7874 Hon. Al Green Hon. Dennis Moore
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7874 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 155, Pt. 6 March 18, 2009 than 40,000 young women to forego school- others have sparked an unstoppable momen- aftermath of slavery, David Johnson Young ing. This resolution would urge the Govern- tum for women’s rights and others. Their dedi- brought access to a better future for many ment of Pakistan to act swiftly to halt and re- cation, perseverance and courage have gen- during his career as an educator. Even later in his life as a preacher, he would come to be verse the Taliban’s unconstitutional ban on erated a wave of opportunities for entire gen- recognized for his emphasis on formal edu- education for girls. It also encourages the Sec- erations of women. cation in ministerial service. retary of State to review and report on Paki- It is essential that all Americans continue to Still more remarkable was the life chang- stan’s progress in protecting the rights of learn about the many ways women have as- ing message of hope brought by his fiery women, as well as on the actions of the sisted in the progress of our nation, and ac- preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Be- United States Government in providing sup- knowledge and celebrate the contributions of ginning as a young preacher in the AME port for this goal. women throughout history. Zion Church, Elder Young grew to be a wide- In the past few weeks there have been ne- Therefore, I urge my colleagues and all ly known and sought after minister in the gotiations between the Pakistani government Americans to commemorate women for their South. He was also an editor of the official organ of the AME Zion Church, the Star of and the Taliban in an effort to broker a peace significant involvement and participation in our Zion. Elder Young met his call to preach deal. At the heart of the ceasefire agreement nation’s history, by recognizing and supporting with great fervor, evangelizing and serving is a pledge to impose Islamic law in the area. March as Women’s History Month. as pastor in various states including North Government officials have said that this law f Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Mis- will be in accordance with Pakistan’s constitu- sissippi, Indiana, Illinois, Georgia, Alabama TRIBUTE TO ELDER DAVID J. tion, and will restore security and justice in the and Tennessee. YOUNG region. However, the accord makes no men- In 1897, he was joined with Priscilla Louise tion of the future of girls’ education. Women Jones in marriage, another stalwart of the HON. DENNIS MOORE faith. Mother Young served as a true help- and girls are a great resource for promoting mate, covering and supporting D. J. with OF KANSAS development, prosperity, and peace. The much prayer and fasting. At times she even United States must ensure that explicit meas- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES supported the family with the small wages ures are taken to protect women’s rights in Wednesday, March 18, 2009 she earned as a music teacher while he was Pakistan, in order to uphold internationally rec- out working on the evangelistic field. To Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I ognized human rights while supporting re- their union were born Harold, Melvin, am pleased to have this opportunity to pay gional peace and stability. Ceolya, Valleda, Russel, William, and Ro- tribute before the House of Representatives to sette. As with other great leaders of the f Elder David J. Young of the Church of God in faith, their ministry began in the home, IN COMMEMORATION OF WOMEN’S Christ, who formed the first church of this de- where Mother Young taught each of their HISTORY MONTH nomination in the state of Kansas and served children how to play two instruments. For as an important, early spiritual leader in our example, their eldest son, Harold, played the piano and guitar while the second oldest, HON. AL GREEN community. Melvin, was skilled in the piano and violin. The first Church of God in Christ in the state OF TEXAS In fact, when they were yet small boys, Elder of Kansas was organized in Kansas City, Kan- Young often carried them with him on evan- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sas, on September 23, 1916, at 409 Oakland gelistic crusades where they would draw Wednesday, March 18, 2009 by Elder David J. Young, with a charter mem- crowds in public areas, such as parks, with Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, bership of some twenty members. Less than their Holy Ghost filled praise and testimony services prior to their father’s sermon. With I wish to commemorate the month of March two years later, in the early summer of 1918, it was destroyed by a fire set by an arsonist. their father as their teacher in the faith, 2009 as Women’s History Month in honor of they soon acquired the name, ‘‘little boy the female trailblazers and unsung heroes in Undaunted by this act of violence, Elder preachers.’’ After D. J. Young’s demise, American history. Young pushed forward, holding services under Mother Young and their children would take H. Res. 211, Supporting the goals and a nearby large shade tree, and later in the upon them the mantel once carried by D. J. ideals of National Women’s History Month, is homes of charter members and other buildings Young with the various ministries he began intended to increase awareness and knowl- until a new structure was built. during his latter years. edge of women’s involvement in history, as Later, in 1960, a new church was con- Despite his many successes, David per- structed at 2401 North 9th Street, erected to ceived the need to ascend to the ‘‘higher well as recognize and honor the women and life’’ and grew increasingly troubled until he organizations in the United States that have the glory of the Lord as a ‘‘Living Monument for which Holiness Stands’’, and in honor of submitted to God’s divine purpose for him to fought for and continue to promote the teach- be sanctified. With his background in Meth- ing of women’s history. Elder Young. On October 9–11, 2008, the D.J. odism he had received teaching on the sanc- In the United States, Women’s History Young Heritage Foundation hosted a revival, tifying power of the Holy Ghost and God’s Month has been celebrated during the month paying tribute to Elder Young and other pio- command for all His children to live holy. of March since 1987. The National Women’s neers of the Church of God in Christ. I am However, it was during his pastorate in Chi- History Project petitioned Congress to in- pleased to have this opportunity to share my cago, IL, around the turn of the century, support for this tribute by placing into the CON- that he became associated with a holiness crease awareness and knowledge of women’s group known as the Burning Bush people and contributions to our great society, because GRESSIONAL RECORD a biographical sketch of Elder David J. Young, which was provided by received the divine, life changing experience women’s history was a practically unknown of sanctification. Sanctification is the work topic in schools and public awareness. the D.J. Young Heritage Foundation. of the Holy Spirit in cleansing the believer Women from all different backgrounds, DAVID JOHNSON YOUNG from all inbred sin, purifying their heart and races, social classes, and ethnicities have David Johnson Young was born in approxi- filling them with love for God and all people. contributed significantly to the greatness of our mately 1861, in Chester, South Carolina. Having thus been ‘‘sanctified and meet for nation, and have transformed and revolution- Raised in the war-ravaged South, young the Master’s use,’’ 2 Timothy 2:21, Young set out to share his testimony and declare God’s ized politics, law, business, social service, civil David ascended to unimaginable heights amid a climate of severe racism and oppres- wonderful plan. David better understood that rights, education, music, athletics, science and sion of African Americans. Early on, his par- God made a way for men to be justified by technology, as well as the military. Women ents perceived that young David was excep- faith in Jesus Christ. Yet, He didn’t stop have been leaders in numerous movements tionally gifted and determined to use their there. For God also provided the means for throughout history, such as the abolitionist meager means to afford him the education His children to live holy, separated unto movement, the emancipation movement, the that would prove invaluable for his life and Him, and freed from the very power or slav- industrial labor movement, the civil rights the countless lives he would impact through ery of sin. In truth, His will is for man to be movement, the peace movement, and the teaching and ministry. restored to the glorious image of God (Col. He initially attended a country school with 3:10, Eph. 4:24, 2 Cor. 3:18—note the active women’s movement in the struggle to obtain his siblings but went on to graduate from role of the believer). suffrage and equal rights. The contributions of Brainard Institute and Morehouse College. Indeed the message of sanctification, also notable women such as Susan B. Anthony, David then set out to bring hope to his fel- called perfection or holiness, had already Clara Barton, Harriet Tubman, Dorothy Height, lowman through education. With illiteracy started to sweep the nation, reaching into Coretta Scott King, Sally Ride and numerous one of the most devastating problems in the nearly every mainstream denomination.