October 2, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2047 HONORING THE CONTRIBUTION OF event. The next year, she won Wimbledon was a BET founder. ‘‘She was one of the first BLACK PIONEER and the U.S. Championships, then success- African-American women in sports to say, fully defended both titles the following year. ‘Why not me?’ She empowered generations Gibson teamed with Angela Buxton, a Jewish [of Black women] to believe in themselves, HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL player from Briton, to win the 1956 doubles emboldened us to achieve and attain the un- OF NEW YORK championships at the French and attainable. Her drive, spirit and passion con- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wimbledon. Both women experienced dis- tinue to set an example for us today.’’ crimination by their fellow players, but after ‘‘I will always be grateful to her for having Tuesday, October 2, 2007 their triumph at the All- the strength and the courage to triumph in Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today club, a British newspaper touted: ‘‘Minori- extreme adversity,’’ said , a to introduce a story from the New York CARIB ties win.’’ six-time Grand Slam singles champion, who News of September 18, 2007 entitled, ‘‘Black All told, Gibson, the daughter of South also participated in the tribute. ‘‘Her accom- Carolina sharecroppers, won five Grand Slam plishments set the stage for my success, and Pioneer Althea Gibson’’. singles titles and six Grand Slam doubles through players like me, Serena and many This article highlights the accomplishments crowns, but her impact on tennis—and soci- others to come, her legacy will live on.’’ of Althea Gibson, the admirable tennis player ety—cannot be measured in mere trophy f who in spite of adversity reached great suc- counts. She was a trailblazer of remarkable cess, leaving a great legacy to the sport. Ms. heart and courage, marking a path for those REMEMBRANCE OF WALT Gibson became the first African American- who would follow her, carrying herself with CROWLEY male or female- to win the US. National that special grace and dignity known only to true champions. Championships, which until then was a seg- ‘‘Althea made tennis a better place, by HON. JIM McDERMOTT regated tournament and she made history by opening doors and opening minds,’’ said OF not only breaking the color barriers but by win- USTA president and chairman Jane Brown IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ning the Grand Slam. Grimes. ‘‘For that, all of us owe Althea Gib- Tuesday, October 2, 2007 Ms. Gibson continued to leave her mark in son a debt of gratitude.’’ tennis by winning the 1956 , In recognition of Gibson’s myriad con- Mr. MCDERMOTT. Madam Speaker, again, becoming the first black woman to win tributions to the sport of tennis and to soci- recently lost a prominent and much loved cit- ety at large, the U.S. Tennis Association this izen, Walt Crowley. I would like to insert in the the Grand Slam event. Following those enor- year hosted a very special tribute to the late mous achievements she continued to excel in RECORD a statement on his passing from champion, who passed away in 2003 following HistoryLink, an impressive organization Walt important international tennis tournaments a long illness. On an extraordinary evening such as Wimbledon and the US. Champion- of history and emotion, African-American helped to found. ships. women who are pioneers in their own fields, REMEMBERING WALT In recognition of her incredible contribution and the elite from the world of tennis, gath- Walt Crowley, visionary cofounder of to the sport of tennis and to society, the U.S. ered to honor and celebrate one of their own. HistoryLink.org, passed away on September Call her tennis’s own Jackie Robinson. 21, 2007. Looking back at the rich tapestry of Tennis Association hosted a tribute to her life The event, entitled ‘‘Breaking Barriers,’’ his life and work, one sees that it would take at the US. Open in New York in late August. was held on the opening night, Aug. 27 of the an encyclopedia to document how much of The champion died in 2003 but continues to 2007 U.S. Open at the USTA an effect he had upon the city of Seattle and be admired and to be an inspiration to women National Tennis Center in Queens, NY. It on the state of Washington. Fortunately— throughout the world. commemorated the 50th anniversary of Gib- and thanks to his efforts—we can do that I applaud Ms. Althea Gibson for her great son’s pioneering triumph at the 1957 U.S. Na- here at HistoryLink.org, the Online Encyclo- contribution to the sport of tennis and for the tional Championships (now known as the pedia of Washington State History. U.S. Open), and also provided a stage for Gib- undeniable strength she endured to excel in a Walt moved to Seattle at the age of 14, son’s induction into the prestigious U.S. when Boeing hired his father. Many of the time when she was denied opportunity be- Open Court of Champions. But the evening friends and colleagues who knew him the cause of the color of her skin. proved to be so much more—an acknowledge- longest probably met him during his days at BLACK PIONEER ALTHEA GIBSON ment of the over- sight of having never be- the Helix, Seattle’s first underground news- (By Roy S. Johnson) fore recognized Gibson as a barrier-breaking paper, for which Walt wrote, cartooned, edit- Fifty years ago, in the late summer of 1957, pioneer, and a unique first-time celebration ed, and even sold copies of out