July 6, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E969 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEG- From 1996 to 2000, Judge Lee served as a the residents of the 18th Congressional Dis- ACY OF JUDGE HELEN SHORES member of the Alabama State Ethics Commis- trict of Texas. LEE sion. During her last two years on the Com- Raised in Friendswood, Texas and edu- mission she served as the Commission’s cated at the University of Houston, Michael HON. TERRI A. SEWELL chairwoman. McHugh earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the OF ALABAMA After 16 years of working with her father’s Boy Scouts of America and played an active IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES firm, Judge Lee was appointed Circuit Judge role in several civic organizations and volun- of the Tenth Judicial Court of Alabama by teer groups in the Houston area. Friday, July 6, 2018 Governor Don Siegelman. Assuming the Those of us who know Michael well know Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I bench in 2003, Judge Lee became the first his dedication to democratic ideals and his rise today to honor the extraordinary life and black woman to serve in the Civil Division of commitment to fighting injustice. legacy of Judge Helen Shores Lee, who the Circuit Court of Jefferson County. That dedication and commitment will serve passed away on July 2, 2018, at the age of As a Circuit Judge, Judge Lee continued Michael well during this most challenging and 77. Judge Lee was the first black woman to her commitment to community service, push- difficult chapter in his life. serve as a judge on the Jefferson County Cir- ing herself and those around her to give their Michael McHugh lives the quote of Margaret cuit Court, and was a daughter of the promi- time to promote the welfare of the Birmingham Mead: ‘‘Never doubt that a small group of nent civil rights attorney Authur Shores. community. For her tireless work, Judge Lee thoughtful, committed citizens can change the Throughout her life, Judge Lee put her family was recognized by the Young Women’s Chris- world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever and her community first. Her contributions as tian Association (YWCA) of Central Alabama has.’’ a public servant and advocate for equal justice with the Jeana P. Hosch Woman of Valor As a breast cancer survivor, I know how will not be forgotten. award in 2013. shocking, overwhelming, and unexpected a On May 3, 1941, Judge Lee was born in Judge Lee is preceded in death by her fa- cancer diagnosis can be. Birmingham, Alabama, a city which would be- ther Arthur Shores and mother Theodora War- I know how easy it is for anxiety, anger, and come the beating heart of the civil rights ren Shores. She leaves to cherish her memo- depression to creep in as you adjust to life movement. Born to parents Arthur Shores and ries her devoted husband of 55 years Robert after the diagnosis. Theodora Warren Shores, Judge Lee grew up Lee, Sr., her loving children, Robert Lee, Jr., However, as Lance Armstrong said ‘‘ with her younger sister Barbara in Bir- Arthur Shores Lee (Vera), and Keisha Lee, have two options, medically and emotionally: mingham’s historic Smithfield neighborhood, her five beautiful grandchildren, Vincent, give up or fight like hell.’’ an area that was at the forefront of Bir- Ashely, Trenton, Trevon, and Leigh, her sister Michael is a fighter. mingham’s struggle for equal rights. Home to Barbara Shores, niece Danielle, nephew As a Congresswoman who is also a sur- black leaders including A.G. Gaston and Peter Damien, and a host of many cousins and spe- vivor, I have and will continue to support fund- Hall, Smithfield became known as ‘‘dynamite cial friends. ing medical research designed to cure cancer. hill’’ because houses in the neighborhood On a personal note, Judge Lee was a true It is my hope that Michael McHugh will win were bombed so frequently by the Klu Klux inspiration to me. Her keen intellect, calming his fight against cancer and will enjoy many Klan. influence, and fierce determination made her a more years with his loving family and friends Judge Lee’s home was no exception. Be- role model and mentor to many. I am so and continue his history of service to our com- cause of her father’s role as a prominent attor- grateful for her friendship and counsel over munity and nation. ney in the civil rights movement, Judge Lee’s the years. I know that I serve in Congress It is my prayer that Michael’s battle against family was regularly targeted. During one two- today as Alabama’s first black Congress- cancer will one day