E56 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks January 28, 1998 Young had little money and even less sup- the President of the Southland Regional Asso- quired that she eat cold fast food she had no port from the establishment. But his insistent ciation of Realtors. complaints. She had ``class'' in the best sense call for an end to police brutality resonated Mel Wilson has worked diligently this past of the word. She would do nothing in a sloppy among both blacks and whites who chafed year to enhance the reputation of the Associa- way. To every action and activity of her life under an occupying army of hostile police. He tion. It is regarded as one of the preeminent she applied high standards. Ruby was a glow- won the race and became the first black associations of the real estate business as a ing example of how a royal style can bloom mayor in the city's history. result of his efforts. within the context of American grassroots de- Young took the reins of a battered and The Association has improved and ex- mocracy. nearly bankrupt city. The 1974 Oil Embargo panded member services and has enabled all My remembrances of Ruby are slightly dif- nearly decimated Detroit car makers, and the members to successfully pursue the real es- ferent from most of her other admirers. I didn't city shuddered from a mass exodus of busi- tate business. Mel has worked to ensure the have the delight and the pleasure of growing nesses and population. During his 20-year Association's reputation as a leader in tech- up with Ruby; of going to school with her; or tenure, he integrated the Detroit Police De- nology has been maintained, an effort which of working with her as a colleague during her partment despite strident protests from the po- resulted in the development of an award-win- 30 years in the NYC school system. Ruby was lice officer's union, established a national rec- ning Internet site. The importance of tech- a member of a rare species, the native New ognized community crime prevention program nology, especially in this day and age, is evi- Yorker, born and raised here. She didn't come and brought the city through its financial crisis dent to Mel. like many of us from Tennessee or Texas or by forging alliances with political, business, A testament to Mel's strength of character Jamaica or Panama or New Jersey. She was union, community and religious leaders. Be- and desire to improve our community is exem- a daughter of New York CityÐof Brownstones, subways, and skyscrapers. cause of Young's success, Henry Ford II de- plified through his actions as the President of Since I was not fortunate enough to grow up scribed him as ``A damn good business man- this Association. Under his leadership, the As- knowing Ruby I had to discover her. What her sociation has continued to play an active role ager.'' close friends may take for granted I have had Young led the effort to modernize Detroit in the community. to observe with a sense of wonder and awe. Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, auto plants and to keep major businesses in She was a Renaissance woman with a broad please join me in paying tribute to Mel Wilson. the city. During his tenure, the Renaissance range of interests. She reached out for the He is a role model for the citizens of Los An- Center opened, the city became a site on the whole spectrum of experience, the pleasant geles. Grand Prix circuit, Detroit saw the construction and the difficult. the same sensitivity and intel- of its first-single family subdivision in decades, f lect that she brought into a theater or an art and the long-neglected river front began to gallery she carried into the dirt and grime of blossom with parks and residential develop- A POINT-OF-LIGHT FOR ALL AMERICANS: RUBY NOTTAGE partisan politics. She brought the same pas- ments. sion to a discussion of the transition of the Mayor Young gave economic opportunity to Brooklyn political machine that she brought to record numbers of black, Hispanic and female HON. MAJOR R. OWENS the merger of modern painting concepts with business owners. He brought blacks and OF NEW YORK African diaspora subject matter and contents. women into government by appointing them to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES It was as late as 1982 that I first discovered his staff and to head city departments. He ap- Wednesday, January 28, 1998 Ruby Nottage. She was a founding member of pointed blacks and whites on a ``50±50'' basis. the Brooklyn Coalition for Community Em- During his lifetime, Young was a past presi- Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, Ruby Nottage was a Point-Of-Light for Brooklyn and for all powerment. We later shared the euphoria of dent of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Jesse