on the street. Althea Gibson made history as she captured of the historic firsts achieved by other Whether it was at a social gathering, during the U.S. National Championships title on the prominent African-American women. a street march, on the campaign trail, or Nearly two dozen Black women pioneers grass courts of Forest Hills. With that win, even in the midst of riots, Walt touched the attended the tribute, including Olympians the 30-year-old Gibson became the first Afri- lives of many people, and made numerous Jackie Joyner-Kersee (first Black to win can American—male or female—to win that friendships that lasted for decades. back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the most prestigious Grand Slam tennis tour- Walt’s passion for civic activism led to a Heptathlon) and Dr. Debi Thomas (first nament crown. career in city politics. During a sit-in pro- Black Winter Olympics medal winner), astro- Just three years after the great Jackie test at Seattle City Hall, Mayor Wes Uhlman naut Dr. Mae Jemison (the first Black fe- Robinson had broken the color barrier in was so impressed with the young man’s wit male astronaut), gospel singer Yolanda baseball, Gibson broke tennis’ color barrier and political savvy that he hired him. Over Adams (first Black female to win the Con- when she played in the 1950 U.S. Champion- the next few years, Walt worked in various temporary/Inspirational Artist award at city departments, most notably as deputy di- ships. Until then, tennis had been a seg- American Music Awards) and Ambassador regated sport, with Blacks playing on their rector of the Office of Policy and Planning, Carol Moseley-Braun (first Black female U.S. where he often advocated for historic preser- own tour—similar to the Negro Baseball Senator). Leagues—under the auspices of the American vation. His love for Seattle grew, based on Billie Jean King, whose own pioneering ef- his awareness of its past. Tennis Association. Her participation at forts on behalf of female athletes were cele- THE WRITE STUFF Forest Hills that year was facilitated, in brated at this venue last year, was part of part, by , one of the top players the tribute, as was New York City Mayor Mi- His skills as a writer opened up new vistas of that era, who wrote an editorial in a na- chael Bloomberg and Rachel Robinson. Jack- in his career when he formed Crowley Associ- tional magazine calling for the sport to ie Robinson’s widow. Aretha Franklin, the ates Inc. along with Marie McCaffrey, whom allow her to compete. first Black woman inducted into the Rock & he would later marry. The two collaborated That she did. Tall and lean, Gibson’s look Roll Hall of Fame, performed at the tribute. on books about the Seattle Aquarium and and her game resembled that of the elder Other trailblazing Black women attending Pioneer Square, and provided writing and ad- Williams sister. were former poet laureate Nikki Giovanni vertising services to numerous political cam- ‘‘Very graceful, very smooth,’’ says former (the first Black woman to receive the Rosa paigns, voter initiatives, and labor unions. tennis star, now U.S. Fed Cup captain Zina Parks Woman of Courage award), former Walt also wrote articles for the Seattle Garrison, who befriended Gibson in the leg- Washington, D.C., mayor Sharon Pratt (first Weekly and was brought further into the end’s later years and became a confidante. to be elected mayor of a major U.S. city), ac- public eye when he was hired to conduct bi- ‘‘She glided around the court. When you look tress Phylicia Rashad (first to win a Tony weekly ‘‘Point-Counterpoint’’ debates with at Venus [Williams], Althea was very much for best performance in a play), Essence conservative activist John Carlson on KIRO- like her.’’ chairwoman Susan L. Taylor (first recipient TV News. Six years after her Grand Slam debut, well of the Henry Johnson Fisher award), and But it was the history muse that inspired before the tide of civil rights began to rise businesswoman Sheila Crump Johnson (first Walt’s greatest creative output. His intro- throughout America, Gibson made history to have a stake in three professional sports duction to historical research came when he once again—this time in magnificent fash- franchises). was hired to write a history of the Rainier ion—by winning the 1956 French Open to be- ‘‘Althea Gibson dreamed the impossible Club. He followed this with books about Se- come the first Black to win a Grand Slam and made it possible,’’ said Johnson, who attle University, Metro Transit, and Group

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:00 Oct 03, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A02OC8.028 E02OCPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with REMARKS E2048 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 2, 2007 Health Cooperative, as well as two of his who serve in the National Guard and Re- sure that that relationship stays as strong as proudest accomplishments, Rites of Passage: serves have seen their dual roles as citizen ever. This House supports protecting the free- A Memoir of the Sixties in Seattle and The soldiers expand as they have been called to dom of the Taiwanese people. Today, Taiwan National Trust Guide: Seattle. In 1997, he and local historian Paul Dorpat, serve in deployments across the world even is proof that a nation can successfully move a dear friend and colleague from their days as they continue the most important mission of from one-party rule to democracy and main- together at the Helix, tossed