S1028 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 25, 1998 As the nation prepares to officially cele- As we celebrate the Martin Luther King and experience in responsible financial brate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Lu- Holiday on Monday, and as we honor James management. ther King, Jr., it is also fitting that we join Farmer with the Presidential Medal of Free- Dr. McKinney is well known in local the President in recognizing one of the great dom, let us vow to continue to learn. If we and national church circles. He has soldiers and leaders of the Civil Rights truly believe in the idea of the beloved com- Movement. In the 1940’s, while still in his munity and an interracial democracy, we served as a leader of the American Bap- early twenties, James Farmer was already cannot give up. As a nation and a people, we tist Convention USA. He was the first leading some of the earliest nonviolent dem- must join together and strive towards laying African American president of the onstrations and sit-ins in the nation, over a down the burden of race. And we must follow Church Council of Greater Seattle from decade before nonviolent tactics became a in the footsteps of a courageous leader, to 1965 to 1967. He has served as Advisor vehicle for the modern Civil Rights Move- whom, with the Presidential Medal of Free- on Racism to the World Council of ment in the South. dom, we can finally say: thank you, James Churches, and as a representative to Early in his academic career, James Farm- Farmer.∑ er became interested in the Ghandian prin- WCC’s Seventh Assembly. f ciples of civil disobedience, direct action, Dr. McKinney’s leadership has ex- and nonviolence. In 1942, at the age of 22, he TRIBUTE TO THE REVEREND DR. tended beyond the religious commu- enlisted an interracial group, mostly stu- SAMUEL B. MCKINNEY nity to the community at large. He has dents, and founded the Congress of Racial been active on the community, re- Equality (CORE), with the goal of using non- ∑ Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, Se- gional and state level. He was an origi- violent protest to fight segregation in Amer- attle’s African American community nal member of the Seattle Human ica. During these early years, James Farmer loses a visionary and much respected and other CORE members staged our na- Rights Commission and served for 12 leader when the Rev. Dr. Samuel B. years on the Washington State Com- tion’s first nonviolent sit-in, which success- McKinney steps down after four dec- fully desegregated the Jack Spratt Coffee mission for Vocational Education. He Shop in Chicago. ades of service at the Mt. Zion Baptist was founder of the Seattle Opportuni- Five years later, in what he called the Church in Seattle. Dr. McKinney is ties Industrialization Center and ‘‘Journey of Reconciliation,’’ James Farmer well known throughout the region as a served as President of the Board of Di- led other CORE members to challenge seg- tireless advocate for social justice, sup- regated seating on interstate buses. rectors for 20 years. He was a charter porter of youth and proponent of eco- member of Seattle’s first African In 1961, James Farmer orchestrated and led nomic development. the famous Freedom Rides through the American bank and served on the Advi- South, which are renown for forcing Ameri- Samuel Berry McKinney was born in sory Board of Directors for the 1990 cans to confront segregation in bus termi- Michigan, and raised in Ohio. He en- Goodwill Games. He has served as nals and on interstate buses. In the spring of tered Morehouse College in Atlanta, Chair of the Washington State Rain- that year, James Farmer trained a small where he became friends with a fellow bow Coalition. group of freedom riders, teaching them to minister’s son, Martin Luther King, Jr. deal with the hostility they were likely to For his many works of community His college career was interrupted by a service, Dr. McKinney was awarded the encounter using nonviolent resistance. This tour of service in the U.S. Army, but training would serve them well. YMCA’s prestigious A.K. Guy Award. During the journeys, freedom riders were he returned to Morehouse to earn his He was also honored by his alma mater beaten. Buses were burned. When riders and degree in 1949. He then continued his with the hanging of his portrait in the their supporters—including James Farmer education at Colgate Rochester Divin- Chapel of Morehouse. and the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.