s mother were On February 2, 1926, Sylvia Woods was born the ingenuity that played a key role in all born on the same day, January 1, 1906. to Van and Julia Pressley in Hemingway, her life’s work During the 1960’s, Harlem was an unpre- South Carolina. Three days after Sylvia’s Whether she was expressing her innovative dictable and ever-changing neighborhood. As birth, her father succumbed to chemical- side, or working on the farm, Sylvia’s child- many restaurants struggled to remain open, weapons injuries; he worked to ensure finan- hood also centered on one other main factor: Sylvia’s found a niche with its southern cui- cial stability. When Sylvia was three years food. Watching her mother, grandmother, sines of collard greens, peach pies, fried old, her mother left her in the care of her relatives and neighbors pour their hearts chicken, cornbread and other soul foods. But grandmother and the greater community of into the dishes they served, she understood it was the warmth and love with which Syl- Hemingway as she went to Brooklyn, New that great food didn’t just emerge; it re- via welcomed patrons into the restaurant York in search of work and increased oppor- quired passion, love and soul. As different and that extra touch of care added into her tunities. It was the notion of strength and folks added their own ingredients and made dishes that won the hearts of the commu- that sense of family togetherness which ulti- their own specialties, Sylvia soon learned nity. Her establishment was so well re- mately defined who Sylvia Woods became. that cooking was a creative and artistic spected in fact, that during the riots of the Julia returned to Hemingway a short time process unto itself. It was those recipes that ’60s, as businesses were set ablaze, hers re- later whereby she raised her children, Syl- were in turn handed down from generation to mained protected and intact. via, Louise, whom she adopted, Christine the next. And no matter what the occasion, ‘‘Sitting idle is not an option’’ is what Syl- (Tiny), and Janie (Cout), whom she also it was food that brought everyone together. via’s mother used to say, and it’s what Syl- raised. When Sylvia was 16, her grandmother sent via herself exemplified throughout her time In an era where women were fighting for her to cosmetology school in Brooklyn in on earth. As her restaurant grew in popu- equal footing, Sylvia’s grandmother already order to find work as a beautician. The larity, so did her efforts towards expansion. had a farm and instilled the value of owner- youngest person to graduate in her class, Sylvia’s currently seats over 450 patrons, and ship in Julia and later in Sylvia herself. Wid- Sylvia then returned to South Carolina. the powerhouse behind it all had branched owed after her husband was falsely accused After a few years honing her beautician off into other business endeavors. She pur- of a robbery and hung, her grandmother skills while still assisting her family at chased the remaining stores on the res- later remarried and eventually fought to home, she made the difficult decision to re- taurant’s Lenox Avenue block, as well as maintain control of the property after the turn to New York. In addition to parting several nearby brownstones. She packaged second husband passed away. It was on that ways with relatives, Sylvia faced the heart- her own signature line of food products that land, on that farm that Sylvia Woods ab- wrenching reality of saying goodbye to her found their way into grocery stores across sorbed an impeccable work ethic along with beloved Herbert. Possessing the same senti- America and remain of the few truly Black her cousins and other children from the com- ments as Sylvia, Herbert joined the Navy owned businesses in food production today.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:52 Aug 01, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A31JY8.025 E31JYPT1 pwalker on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 31, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1365 And she somehow found time to publish two hard work, as well as the importance of loyalty istry includes a region-wide television pro- successful cookbooks. to one’s company. gram, entitled ‘‘Strength for Today.’’ Its build- In 2001, Sylvia said goodbye to her best Mr. Grant began his career after graduating ing stands as a stunning landmark, and the friend, the love of her life, Herbert Woods. In with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental his memory, the Woods family founded the reputation of its members is a powerful testi- Sylvia and Herbert Woods Scholarship Fund Studies at the University of Maine in 1977. mony to the greatness of God. The church’s offering collegiate scholarships to Harlem After graduation, he began a long journey, ulti- success and strength is due, in large part, to and local residents. To date, the fund has mately taking him from the East coast to the Rev. Harrell’s faithfulness and care in serving dispersed 76 scholarships and will continue West and finally down to Alabama. the community of the Central Savannah River to live up to its mantra: ‘‘a higher level of He began work with Boise as the Pulp Mill Area and first and foremost, our Lord Jesus education should not be a high-end luxury, Day Supervisor in 1987 in Wallula, Wash- Christ. He has served a total of 39 years in but a right to all those who seek it’’. ington. He then became the Power and Utili- ministry, holding a number of positions in the After the death of her soul mate, Sylvia ties Superintendent from 1988 to 1989 at once again turned to her faith for renewed Augusta Baptist Association, Georgia Baptist empowerment. Growing up in a strong Chris- Smurfit Newsprint Corporation in Oregon. In Convention, and the Southern Baptist Conven- tian home, she came to know God as a young 1989, Mr. Grant moved to the Alabama Oper- tion. child. She was a firm believer in the notion ations, where he held a variety of positions For this reason, and on the occasion of his that no matter what the adversity, God from 1989 to 2008 which included: Operations retirement, it is my honor to acknowledge Rev. would see you through. It was a value and Manager, Production Manager, Paper Machine Bill Harrell, for his outstanding career and sig- belief system she passed down to her chil- Superintendent, Recycle General Super- nificant contributions to Christian ministry. Fur- dren and grandchildren. Sylvia was a mem- intendent, Utilities Superintendent and Region thermore, I extend my sincere appreciation to ber of Abyssinian Baptist Church for many Manager of the Alabama