be a footnote in the book week period during the summer of 1963, her woman because of amazing black women like of his life, just another battle that he fought home was bombed twice, injuring Judge Lee’s Judge Lee who paved the way. Her extraor- and won. mother and killing their pet. dinary legacy will continue to live on in the As the later ESPN broadcaster, Stuart Scott, But Judge Lee’s father refused to give up many people she impacted. stated, ‘‘you beat cancer by how you live, why on his fight for equality. As an attorney, he Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 7th Congres- you live, and in the manner in which you live.’’ worked for Autherine Lucy in her effort to de- sional District and the State of Alabama, I ask f segregate the University of Alabama. Later he my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life helped secure admission for Vivian Malone and contributions of Judge Helen Shores Lee. HONORING and James Hood, who successfully deseg- She was a community leader and a Bir- regated the school. mingham treasure whose community service HON. MARCY KAPTUR Despite violent threats against her home, and whose fight for justice touched countless OF OHIO her family, and her neighborhood, Judge Lee lives. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES pursued her education. Judge Lee graduated f from A.H. Parker High School and then at- Friday, July 6, 2018 tended Fisk University in Nashville, Ten- WISHING MICHAEL MCHUGH A Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to nessee, to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Psy- SPEEDY AND COMPLETE VIC- join my colleague and fellow co-chair of the bi- chology. Judge Lee then went on to earn her TORY IN HIS BATTLE AGAINST partisan Congressional Caucus, Rep. Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from CANCER BRIAN FITZPATRICK, to honor the dignified and Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, Cali- illustrious life of Ukrainian democratic leader, fornia. HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE Ivan Drach. A poet, author, politician, and After graduating from Fisk University, Judge OF TEXAS lover of liberty for Ukraine, Ivan was a true Lee married the love of her life, Robert Lee, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES leader who brought forward the edge of free- Sr., and started a family with her new husband dom for his nation. On June 19, Ivan passed in California. For 55 years, until Judge Lee’s Friday, July 6, 2018 away in at the age of 81. passing, the couple remained happily married. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise He first gained prominence with his poem, Judge Lee practiced as a clinical psycholo- today to extend my best wishes, prayers, and ‘‘Knife in the Sun,’’ and then later in 1988 gist for several years before following in her hopes for a speedy and complete victory to helped found and led the ‘‘Popular Movement father’s footsteps and becoming an attorney. Michael McHugh in his battle against cancer. for Ukraine,’’ popularly known as Rukh. After With a law degree from Cumberland School of Michael McHugh previously worked in my his election to the Ukrainian Parliament, the Law in Birmingham, Judge Lee joined her fa- Houston Office as an intern where he made in 1990, he worked tirelessly ther’s firm in 1988. significant contributions to our efforts to serve to shine a light on wicked crimes of Russian-

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:30 Jul 07, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A06JY8.001 E06JYPT1 E970 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 6, 2018 imposed communism, as well as to find com- ed to the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament), RECOGNIZING JULIE AND BUCK monality between all of Ukraine’s ethnicities. breaking the Communist Party’s monopoly WATERS FOR THEIR COMMIT- It is during these times that we look to his on political power. MENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF example of humble, yet powerful leadership. The day after the election, March 5, Drach THE ARTS IN GREATER PRINCE May we remember his sacrifice, and find inspi- and other leaders of Rukh, a number of WILLIAM COUNTY ration in his unflagging commitment to a free whom, like Drach, were members of the and open Ukraine, and his pursuit for liberty. Communist Party, drafted and signed a statement calling for Ukrainian independ- HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY IVAN DRACH—GIANT OF UKRAINE’S ence, denouncing the Communist Party and OF VIRGINIA INDEPENDENCE calling on the