E138 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 18, 2021 where he perfected his milkshake recipe. He IN RECOGNITION OF DR. over 300 spoken languages in the United began his career in road construction at CHRISTINE OLDHAM States, 169 of these are native languages. Ac- Boyer, Johnson and Kimes. He eventually be- cording to UNESCO, 145 languages in the came a partner and then sole owner of the HON. JOHN JOYCE United States are classified as ‘‘endangered.’’ company. He served until his death as presi- OF PENNSYLVANIA Preserving existing languages is an essen- dent and board member of the Mississippi IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tial component of preserving our rich and di- Road Builders Association. verse heritage. Thursday, February 18, 2021 Earl went on to marry his class president, Madam Speaker, I believe we must continue Elaine. The two spent 59 years together and Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speak- to promote linguistic diversity and linguistic had three children. The family were members er, I rise to congratulate Dr. Christine Oldham, education in our country. We cannot allow the of Friendship Baptist Church where Earl Superintendent of the Ligonier Valley School 145 endangered languages in our nation to served as Church Clerk, Assistant Moderator, District, on her retirement. become extinct. I urge all my colleagues to choir member and served on many commit- Dr. Oldham began her educational career support this legislation. tees. He was committed to the revitalization of as an elementary school teacher in 1988 in f Camden, Delaware. She then served as an downtown Baldwyn and was very connected CONGRATULATING HERMAN AND assistant principal at Westside Elementary to his family. BOBBIE GOLDBERGER FOR THEIR School in the Greater Johnstown School Dis- Earl Stone was an outstanding Mississip- STEWARDSHIP OF THE HEBREW trict and as a principal in the Conemaugh pian and a man dedicated to his family and WATCHMAN Township School District. Before joining the faith. He will be deeply missed. Ligonier Valley School District, she served as the Superintendent of the Ferndale Area HON. f School District for five years. OF TENNESSEE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES INTRODUCTION OF THE EMANCI- At the Ligonier Valley School District, Dr. PATION STATUE REMOVAL ACT Oldham has been recognized for her leader- Thursday, February 18, 2021 ship on key initiatives and projects. In accord- Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today ance with recent educational research, she in- to congratulate Herman and Bobbie HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON troduced a new, customized learning approach Goldberger on their retirement. Their family- that allows students to proceed at their own OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA owned labor of love, The Hebrew Watchman, pace while being supported by a teacher or IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES has been a cornerstone of the Jewish commu- learning coach. In 2008, she also oversaw the nity in Memphis for 95 years. Founded in 1925 Thursday, February 18, 2021 successful merger with the Laurel Valley Mid- as The Memphis Watchman by Leo I. dle/High School. Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, today, I Goldberger, Herman’s father, it has chronicled Dr. Oldham earned a bachelor’s degree Memphis Jewish life with grace and devotion rise to introduce the Emancipation Statue Re- from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a moval Act, the first in a series of statue and for generations. I am very pleased to see that master’s degree from Delaware State Univer- Jewish Living of the South Inc., and Jewish memorial removal bills I will introduce during sity, and a doctorate degree from Wilmington Black History Month. The bill would remove Scene Magazine editor and publisher Susan College. As she retires on June 30, 2021, Dr. C. Nieman, have acquired this important and the Emancipation Statue from Lincoln Park, a Oldham will mark 13 years of service to federal park in the District of Columbia, and beloved cultural institution and have pledged Ligonier Valley students, teachers, staff, and to keep it going for another 95 years. I want require the Secretary of the Interior to donate families. On behalf of the 13th District of the statue to a museum or a similar entity. to thank Herman and Bobbie Goldberger for Pennsylvania, I thank Dr. Oldham for her their stewardship of The Hebrew Watchman The Emancipation Statue was dedicated on steadfast service to our community. As Dr. and wish them well in retirement. April 14, 1876, the 11th anniversary of Presi- Oldham embarks on the next chapter of her f dent Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Al- life, I wish her every continued happiness. though formerly enslaved Americans paid for f IN RECOGNITION OF JUDGE JAMES this statue, it was designed and sculpted with- KERSTEN’S YEARS OF SERVICE out their input, and it shows. The paternalistic INTERNATIONAL MOTHER TO 33RD DISTRICT COURT statue depicting a Black man on his knees in LANGUAGE DAY 2021 front of President Lincoln fails to recognize Af- HON. rican Americans’ agency in pressing for their HON. OF MICHIGAN own emancipation. OF NEW YORK IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Understandably, recently liberated African Thursday, February 18, 2021 Americans during the Reconstruction era were Thursday, February 18, 2021 grateful for any recognition of their freedom in Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to a country where they still experienced virtually today to recognize Judge James Kersten on recognize the cultural and historical signifi- total exclusion from American life. However, the occasion of his retirement after serving cance of International Mother Language Day. even at the time of its unveiling, prominent nearly 25 years as the 33rd District Judge in Established by the United Nations Edu- Black Americans expressed