Jackson bid for the Presidency and urban communities struggling for empower- served on the Democratic National Committee the David Dinkins mayoral victory. We also ment. She was a point of light for all Ameri- and the National Conference of Democratic shared more than a few excruciating dis- cans. She was a totally unique creation, a Mayors. He was the recipient of the pres- appointments in the arena of politics. Through- magnificent fabric woven from both the rough tigious Jefferson Award from the American In- out some very intense group soul searching strands of the street and the well refined stitute for Public Service and the NAACP's and heated debates Ruby never lost the nobil- strings of mankind's highest cultural aspira- coveted Springarn medal for distinguished ity in her demeanor. She was always the tions. Ruby Nottage could walk with kings, achievement. In addition the Congressional teacher who used exemplary English and of- after all, and never lose the common touch Black Caucus honored him with its Adam fered clarity and logic to keep the deliberations because Ruby Nottage was born a natural Clayton Powell Award for outstanding political on track. leadership. A Congressional Black Caucus queen. We all appreciated very much Ruby's dedi- At a time when education has assumed its tribute to Mayor Young is included at the end cation to the cause of community empower- of these remarks. rightful place on our national agenda it is im- ment. On one occasion following a very dis- Mayor Young decided against running for portant to first note that Ruby Nottage was a couraging meeting she pulled me aside and office a sixth time because of ill health. In his teacher. She enjoyed a 30-year career in the pointing a finger in my face, whispered: ``You later years, he taught at Wayne State Univer- New York City public school system as a know, Major, you are one of the few people sity which has an endowed chair in urban af- teacher; assistant principal and as principal of who have continued to believe in group deci- fairs named for him. He also concentrated his P.S. 93 in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Ms. Nottage sion-making and real community empower- attention on a foundation he established to also proudly served as a Member of the ment after you got elected.'' give college scholarships to needy youngsters. Board, president and trustee of the Brooklyn I have a vivid recollection of that com- His survivors include a son, Coleman Young YWCA for 15 years. She was appointed by pliment. Her words were like a Congressional Jr., two sisters, Bernice Grier and Juanita Governor Mario Cuomo to the New York State Medal of Honor. When you are in the political Clark, and his companion, Barbara Parker. Martin Luther King Commission, and also trenches surrounded by sell-outs and cynicism As I said during his funeral service, Cole- served as Political Planning Chair of the there are few things as inspiring as recognition man Young's leadership and courage informed Brooklyn Women's Political Caucus. She was and understanding from a respected fellow me and every other black politician who also a member of the Community Advisory worker. stands for anything in Michigan. The only way Board for Medgar Evers College. Ms. Nottage It was an honor to receive praise from Ruby to honor his memory is to keep his struggle was one of the founders of an independent because she had no hidden political agenda. alive. Democratic Club: Partners for Progress. She She was the most unselfish District Leader in f was also a founding member of the Brooklyn America. Politics added nothing to her life ex- Coalition for Community Empowerment. In cept headaches and challenges. It was by TRIBUTE TO MEL WILSON 1984, she was elected Democratic District choice, not need, that she accepted the chal- Leader of the 57th Assembly District. Ruby lenges and became the District Leader for the HON. BRAD SHERMAN Nottage was also recognized as 1996 Woman 57th Assembly District. By choice this Renais- OF CALIFORNIA of the Year by Brooklyn Links, Inc. sance Lady had woven a life for herself that IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ruby was as much at home with a political was unique. Where else could you find the party nominating petition in her hand as she combination of school principal and District Wednesday, January 28, 1998 was reviewing a fine work of art. She could Leader? Along with her husband, Wally, and Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to prepare and appreciate the finest cuisine. But the rest of the family, Ruby created a com- pay tribute to Mel Wilson, who has served as if a late session at the Board of Elections re- bination Brownstone palace and art gallery on January 28, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E57 Dean Street. Where else could you find such HONORING DAVID DUNCAN Detroit's black community and he had a spe- a collector of precious items willing to offer her cial place in all of our hearts. home as a meeting hall and site for political HON. RICHARD E. NEAL We will mourn his passing, but remember fundraisers? Few galleries in Brooklyn are as OF MASSACHUSETTS his many contributions to our history. It was fascinating as the Nottage home, but you don't IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES his input that helped President Jimmy Carter have to pay a fee or purchase a painting formulate a public policy program for Ameri- there. Wednesday, January 28, 1998 ca's urban areas. His efforts were responsible Because of what I experienced in my rela- Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I for building the renowned Museum of African tionship with Ruby over the past sixteen years, am pleased to have the opportunity today to American Art. nothing surprises me about her record of ac- honor Mr. David Duncan of Springfield, MS. May it comfort his family to know that so complishments before I me her: That she trav- Mr. Duncan is retiring after 33 years as a many share their loss. And may it comfort the eled to Farmville, Virginia during the Civil member of the Teamsters Union. Mr. Dun- people of Detroit to know that people from Rights struggle to provide service to schools can's dedication and loyalty to the Teamsters across the country acknowledge his contribu- that had been closed is one more example of Union and his fellow workers is exemplified by tions. her being willing to place herself at risk on the his decades of service to the Union. Maxine Waters, chair; Earl Hilliard, first vice- firing line. Despite her appreciation of the finer His career began at the tender age of 9, chair; Eddie Bernice Johnson, second vice comforts of life she also braved the inconven- when he would shine shoes near the Spring- chair; Corrine Brown, secretary; Sheila Jack- iences and hardships of Haiti to help set up field train station on weekend nights. After son-Lee, whip. Members John Conyers, Jr., day care centers for children. It is not surpris- honorably serving our nation as a Sergeant in William Clay, Louis Stokes, Ronald Dellums, ing that as a responsible, professional resident the U.S. Army, Mr. Duncan returned from Eu- Charles Rangel, Julian Dixon, Major R. she served for fifteen years as a member of rope to marry his high school sweetheart, Owens, Edolphus Towns, Floyd Flake, John the Board of the Brooklyn YWCA. It is also Anna, with whom he celebrated his 40th wed- Lewis, Donald M. Payne, Eleanor Holmes Nor- consistent with her unique duality that she was ding anniversary earlier this month. Dave ton, William Jefferson, Eva Clayton, Sanford a founder of an independent Democratic club, began his career as a Teamster as a driver/ Bishop, James Clyburn, Alcee Hastings, Cyn- Partners for Progress. Moving from participa- dockman in 1965, and four years later was thia McKinney, Carrie Meek, Bobby Rush, tion in an established national institution to an elected as steward. Robert Scott, Melvin Watt, Albert Wynn, almost revolutionary grassroots base was not Dave began his service as an official in Bennie Thompson, Chaka Fattah, Jesse Jack- a difficult transition for Ruby. The common Local Union 404 as Business Agent and then son, Jr., Juanita Millender-McDonald, Elijah touch didn't stop her from walking with kings was subsequently elected as Vice President/ Cummings, Julia Carson, Donna Christian- and vice versa. In all that she did Ruby could blend the Executive Officer in 1988. Dave's leadership in Green, Danny Davis, Harold Ford, Jr., Carolyn practical and the sublime. I am certain that her this organization has allowed it to flourish from Kilpatrick and Senator Carol Moseley-Braun. son Aaron reflects these same ingredients in a nearly bankrupt union to the vibrant and f healthy organization that it is today. The Union his pursuit of law. His cases will never be han- KASHMIRI PANDITS MASSACRED dled with less than maximum thoroughness was able to move into a new and much larger and responsibility. Since tickets for her recent facility, as well as the important existence of play were all sold out I could not yet see the the Local 404 Health Benefits Fund which has HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR. recent work of Lynn Nottage; however, I am experienced a dramatic fourfold increase in re- OF NEW JERSEY certain that her drama will be a blend of serve funds to provide benefits for many years IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES meaningful contents and message with great to come. Wednesday, January 28, 