— ity School, graduating in 1952. Even with retirement growing near, were trapped during a rally in Montgomery’s Dr. McKinney began his ministry at Dr. McKinney remains involved in a First Baptist Church, Attorney General Rob- Mt. Zion on the first Sunday of Feb- ert Kennedy ordered U.S. marshals to come variety of community activities. They to their aid and protect them from the angry ruary 1958. His ministry would become include membership on the boards of mob that had gathered outside. the longest in the church’s 107-year the Fred Hutchinson Research Center, In reflecting on the ride from Montgomery, history as well as one of the most ac- Washington Mutual Savings Bank, the Alabama to Jackson, Mississippi, James complished. Seattle Foundation and the Washing- Farmer said, ‘‘I don’t think any of us He quickly established himself as an ton Gives Foundation. He is also a thought we were going to get to Jack- energetic and ambitious young pastor. member of the Housing Commission of son. .. . I was scared and I am sure the kids In 1961, Dr. McKinney invited his col- were scared.’’ He later wrote in his autobiog- the National Baptist Convention, USA. raphy, ‘‘If any man says that he had no fear lege friend, Dr. King, to participate in At Dr. McKinney’s side throughout in the action of the sixties, he is a liar. Or a lecture series presented by the Broth- his years of service has been his wife, without imagination.’’ erhood of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Louise Jones McKinney. Mrs. McKin- James Farmer made it to Jackson and a program started by Dr. McKinney. It ney, retired from the Seattle Public spent forty days in jail after he tried to would be Dr. King’s only visit to Se- Schools where she was Director of Aca- enter a white restroom at the bus station. On attle and had a lasting impact on Se- demic Achievement, shares her hus- November 1, 1961, six months after the free- attle’s African American community. dom rides began, the Interstate Commerce band’s deep commitment to commu- Commission ordered all interstate buses and Mt. Zion has flourished under Dr. nity service and to encouraging aca- terminal facilities to be integrated. McKinney’s leadership. The member- demic progress. The McKinneys have Six years ago, James Farmer told a re- ship has more than tripled in size. An passed their values and work ethic to porter that while the fight against racism in educational wing was constructed in their accomplished daughters. Lora- the 1960’s ‘‘required tough skulls and guts 1963 and a new sanctuary in 1975. The Ellen McKinney earned her Ph.D. in . . . now it requires intellect, training and church was a forerunner in accredited, education.’’ Clinical Psychology and has received Not surprisingly, James Farmer continues church-site, preschool and kinder- awards for her innovative work with to do his part. Just as he taught his freedom garten education. The Feeding Min- children. Rhoda Eileen McKinney riders how to battle segregation over three istry provides meals to hundreds of Jones has a graduate degree from Co- decades ago, he has taught civil rights his- homeless persons, seniors and shut-ins lumbia University School of Journal- tory at Mary Washington College in Fred- each week. Mt. Zion’s six choirs pro- ism and writes for many national ericksburg, Virginia, for the past twelve vide music for the church and commu- church publications. years. He teaches his students how to re- nity at large. member and how to learn from history. I know that Dr. McKinney will con- James Farmer has, in truth, spent a life- Mt. Zion’s work on behalf of children tinue to make his mark on the commu- time teaching America the value of equality has been especially noteworthy and re- nity. I wish him the best of success in and opportunity. He has taught America flects Dr. McKinney’s belief in edu- his future endeavors.∑ that its most volatile social problems could cational achievement. The Educational f be solved nonviolently. He has reminded us Excellence Program presents annual of the countless acts of courage and convic- awards to students from kindergarten GREG BAYANI’S FIGHT FOR tion needed to bring about great change. He to grade 12. The Scholarship Ministry EQUITY has shown us the idealism needed to act and the pragmatism needed to succeed. His re- annually provides an average of over ∑ Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise spect for humanity and his belief in justice $25,000 for undergraduate and graduate today to honor the life of Greg Bayani, will forever inspire those of us privileged to school education. The Youth Credit a World War II veteran and tireless ad- call him mentor and friend. Union brings to participants training vocate for Filipino-Americans. Until February 25, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1029 his death last Thursday, Mr. Bayani Riverside parishioner who is the sister ing exhibit entitled, ‘‘We Shall Overcome: spent 52 years working for the day of the Reverend Ronald Yates of Mari- Photographs From the American Civil when Filipino veterans would receive etta, Georgia. Ms. Yates is a distin- Rights Era.’’ It runs through February 8 and is well worth seeing. the benefits they deserve for serving in guished civil servant with the Food and The music, film clips and photographs are the United States Army Forces in the Drug Administration. all wonderful treasures. But it is through the Far East during World War II. This sermon reminded us all of the literature—the prose and verse—that I be- I join the Filipino community in African American men and women who lieve we are most able to see the pain and mourning the death of Mr. Bayani and have had such a profound impact on suffering, problems, fears, struggles, faith, my heart goes out to his wife, American culture. Black History hopes and dreams of our ancestors. Salvacion and their seven children. In Month is a celebration of their con- The writers of yesterday poured out their addition to serving in World War II, tributions and accomplishments that innermost thoughts and left us an extraor- Mr. Bayani took great pride in serving dinary body of work. The writers of today ar- have informed us, educated us, inspired ticulate our frustrations and pride as a peo- his community as a schoolteacher and us, challenged us and have made us all ple. Of the wonderful writers of by-gone principal in his native Philippines. In proud. years, Langston Hughes was unique. He 1993, Mr. Bayani retired to southern As we honor the contributions of Af- wrote 9 full-length plays, 10 books of poetry, California where many Filipino veter- rican Americans during Black History 9 books of fiction, 9 juvenile books, and 2 ans currently reside. Month, we should all celebrate Ameri- autobiographies. Last July, Mr. Bayani sat directly ca’s rich diversity and many accom- My favorite Hughes poem, ‘‘I Too, Sing behind me during a Senate hearing on America,’’ shows determination not to stay plishments. in the corner that an individual or country the Filipino Veterans Equity Act. Hav- I believe Ms. Yates has a message ing served under General Douglas Mac- want to put you in. But you must prepare that is important for all Americans, yourself to move forward. Arthur, Mr. Bayani proudly wore his and I ask that her remarks from that I, TOO, SING AMERICA full uniform that day to show his sup- Sunday morning be printed in the I was the darker brother, port for this legislation. RECORD. Mr. President, Greg Bayani was one They send me to eat in the kitchen when The remarks follow: company comes. of hundreds of thousands of Filipino BLACK HISTORY MONTH But I laugh and eat well and grow strong. soldiers who dutifully served the (By Juanita Yates) Tomorrow I will eat at the table when com- United States during World War II. pany comes. These troops fought side by side with As we begin our celebration of Black His- tory Month, it’s wonderful to have our young Nobody will dare say to me, eat in the kitch- Americans during our campaign in the people actively participate in this morning’s en then. Pacific, bravely defending our demo- service. We certainly pay tribute to our lead- For they will see how beautiful I am and be cratic ideals. They fought along side ers of the past: ashamed. American soldiers during the infamous Thurgood Marshall, who argued the Brown I, too, am America. Bataan death march, a journey that vs. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas All America is enriched by the tremendous claimed tens of thousands of casual- case before the Supreme Court. The Court body of work from African American writers like: W.E.B. Dubois: ‘‘The Souls of Black ties. proclaimed that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional; Rosa Parks, Folks’’; Lorraine Hansberry: ‘‘A Raisen In The Philippines were a U.S. posses- the Sun’’; James Baldwin: ‘‘The Fire Next sion when President Roosevelt called whose defiance led to the year-long Mont- gomery Bus Boycott; Dr. Martin Luther Time,’’ and ‘‘Notes From A Native Son’’; up Filipino Commonwealth Army King, Jr., who became the leader of the Civil Shirley Chrisholm: ‘‘Unbought and forces in July of 1941. Under this order, Rights Movement and whose birthday we Unbossed’’; Price Cobbs: ‘‘Black Rage’’; An- Filipino forces were