their displeasure Woodhaven, Michigan. His contributions to the cational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization with the statue’s design, including Frederick community are worthy of commendation. (UNESCO) in 1999, International Mother Lan- Judge Kersten grew up in Trenton, grad- Douglass. During his keynote address at the guage Day raises awareness of linguistic di- uating from Trenton High School. In 1977, statue’s unveiling, Frederick Douglass point- versity and multilingualism. Every year since I Judge Kersten graduated from Michigan State edly did not praise the statue. Rather, in a let- have been a Member of Congress, I have in- University and in 1980 he earned his law de- ter to the editor of the National Republican a troduced legislation to recognize the signifi- gree from the Detroit College of Law. Judge few days after the unveiling, Douglass ex- cance of International Mother Language Day. Kersten started his career as an attorney in pressed his dismay at the statue: ‘‘The negro International Mother Language Day is cele- Flat Rock where he represented local families here, though rising, is still on his knees and brated around the world on February 21st and and businesses. Later, he served as a Wayne nude. What I want to see before I die is a holds special importance for the Bangladeshi County mediator and arbitrator for 10 years monument representing the negro, not couch- American community. On February 21, 1952 and eventually, Judge Kersten was elected to ant on his knees like a four-footed animal, but Bangladeshi students died while dem- serve as the 33rd District judge following in erect on his feet like a man.’’ onstrating for recognition of Bengali as a na- the footsteps of his father, Judge Kurt Kersten. At the end of last year, Boston removed its tional language of Pakistan. International During his time as a Judge, he encouraged replica of the statue and plans to place it in a Mother Language Day is an important day to people in trouble to use that experience and publicly accessible location where it can be commemorate those who have fought for the make a positive change in their lives and was better contextualized. It is time for Congress to right for their language to be recognized. known for his skillful mediation of long stand- place the original statue in a museum, too. Madam Speaker, the United States has a ing civil disputes. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this diverse and rich linguistic and cultural herit- Beyond his work in the judiciary, he is an legislation. age. The Census Bureau reports there are active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:30 Feb 19, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18FE8.005 E18FEPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with REMARKS February 18, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E139 the Elks Club of Flat Rock, Flat Rock Rotary, and beyond. His dedication to both local com- trol Division in 1980, he was later elected as and Downriver youth sports. He has dem- munity and fellow officer has made the State the 30th Jefferson County Sheriff, serving two onstrated his commitment to the entire Michi- of Connecticut more safe and his workforce terms from 1999 to 2006. Appointed by then gan community, and it is my honor and privi- more whole. Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee in 2001, lege to recognize his distinguished work today. Madam Speaker, knowing of Patrick Drag- Sheriff Fontaine served as a Commissioner on Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join on’s selfless service and how he has re- the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforce- me in honoring the Honorable James Kersten sponded to unimaginable tragedy, it is objec- ment Standards and Training (CLEST). Prior for an exemplary career in public service. He tive to state his work represents the best of to his service at home, Sheriff Fontaine served has effectively served Woodhaven and the law enforcement. I hope the chamber will join 21 years in the United States Marine Corps, state of Michigan in his role as the 33rd Dis- me in expressing the deepest condolences on retiring as a gunnery sergeant. For his her- trict Judge through his selflessness and dedi- behalf of the House of Representatives to the oism in action, he became one of the most cation to the community. I join with Judge Dragon family—his parents Robert and Ann decorated Arkansan service members in his- James’ family, friends, and colleagues in ex- Marie; older sister Michele Hearn and younger tory. Most notable of those awards include tending my best wishes to him in retirement. brother Jason Dragon. I hope this testament to four Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, and the f Patrick’s life serves as an acknowledgement Bronze Star with a combat ‘‘V.’’ of the immeasurable debt of gratitude owed to In addition to his life of leadership in the HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE him by the American people. military and in local law enforcement, Sheriff OF PATRICK DRAGON f Fontaine was known as a family man and val- uable member of the community, along with HON. JOE COURTNEY IN RECOGNITION OF BEDFORD his wife of 60 years, Maye Winston Fontaine. OF CONNECTICUT COUNTY COMMISSIONER ALAN Together, they raised a daughter, Kim, and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FREDERICK worshipped as members of Bethany Mis- sionary Baptist Church. Thursday, February 18, 2021 HON. JOHN JOYCE I take this time today to honor the life of service exemplified by Sheriff ‘‘Boe’’ Fontaine. Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise OF PENNSYLVANIA today to mourn the passing of dedicated and I thank him and his family for their dedication IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES heroic public servant, Patrick Dragon, of to our fellow citizens and our beloved Fourth Brooklyn, Connecticut. Mr. Dragon passed, at Thursday, February 18, 2021 District. only age 50, on January 2, 2021, after a cou- Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speak- f rageous battle with coronavirus. er, I rise to congratulate new Bedford County INTRODUCTION OF THE AFRICAN A lifelong resident of Brooklyn, Connecticut, Commissioner Alan Frederick of Rainsburg, DESCENT AFFAIRS ACT Patrick was drawn to serve his community Pennsylvania on his appointment for this role, through public safety. Entering public service in which he is slated to serve through 2023. at early age, he began as an Emergency Med- Commissioner Frederick has been a resi- HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS OF FLORIDA ical Technician and then joined the 107th dent of Bedford County since 1952. He has IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Training Troop of the Connecticut State Po- worked on his family farm for his entire life as lice. Upon graduation in January 1998, Patrick a dairy and grain farmer. Commissioner Fred- Thursday, February 18, 2021 returned to his local community serving as a erick also has also served on the boards of Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise Patrol Trooper at Troop D in nearby Daniel- several economic and community organiza- today to introduce a resolution with my col- son, then as the Resident State Trooper in tions. Prior to his selection as Commissioner, leagues, Representatives , Sterling, and a Major Crime Unit Detective. Al- he had served as a board member of the Bed- , , and ways wanting to do more, he also became a ford County Development Association for 11 to introduce the African Descent certified Fire Investigator/Fire Marshal with the years, including one year as chairman. He Affairs Act. As we celebrate Black History State Police’s Fire & Explosion Unit. It was also has served as a board member for the Month and continue to highlight the Inter- through this assignment that Patrick acted as Bedford Farm Bureau Co-Op for 10 years, in- national Decade for People of African De- first responder to the Sandy Hook Elementary cluding four years as president. Additionally, scent, we have seen a sharp increase in rac- School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. he served as a board member for the Penn- ism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and other That horrific day transformed the lives of sylvania Beef Council for six years, including forms of prejudice and discrimination across many Americans, including Mr. Dragon’s. In one year as chairman. In recognition of this the globe. Global racial justice movements in the years following the tragedy, he found heal- service, he received the Bedford County response to the tragic death of George Floyd ing through service to a new community—his Chamber of Commerce’s Volunteer of the have not only drawn attention to the problem, peers in law enforcement through the Virginia Year Award in 2008. but also to opportunities to join international Law Enforcement Assistance Program As Commissioner Frederick begins his ten- efforts to develop and implement global and (VALEAP). This unique peer-led program ure on the Bedford County Board of Commis- national solutions. brought together law enforcement profes- sioners, I thank him for his willingness to To aid these efforts, I have introduced the sionals who have experienced unbelievable serve our region and wish him the best in this African Descent Affairs Act to improve the sit- traumas while on duty. Patrick sincerely com- endeavor. uation of people of African descent around the mitted himself to this program, serving as a f world by establishing, within the United States peer leader and mentor, working with over 250 State Department, a Global Office of African emotionally and physically traumatized law en- HONORING THE LIFE OF FORMER Descent Affairs. In addition to developing glob- forcement professionals from around the coun- JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF, al foreign policy and assistance strategies for try. VALEAP administrators commended Mr. ‘‘BOE’’ FONTAINE people of African descent, the bill would also Dragon for his service and have noted that his create a ‘‘Fund’’ to support anti-discrimination passing will leave an ‘‘immeasurable void’’ HON. and empowerment efforts by African descent within the program. OF ARKANSAS led civil society organizations; require Annual Although he had overcome immeasurable IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES State Department Human Rights Reports to challenges—Patrick’s motivation for service to include a section on discrimination faced by Thursday, February 18, 2021 his community never wavered. Upon retire- people of African descent; and create similar ment from the State Police in 2018 he Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise initiatives at the United States Agency for transitioned into a new role as an emergency today to celebrate the life of Former Jefferson International Development that would work in dispatcher with the Foster Police Department County Sheriff Edward Lewis ‘‘Boe’’ Fontaine. partnership with the State Department. in the neighboring State of Rhode Island. Sheriff Fontaine passed away on Sunday, U.S. foreign policy strategies such as these Amazingly, during that entire 34 years of po- January 17 following a battle with COVID–19, have improved the situation of vulnerable lice work he was also a dedicated member of leaving behind a county and Fourth District groups internationally and would greatly assist the East Brooklyn Fire Department, serving which mourns the loss of a friend, a helper, in responding to increasing levels of prejudice most recently as deputy chief. and a true servant leader. and discrimination faced by people of African Mr. Dragon’s loss leaves a deep void from Beginning his law enforcement career as a descent around the globe. The State Depart- Eastern Connecticut all the way to Virginia deputy sheriff assigned to the Uniformed Pa- ment has already launched many successful

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