Communist Party to take re- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ivan Drach, a giant in Ukraine’s movement sponsibility for the 1932–33 genocidal famine Friday, July 6, 2018 to independence, died June 19 in a Kyiv hos- (the ), deportations, repressions, pital at the age of 81. the policy of Russification, economic decline Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to com- Drach, a long-time member of the Writer’s and ecological disasters. mend Julie and Buck Waters, the Eighth An- Union of Ukraine, was a respected and nual Hylton Performing Arts Center Awards In early August, 1991, Drach received inter- award-winning poet and screenwriter. With national attention at the time President Gala honorees, for their endless contributions his poem ‘‘Knife in the Sun,’’ he first came George H.W. Bush came to Kyiv to deliver a to expanding the reach of the arts in the into national prominence during ‘‘The speech to the Verkhovna Rada in which he Greater Prince William County area. Thaw’’—a brief period of political and cul- cautioned Ukraine against ‘‘suicidal nation- In recognition of the arts being the heart of tural liberalization under then Soviet leader alism.’’ (Later named the ‘‘Chicken Kiev’’ a civilized society, net proceeds from the an- Nikita Khrushchev. speech by the late New York Times col- Twenty years later, Drach again came to nual gala benefit the Hylton Center’s many ar- umnist Bill Satire). national and international prominence as a tistic performances, arts education programs, political activist during the Soviet Union’s Before President Bush arrived in Ukraine veterans art and outreach initiatives, and the period in the late 1980s and then from Moscow, at a Rukh rally in central Hylton Center’s Endowment. These programs during the early years of Ukraine’s independ- Kyiv, Drach surprised the crowd and the help to ensure the continuation of artistic ex- ence. The numbers of young men from media by anticipating Bush’s message and cellence in performances as well as the ac- Ukraine lost in the Soviet Union’s war in Af- repudiating it in advance. ‘‘I am afraid that cessibility to quality artistic programs. ghanistan and the handling of the Chornobyl Bush has come here as a messenger for the Over the short, storied history of the Hylton explosion led to Ukraine’s civil society be- center . . . We are not a sample of Soviet Performing Arts Center, a series of milestones coming restless with directives from what culture .... Our culture is the culture of was euphemistically known as ‘‘the center’’ Ukraine, the culture of , Russians have been reached due to the support and en- (Moscow) and were increasingly distrustful who live in Ukraine, Jews, Poles. Ukraine thusiasm of Julie and Buck Waters. Through of leaders in the Kremlin. will become independent despite the center. their personal philanthropy and volunteerism, In what began in late 1988 as an initiative Like the United States that cast off the Brit- Julie and Buck Waters have demonstrated of the Writer’s Union of Ukraine, a year ish Empire, Ukraine will cast off Moscow’s steadfast leadership and commitment to later had become a national movement. In Soviet Empire.’’ Prince William County, George Mason Univer- September 1989, at the founding congress of One of Drach’s most important contribu- sity, and the Hylton Center. Their dedication the ‘‘Popular Movement of Ukraine’’ tions was his role during the week between has helped the Hylton Center sustain the en- (Narodniy Rukh Ukrainy), a grassroots oppo- August 19, 1991, and August 24, 1991. In re- tertainment, education, and enrichment of sition movement known worldwide simply as sponse to a coup in Moscow during the early ‘‘Rukh,’’ Drach was elected chairman and an Northern Virginia by providing diverse and ac- morning hours of August 19, under the direc- cessible arts experiences in state-of-the-art , a political dissident who tion of Drach, Rukh immediately issued a had survived the Soviet Gulag, was elected venues. ’ statement condemning the leaders of the As a member of the first fundraising com- head of Rukh’s secretariat. The pair com- coup and the effort to return the USSR to bined focused vision with determined leader- hardline Communism, away from glasnost mittee to build the Hylton Center, Buck Waters ship and guided the organization, and civil and perestroika. Rukh feared a reverse in the serves as a member of the George Mason society, through a tumultuous period in his- course of freedom that had been advanced. University Prince William Campus Advisory tory. Rukh called for a special session of the Board. In