1998 style and method. Ruby's genes and nurturing Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure and privilege today to stand before this body to Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, on January would allow it to happen no other way. 26th of this year, in Kashmir, India, 23 Kash- Ruby Nottage now belongs to the ages. She honor the loyalty and hard work of my con- miri Pandits, were massacred in cold blood. now becomes one of the ancestors for our stituent, Mr. Dave Duncan, a man who has Unprovoked, 30 militants entered the homes children and grandchildren. Our ancestors are epitomized the ideal integration of family dedi- our eternal role models. As she was a role cation, work ethic and diligence, and commu- of four Pandit families, opened fire and killed model in life we should strive to keep her for- nity involvement. The Local Union 404 will all but one. After the killings, the militants set ever a role model. Cinque, the leader of the sorely miss the leadership of Mr. Duncan in their home and a small temple on fire. Amistad rebels insisted that in a moment of the future, but the legacy of his commitment to Mr. Speaker, for the last 7 years, Kashmiri crisis he would not be alone because he workers and issues that affect all of the com- Pandits have been subjected to unprovoked would be joined by his ancestors. To gain munity will carry on indefinitely. and senseless killings. They have been forced strength from their ancestors our children f to leave their homes in the Kashmir Valley be- need to know who they are. Television cam- cause of the actions committed by terrorists ON BEHALF OF THE CONGRES- eras, movies and celebrity magazines will and militants who are armed and trained by SIONAL BLACK CAUCUS ON THE never tell them who their living role models the enemies of India. are. We can certainly not depend on the DEATH OF DETROIT MAYOR The terrorists' agenda is simple. It is to un- media and our official school curricula to let COLEMAN A. YOUNG dermine the restoration of democratic rule and our children know who their magnificent dead peace that was brought back to Jammu and ancestors are. It is my plea to all who cher- HON. MAXINE WATERS Kashmir in October 1996. I should note that ished her that we do more than merely fix a OF CALIFORNIA the killings took place on India's 48th Republic monument to Ruby in our minds. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Day. A spokesman for a Kashmiri Pandit orga- nization stated that ``the massacre of the inno- Ruby Nottage now has a place among our Wednesday, January 28, 1998 magnificent ancestors. For the next few years cent people by the Pakistan trained militants we must strive in every way possible to move Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, we are deeply on the occasion of the Republic Day was a beyond the monuments in our minds to pay saddened to hear of the loss of former Mayor mockery of Indians' integrity in the 50th year homage to Ruby in some concrete and highly Coleman Young this past Saturday. Mayor of Independence.'' visible ways. Little Brooklyn girls and mature Young was a political icon who gave leader- This peaceful community, which has been men and women should be able to know ship both at the local and national level. We subjected to countless targeted killings, has Ruby's story and call up this beautiful ancestor will miss him greatly. been forced to live in refugee camps scattered for inspiration in the future. Some have When he won office in 1974, Mayor Young throughout India. Rather than living in their pledged to go forward and get busy to write a was one of the first African Americans to be- homeland, the Pandit community has been liv- book about Ruby or name a street or erect a come Mayor of a large metropolitan city. We ing in ill-equipped camps that lack the proper statue or start a scholarship fund or name a will remember him for his twenty years of dy- educational and job training facilities that school after her or do all of the above. namic leadership of the City of Detroit. would enable them to live decent and produc- Just because she was in a class by herself He took over the reins of a city in 1974 that tive lives. This has resulted in tremendous suf- is no reason why others should not be encour- was steeped in racism and discord. During his fering by the community and the cultural and aged to strive to match her magnificent per- tenure, he attempted to open economic oppor- social deterioration of their community. formance. Ruby Nottage was a Point-of-Light tunities for all people in the city. He provided Mr. Speaker, we must work with the Indian that must be magnified and multiplied. a special sense of pride and empowerment to Government in bringing peace and security to