E226 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 27, 2020 man, Edwin rose through the ranks and be- munity earned him the nickname ‘‘King Wally.’’ quality of life for those who live in Ward 14 came a Lieutenant by 1986, then a Captain Dr. Wilkerson has received several accolades and serve as a model for our entire city as it the following year. His service did not dis- for his effective leadership, vision, and hard struggles with gentrification. I am grateful to appoint because by the mid-1990s, he work, has been selected as a delegate for have Arthur on the frontlines of this fight, and oversaw critical operations for the Department. multiple Republican National Conventions, and I thank him for his work on behalf of Ward 14. Soon enough, Edwin found himself leading the continues to be active in the Associated Re- I thank Arthur for his service. Fire Department as their new Chief by 2004. publicans of Texas. In 1989, Governor William Taking after the long lineage of Philadel- As Fire Chief, he exceptionally performed P. Clements appointed Dr. Wilkerson as a phians who have helped sculpt our democracy his duties and gained a reputation for his ef- member of the San Jacinto River Authority into an increasingly inclusive system that en- fective management capacity. He secured mil- Board. In 1995, Governor George W. Bush se- courages public participation, Arthur Green lions in grant funding and amazingly acquired lected Dr. Wilkerson to Chair the Texas Board has left his own mark on our city. I look for- more responsibilities for the Department. The of Health. ward to years of collaboration so we can cre- increased responsibilities expanded the force In 1996, Dr. Wilkerson retired from family ate a more inclusive, representative democ- and augmented operational capacity. The re- medicine after thirty-eight years of service and racy throughout our community. sponsibilities included expansion in emergency dedication to his community. Today, he relin- medical services and even water rescue serv- quishes the helm as Chairman of the Mont- f ices. With Edwin at the helm for 16 years, he gomery County Republican Patty. Dr. understood the value of camaraderie and his Wilkerson is respected by many and has been HONORING THE SERVICE OF distinguished service is worthy of veneration. a faithful friend and source of professional EDWARD WILLIAM LEAL His love for firefighting and passion for serving guidance to many. We are thankful he chose his community should be admired by all of us. to make a lasting difference right here in our HON. MARK DeSAULNIER Therefore, Madam Speaker, join me to rec- community. Our entire community has been OF CALIFORNIA ognize Chief Allen’s service to the First District inspired by your character, integrity, patience, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and to the Commonwealth. His dedication to fairness and optimism. Your principles of free- the Fire Department exemplifies the type of dom and limited government enhance the lives Thursday, February 27, 2020 leadership that our great Nation demands. Let and opportunity for the people we seek to Mr. DESAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise us wish Edwin the best during his retirement, serve. today to recognize Edward (Ed) William Leal as his rest is well deserved. On behalf of the I join the communities of Conroe and Mont- as he celebrates his 100th birthday. Ed is a First District, we say thank you. gomery County in thanking Dr. Wilkerson, and longtime resident of Concord and a former f I am proud to join him and his wife Neddie public servant for Contra Costa County. Jane in celebrating this amazing milestone of Ed was born in Oakland, California in Feb- IN HONOR OF DR. WALTER service and leadership for fifty-six successful ‘‘WALLY’’ WILKERSON ruary 1920. His family lived in Oakley where years. his father was a butcher and ran a local gro- HON. KEVIN BRADY f cery store. Ed attended Antioch High School IN HONOR OF ARTHUR GREEN where he played varsity football, basketball, OF TEXAS tennis, and track and field. He set numerous IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES records, including one for pole-vaulting that Thursday, February 27, 2020 HON. BRENDAN F. BOYLE stood for 27 years. While at Antioch High OF PENNSYLVANIA School, Ed also met his future wife, Wilma. Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES recognize and honor Dr. Walter ‘‘Wally’’ Ed went on to study at the University of Wilkerson’s service to the community as a Thursday, February 27, 2020 California, Berkeley where he was a member physician, community leader, and as Chair- Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsylvania. of the track and field team. However, Ed’s col- man of the Montgomery County Republican Madam Speaker, it is an honor and privilege legiate career was interrupted when he de- Party for fifty-six years. to recognize a dedicated public servant who cided to enlist in the United States Army Air Born and raised in Bryan, Texas, Dr. continues to make our community proud as a Corps during World War II. He was stationed Wilkerson stayed close to home and earned a Ward Leader. As public officials, entrusted by in North Africa as a member of the 49th Fight- Bachelor’s Degree in biology from Texas A&M their peers to oversee elections and party ac- er Squadron. Before being deployed, Ed and University in 1951. After graduation, Dr. tivity, Philadelphia Ward Leaders represent a Wilma wed in 1942. Wilkerson pursued a Medical Degree from the corps of unsung heroes that help facilitate the After Ed returned home from the war, he prestigious University of Texas Southwestern progress that molds our city. I am honored to and Wilma moved to Concord where they Medical School in 1955. Just one year after be joined by one of our most distinguished, raised their family. Ed worked for Contra finishing medical school, Dr. Wilkerson joined esteemed Ward Leaders today, and in com- Costa County, serving as the Assistant County the United States Navy