Operations, before years, and later joined Grace Baptist Church a servant leader in whom I value his friendship as it was more convenient for her to attend being promoted to Vice President in Novem- and hold in the highest regard. Rev. Harrell is there. She was instrumental in the construc- ber of 2008. a man who is certain of his calling, consistent tion of her home church, Jeremiah Meth- In addition to being a leader in safety, Mr. in his ministry, and committed to doing the odist, in Hemingway. Grant has made many outstanding and lasting work of the Lord. In 2007, Sylvia received a Congressional contributions to Boise and his community. He Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States honor acknowledging her immense contribu- has been a leader in the development of peo- Congress, I applaud the great work of Rev. tion to American society. She appeared in ple’s character, mentoring many of the key William Harrell and congratulate him on the numerous national and international media managers within the Boise Paper family. occasion of his retirement. outlets and has been saluted by President These contributions to the company will be Bill Clinton, New York Governor Pataki, f New York Mayors Ed Koch, David Dinkins greatly missed. and Mike Bloomberg, the New York Stock Rick has been a tremendous and positive HONORING THE UNIVERSITY OF Exchange, among others. She was also recog- force in his community and the Boise Paper ALABAMA MEN’S GOLF TEAM nized by the NAACP and received numerous Company. He has set a high standard of lead- awards. ership that will be difficult to replace. HON. JO BONNER Sylvia’s has proudly served Presidents—in- Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of OF ALABAMA cluding the first African American Presi- South Alabama, I would like to extend a job IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dent, Barack Obama—international dig- well done, as well as our very best wishes to nitaries, celebrities, Harlem residents and the Rick and his wife, Sissie, for all their future Tuesday, July 31, 2012 tourists the world over. It is owned and oper- ated by three generations of the Woods fam- endeavors. Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor ily that remain committed to the work f the University of Alabama’s men’s golf team ethic, devotion, and entrepreneurial spirit of which placed runner up to the National Cham- its founder. 2012 marks the 50th anniversary PERSONAL EXPLANATION pion Team from the University of Texas, on of Sylvia’s. ´ June 3, 2011. The Crimson Tide’s record of A relentless fighter and champion first for HON. JOSE E. SERRANO accomplishment this season is the best in the her family, community, and minority/fe- OF NEW YORK history of the University’s golf program. male-owned businesses, Sylvia is now re- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Although the Tide was behind all day, they united with her mother, grandmother, hus- band Herbert, adopted sister Louise Thomas Tuesday, July 31, 2012 fought hard to come back. Senior Hunter Hamrick, from Montgomery, was able to put and half-brother McKinley Preston, all of Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. points on the board for the Crimson Tide with whom have passed on. She is survived by her 531 I inadvertently voted ‘‘aye’’ when I in- four children, Van (Brenda Woods) Bedelia, a 6 and 5 win. Sophomore Bobby Wyatt, from tended to vote ‘‘no’’ on the Fitzpatrick Amend- Kenneth (Sylvia Woods) and Crizette; one Mobile, played a dramatic hole with a birdie ment to H.R. 4078. I would like the record to step-daughter, Linda Woods; 18 grand- chip on 18 winning his match 1 up. Sopho- reflect this error, and to reiterate my opposi- children; two great-grandchildren; two great- more Cory Whitsett tied the final match with a tion to efforts to undermine the Sarbanes- great-grandchildren; two special cousins, birdie on 17. And, on 18, Texas player Dylan Christine Cameron and Janie Cooper; one sis- Oxley Act of 2002. Sarbanes-Oxley has been Frittelli needed to sink a 20-foot-putt to beat ter-in-law, Evelyn Woods; a host of loving an important bill that improves corporate trans- the Crimson Tide in the final match. nieces, nephews, cousins and a nation that parency and helps to ensure confidence in our With such an outstanding performance, the will forever be indebted to a woman who re- financial markets, and I continue to support minded us to never lose sight of the key in- Alabama golf team completed their most suc- this vital legislation. gredient for any success. cessful season in the school’s history by plac- f Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my col- ing runner-up at the NCAA Championship. leagues join me in commemorating the 50th HONORING REV. WILLIAM F. The team also won its third SEC Champion- anniversary of the founding of this esteemed HARRELL ship, the school’s second regional title, as well Harlem institution. May it continue its long run as finished first in the stroke-play portion of of excellence for another 50 years and more. HON. PAUL C. BROUN the NCAA Championship over Texas by 10 f OF GEORGIA shots. The 2012 men’s golf team members are IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRIBUTE TO RICHARD L. GRANT Hunter Hamrick, Lee Knox, Tom Lovelady, Tuesday, July 31, 2012 Trey Mullinax III, Scott Strohmeyer, Justin HON. JO BONNER Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise Thomas, Cory Whitsett, and Bobby Wyatt. OF ALABAMA today to pay tribute to a Southern Baptist min- The coaching staff consists of Head Coach IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ister in Georgia’s Tenth Congressional District, Jay Seawell, Assistant Coach Scott Limbaugh, Rev. William F. Harrell. After serving as Senior and Team Chaplain Stephan Bunn. Tuesday, July 31, 2012 Pastor of Abilene Baptist Church for the past On behalf of the people of Alabama and my Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recog- 31 years, Rev. Harrell, or Brother Bill, as he colleagues in the Alabama Delegation, I wish nize Richard L. Grant, who recently retired as is lovingly referred to by his church congrega- to extend personal congratulations to Coach the Vice President and Region Manager of tion, is entering retirement. Jay Seawell, the coaching staff, and the men Boise White Paper Alabama Operations on Under his leadership, Abilene Baptist has of the University of Alabama Men’s Golf Team May 31, 2012. Mr. Grant knows the value of grown to nearly 2,900 members, and the min- for their tremendous accomplishment.

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