eligible for full celebrated last month with a national holi- gela Davis: ‘‘Autobiography’’; Samuel Yette: U.S. veterans benefits. day; and the countless others whose actions ‘‘The Choice: The Issue of Black Survival In After the war, however, Congress have led to a better life for African Ameri- America’’; Alex Haley: ‘‘Roots’’ and ‘‘The overturned President Roosevelt’s order cans. Autobiography of Malcolm X’’; Toni Morri- by passing the Rescissions Act, which But we must also recognize the contribu- son: ‘‘Beloved’’; Maya Angelou: ‘‘I know Why stripped away many of the benefits and tions of young people. More than any other the Caged Bird Sings’’; Bell Hooks: ‘‘Killing social movement in American history, the Rage: Ending Racism In America.’’ recognition that these soldiers earned And one of the most eloquent writers of and deserve. The limitation of benefits Civil Rights Crusade of the 1960’s was driven by young people who marched, dem- them all, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In his was later extended to New Philippine onstrated, and walked through white mobs ‘‘Letter From the Birmingham Jail,’’ King Scouts, units enlisted mainly as an oc- to attend newly desegregated schools. Young wrote: ‘‘For years now, I have heard the cupation force following the war. We people sat-in, road buses, were jailed and word, Wait. It rings in the ear of every Negro must correct this inequity by restoring were even killed. with piercing familiarity. This wait has al- the full benefits that these veterans A few weeks ago, the story of Ruby Bridges most always meant, Never. We must come to were promised. was shown on television. She was the 6-year- see with one of our distinguished jurist that, old who walked pass a white mob for a year ‘‘Justice too long delayed is justice denied.’’ Mr. President, time is running out to African Americans have taken part in correct this clear injustice. It is tragic to successfully integrate the New Orleans public schools. building this country and have often gone that the Filipino Veterans Equity Act A few months ago, Spike Lee released a unnoticed. But yet, we have come a long way could not be passed in time for Mr. documentary of the ‘‘4 Little Girls,’’ who in making unforgettable marks in history. Bayani and thousands of others who were killed in the bombing of the 16th Street We pay tribute this month to our brothers served the United States in World War Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL. That and sisters who have had such a profound im- II. documentary first aired in theaters around pact on American culture. We thank God for This injustice has lasted 53 years. I the country. It will be shown on HBO this them and for their body of work which in- forms us, educates us, inspires us, challenges hope Congress will correct it soon by month. I believe that it was the television sights us and makes us proud. Their writings restoring the benefits promised to Fili- should awaken in all of us the very best pino World War II veterans. and sounds of America’s children being beat- ∑ en with batons, hosed down, attacked by qualities of the American spirit. In his State of the Union address last f dogs, jailed and killed that ultimately week, President Clinton discussed his Na- caught the attention and sparked the out- TRIBUTE TO JUANITA YATES tional Initiative on Race designed to help us rage of the American people. So, it is alto- recognize our common humanity and inter- ∑ Mr. CLELAND. Mr. President, it was gether fitting and proper that our young peo- ests. As we come together during February my pleasure recently to attend worship ple are taking part in this celebration. services at the Riverside Baptist During the month we will hear great to recognize and honor the contributions of African Americans, we should all celebrate Church here in Washington, D.C. It was music—beautiful spirituals and gospels— music unique to the African American expe- America’s rich diversity. a blessing to me that I attended serv- ‘‘We are many, we must be one.’’∑ ices on the Sunday in which the ser- rience. And I’m looking forward to enjoying it. f mon and lay message related to the We can also expect to see film clips, docu- church’s observance of Black History HONORING THE MEMORY OF mentaries, and photography that chronicle HARRY CARAY Month. the plight of African Americans in this coun- I was particularly impressed by the try. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN. Mr. Presi- lay message of Ms. Juanita Yates, a American History currently has a very mov- dent, I send a resolution to the desk