and spent two years memoration of Black History Month, ensure Treasurer—Tax Collector. In 1970, Ed was as a General Medical Officer. While stationed that their contributions to our city remain en- elected as the County Treasurer—Tax Col- at Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego, shrined in our historical record for generations lector and served two terms before retiring. California, Dr. Wilkerson served aboard the to recognize. Ed’s military service, commitment to his USS Hooper Island. In the summer of 1958, Black History Month is more than a mere community, and his 9 grandchildren and 20 Dr. Wilkerson participated in the historic atom- byline on the month of February, it is an op- great-grandchildren are a legacy to be proud ic weapon test operation known as Operation portunity to celebrate and recognize the ex- of. Please join me in congratulating Ed on his Hardtack at Eniwetok Atoll in the southwest traordinary contributions that the African Amer- 100th birthday and his life of service. Pacific Ocean. ican community has made, and continues to When it was time to return to civilian life, he make, on our nation’s history and culture. And f found his way back to home to Texas and I can think of no honoree more deserving of PERSONAL EXPLANATION joined his family in Conroe. After encourage- this recognition, who embodies the selfless ment from his father, he introduced himself to commitment to their neighbors and peers, than a local family medical practitioner, Dr. Deane Arthur Green. HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND Sadler. After shadowing Dr. Sadler for a day, Arthur Green, who proudly served our na- OF LOUISIANA a simple handshake sealed the deal and Dr. tion’s Navy before taking over the helm of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wilkerson joined his clinic. Over the years, Dr. Ward 14, oversees a smooth electoral oper- Thursday, February 27, 2020 Sadler, became not only a business partner, ation, but also is a dedicated advocate on be- but a mentor and a friend. half of his constituents. Instrumental in the for- Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I was Eager to get involved in the community, Dr. mulation of the 14th Ward Registered Commu- unable to be present for the following votes. Wilkerson entered the Conroe political scene nity Organization, Arthur has made it a priority Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA while working at Sadler Clinic. In 1964, he ran to ensure that as the East Poplar area con- on Roll Call No. 71, the Emmett Till successfully for Chairman of the Montgomery tinues its developmental boom, residents will Antilynching Act, YEA on Roll Call No. 72, County Republican Party. The following years reap the benefits while avoiding gentrification- H.R. 4852, and YEA on Roll Call No. 73, H.R. of leadership and devoted service to the com- induced displacement. His efforts will bolster 2490.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:05 Feb 28, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A27FE8.005 E27FEPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS February 27, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E227 PERSONAL EXPLANATION RECOGNIZING THE 150TH ANNIVER- that were enabled by the Azerbaijani govern- SARY OF NEWMAN FIRST CHRIS- ment. From Sumgait to Kirovabad and Baku, TIAN CHURCH Armenian Christians living in the country were HON. JOHN A. YARMUTH murdered, raped, and robbed. These vicious OF KENTUCKY HON. JOHN SHIMKUS attacks led to the displacement of thousands IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF ILLINOIS of Armenian families fleeing the targeted vio- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lence as refugees. Thursday, February 27, 2020 These were crimes against humanity that Thursday, February 27, 2020 have still gone unrecognized by Azerbaijan. I Mr. YARMUTH. Madam Speaker, I unfortu- Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise to call upon their government to acknowledge nately was unable to be present for votes recognize Newman First Christian Church on and condemn these acts of violence, actively taken on the House Floor on February 26, its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary. prosecute the perpetrators of these crimes, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted Newman First Christian Church was born in and take all appropriate action so that these in the following manner: Roll Call Vote No. 71: the hearts of a small band of believers in atrocities never happen again. YEA; Roll Call Vote No. 72: YEA; and Roll 1870. An early focus of Newman First Chris- Throughout history, the Armenian people Call Vote No. 73: YEA. tian was to make disciples of Jesus, and so have been targets of violence, murder and for the first sixteen years the church did not genocide. We must emphatically condemn f have a regular minister and services were led these actions and any efforts to erase these IN HONOR OF SHIRLEY GREGORY by lay leaders, evangelists and circuit riders. atrocities from our collective memory. Failure As the congregation grew in spirit as well as to do so will only serve to embolden purveyors in numbers, it soon outgrew its facilities. A of violence against religious and ethnic minori- HON. BRENDAN F. BOYLE new building was built to the glory of God on ties around the globe. I look forward to work- the corner of Green and King streets in New- ing with my colleagues in the Armenian Cau- OF PENNSYLVANIA man in 1904 and is used to this day for wor- cus to continue pushing policies promoting IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ship. peace and human rights for Armenians and for Thursday, February 27, 2020 Throughout its history, pastors have gen- all. erally served for short periods of time, the If we do not stand up to hate, we cannot Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsylvania. longest being only four years. Then in 1950, end the cycle of intolerance. Madam Speaker, it is an honor and privilege the church called Reverend Wolfe and for thir- f to recognize a dedicated public servant who ty-seven years he served as its minister. After continues to make our community proud as a his death, the congregation took a step of faith IN HONOR OF PETER LYDE Ward Leader. As public officials, entrusted by in a new direction and in 1987 Newman First their peers to oversee elections and party ac- Christian became a ‘‘teaching congregation.’’ It HON. BRENDAN F. BOYLE tivity, Philadelphia Ward Leaders represent a was led by faithful men and women, preach- OF PENNSYLVANIA corps of unsung heroes that help facilitate the ers, and ministers until, under the leadership IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES progress that molds our city. I am honored to of Perry Albin and Laverne Fraser, the church Thursday, February 27, 2020 be joined by one of our most distinguished, recruited its current pastor, Justin Smith, in esteemed Ward Leaders today, and in com- November of 2017. Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsylvania. memoration of Black History Month, ensure The church is serious about loving Jesus, Madam Speaker, it is an honor and privilege that their contributions to our city remain en- as well as creating opportunities for commu- to recognize a dedicated public servant who shrined in our historical record for generations nity involvement, spiritual growth, and out- continues to make our community proud as a to recognize. reach. Newman First Christian, for example, Ward Leader. As public officials, entrusted by their peers to oversee elections and party ac- Black History Month is more than a mere continues to provide meals to various local tivity, Philadelphia Ward Leaders represent a byline on the month of February, it is an op- school sports teams and prayer for local corps of unsung heroes that help facilitate the portunity to celebrate and recognize the ex- school events, sponsor community events, progress that molds our city. I am honored to traordinary contributions that the African Amer- and offer biblical counseling to the congrega- be joined by one of our most distinguished, ican community has made, and continues to tion and community. This focus on service and esteemed Ward Leaders today, and in com- make, on our nation’s history and culture. And outreach has improved the spiritual and phys- memoration of Black History Month, ensure I can think of no honoree more deserving of ical well-being of countless people in the com- that their contributions to our city remain en- this recognition, who embodies the selfless munity. shrined in our historical record for generations commitment to their neighbors and peers, than Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure I to recognize. Shirley Gregory. stand to recognize Newman First Christian Church on its one hundred and fiftieth anniver- Black History Month is more than a mere Shirley Gregory of Ward 49 is no stranger to sary. I wish Pastor Smith, the congregation, as byline on the month of February, it is an op- Congress after serving as Congressman Bob well as the community of Newman, all the best portunity to celebrate and recognize the ex- Brady’s District Director. She embodies the for a bright and joyous future. traordinary contributions that the African Amer- qualities that make for a successful Ward f ican community has made, and continues to Leader by facilitating candidate meet and make, on our nation’s history and culture. And greets, hosting ballot machine demonstrations, RECOGNIZING THE 30TH ANNIVER- I can think of no honoree more deserving of and helping our officials disseminate informa- SARY OF THE BAKU POGROMS this recognition, who embodies the selfless tion to the public. She keeps her finger on the commitment to their neighbors and peers, than pulse of local, state, and federal politics, help- HON. KATHERINE M. CLARK Peter Lyde. ing those of the 49th ward learn how they can OF MASSACHUSETTS Peter Lyde, the Ward Leader for the 61st get involved and make a difference in their IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ward, helped shape our city’s justice depart- community. With Shirley as the Ward Leader, ment and is a long-tenured labor organizer. In I know every resident in her community has a Thursday, February 27, 2020 this modern age where technology has al- friendly face and helpful resource. She is a Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Madam lowed more and more people to access infor- staple in the city, and I am grateful of our Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 30th an- mation with ease, Peter has ensured the resi- overlap as we look to serve the people of niversary of the anti-Armenian pogroms in dents of Ward 61 can find helpful guidance on Philadelphia. I thank Shirley. then-Soviet Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku. their political questions, and information on up- Taking after the long lineage of Philadel- In January 1990, a violent seven-day long coming events, by following their active social phians who have helped sculpt our democracy riot in Baku broke out against the city’s ethnic media accounts. As we look to bring in new into an increasingly inclusive system that en- Armenian civilian population. Approximately 90 participants to the political sphere, Peter mod- courages public participation, Shirley Gregory Armenians were killed, and hundreds more els the innovation that will expand the elec- has left her own mark on our city. I look for- were brutally beaten and forced to abandon torate and allow new voices to take part in our ward to years of collaboration so we can cre- their homes. The Baku Pogrom was just one political process. With ward cookouts, commu- ate a more inclusive, representative democ- of several anti-Armenian attacks that took nity gatherings, and seasonal events, he racy throughout our community. place across Azerbaijan from 1988 to 1990 brings politics to his constituents, encouraging

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