addition, he is a former chairman of As Rukh’s membership grew throughout Verkhovna Rada to be held immediately in the Prince William Regional Chamber of Com- Ukraine other prominent dissidents, as well order that a strategy be developed to dis- merce, the Prince William & Manassas Con- as representatives of major ethnic and reli- tance Ukraine from the coup in Moscow. Be- gious groups in Ukraine assumed leadership vention and Visitors Bureau, and the Potomac hind the scenes, the leaders of Rukh pres- Business Committee for the Arts. roles. However, Drach, although often under- sured the members of the Communist major- stated in his actions, was the recognized Julie Waters is a past recipient of the Kath- ity in parliament to agree to a vote for leen K. Seefeldt Award for the Arts Excel- leader. With the sensibility of a writer, Ukraine’s independence on August 24, the Drach was eloquent in his expression of date of the special session. Then, by an al- lence-Outstanding Volunteer award for her Rukh’s goals and ideals, particularly empha- most unanimous vote, parliamentarians work helping to implement a program to bring sizing the inclusivity of Rukh. He always passed Ukraine’s Declaration of Independ- children from the area’s public school systems spoke in terms of ‘‘people of Ukraine,’’ and ence conditioning the declaration upon the to the Hylton Center for performances as a not ‘‘the Ukrainian people.’’ vote of the people of Ukraine in a national way to expose them to the arts. Julie currently A recognized tool in the USSR’s system of referendum that was held on December 1, serves on the Hylton Center’s Campaign Com- authoritarian governance was routinely to 1991. Ukraine was the only republic of the create friction between nationalities in order mittee, as the chairman of the Water’s Foun- Soviet Union to condition its independence dation, and as secretary of the Manassas Bal- to weaken opposition. In contrast, Drach and on a vote of the people. Rukh recognized and spoke to the common let Theatre. interests of all citizens of Ukraine—Ukrain- Drach continued to lead Rukh until the au- As avid art enthusiasts, Mr. and Mrs. ians, Russians, Poles, Jews, Tatars, and oth- tumn of 1992, and continued to serve in the Waters supported the launch of the new ers. At the founding congress of Rukh, re- Verkhovna Rada through several more elec- Hylton Center EXTRA! Series. As Leonardo flecting upon the principles of Rukh, Drach tion cycles. da Vinci once said, ‘‘Art is never finished, only underscored the importance of multi-ethnic Born on October 17, 1936, in Enlightens, abandoned.’’ We can take great comfort in respect within Ukraine stating, ‘‘Jews , Ukrainian SSR, Ivan knowing that with the support of Julie and should live better and feel more comfortable Fedorovych Drach is survived by his wife Buck Waters as well as other great bene- in Ukraine than in Moscow, Leningrad, New Mariya and daughter Maryana, who is the York, Tel-Aviv, and Jerusalem.’’ While at Director of the Ukrainian Service of Radio factors of the Hylton Performing Arts Center, the helm of Rukh, he actively supported the Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Prague. His art will never be abandoned in Prince William decision by Rukh’s Council of Nationalities son Maksym, who had worked as a member County. In an effort to continue the advance- to help fund the gathering of the Crimean of a medical team during the aftermath of ment of the Hylton Center, Julie and Buck Tatar Mejlis, the first to be held in Crimea Chornobyl, and later suffered health con- Waters generously named the Practice Room since the group’s mass deportation by Stalin sequences as a result, passed away in 2009 at Suite Anteroom within the new Education and in 1944. the age of 44. Rehearsal Wing. In March 4, 1990, in the first politically contested elections in Soviet Ukraine, 111 Although offered a prominent state burial, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me candidates, including Drach and others from Drach declined and was buried in his native in commending the Eighth Annual Hylton Per- the Democratic Bloc, a political coalition village, next to his parents and his son. forming Arts Awards Gala honorees, Mr. and that included the Helsinki Watch Group, and —Robert A. McConnell, Co-Founder of the Mrs. Waters, for their tireless stewardship of the Green Party, as well as Rukh, were elect- U.S.-Ukraine Foundation. the arts in Greater Prince William County.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:30 Jul 07, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06JY8.003 E06JYPT1