around the idea all, protecting us in our communities here at tain its dynamic economy. I am hopeful that of publishing an encyclopedia of King County home. Chinese citizens can one day experience the history. A book of this size and scope had not The men and women of the 1/34th have same liberty as their counterparts in Taiwan. been published since Clarence Bagley’s tome, demonstrated an exceptional commitment to f written more than 70 years before. Worried our country—a commitment to serve and a that such a venture might prove to be too willingness to sacrifice in combat operations. WHY INTEGRATION MATTERS unwieldy, Walt’s wife, Marie, suggested that Their 22-month activation in Iraq was the long- an online encyclopedia would be a more suit- HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL able way to keep and maintain the historical est tour of any military unit to have served in OF NEW YORK record. Work soon began, and the rest is his- Iraq thus far. These Minnesota soldiers have tory . . . or shall we say, HistoryLink. completed some of the most grueling combat IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MAKING HISTORY assignments. We should also pause to re- Tuesday, October 2, 2007 member the brave members of this unit who When HistoryLink launched in 1998, it was Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today made the ultimate sacrifice during their de- the first encyclopedia of community history to introduce two stories written in the Wash- ployment. Their service and sacrifice will never created expressly for the Internet—an ac- ington Post on September 25, 2007 entitled, be forgotten. complishment that made Walt exceedingly ‘‘A Little Rock Reminder’’ and ‘‘The Legacy of proud. But being the first meant blazing My office stands ready to assist all military Little Rock’’, in recognition of the 50th anniver- trails where no historians had gone before, personnel and their families. I believe strongly sary of the integration of the school system of not only in designing and organizing the on- that our Federal Government must keep its Little Rock, AR, by a brave group of Black line encyclopedia, but also in competing for promise to all those who have served. Pro- children who came to be known as ‘‘The Little funding in a dot-com world. Walt always re- viding the necessary healthcare, education, ferred to our efforts as ‘‘venture socialism.’’ Rock Nine’’. and disability benefits to meet the needs of Helped along by a hand-picked staff—many Integration has been a long and difficult our veterans is both a responsibly and a moral of whom still write, edit, and contribute to process here in the United States. Only 50 the site—as well as by a topnotch board of obligation. Regardless of where individuals stand on years have passed since President Dwight Ei- trustees, HistoryLink.org grew to become a senhower decided to send soldiers to protect success, and in 2003 expanded its coverage the issues that face this Nation in Iraq we all statewide. Today it receives more than four must continue to support the men and women and defend the newly acquired rights of nine million hits a month. It is read by students, who volunteer to serve in the U.S. Armed Black students to go to a previously all White teachers, journalists, genealogists, history Forces all around the world. school. Those brave Black students who en- buffs, and anybody who wants to know more As we welcome home members of the dured the difficulties of starting the process of about the people and events that shaped 1/34th, we must also keep in our thoughts and desegregation in schools in 1957 should be Washington’s growth and development. remembered and appreciated today, on the Besides penning some of HistoryLink’s prayers the many active duty military per- sonnel, Reservists and Minnesota Guard anniversary, and everyday. books, Walt wrote a large number of essays It has been proven that integration is a key and editorials on topics that appealed to his members who continue to serve in harm’s way interests, including state politics, political in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and elsewhere factor in the success of our society. A school shifts, mayoral transitions, municipal own- around the world. I commend each and every where all races and nationalities work together ership, civil violence, Seattle’s neighbor- one of them for their strength, courage and is giving their students more than classes; hoods, streetcars, monorails, aviation, the dedication. they are teaching them the correct way to live, Space Needle, and even flying saucers. With I would like to thank my colleague from Min- in harmony with the world. In addition it has such a wealth of Walt’s words and knowledge nesota, Mr. WALZ, for bringing this important been proven that an integrated learning envi- and insight contained in our site, we here at ronment leads to greater academic success. HistoryLink.org take comfort in the fact resolution to the House floor, and for his serv- ice to this country. I commend members of the Our society today still has a long way to go that as we continue to grow and expand our but it is a much healthier one than 50 years content, we will never lose his voice—even Minnesota National Guard’s 1st Brigade Com- though we have lost a colleague, a mentor, bat Team, 34th Infantry Division. ago. These children were brave enough to un- derstand what their parents and other leaders and most of all, our friend. f of their community knew—that they deserve f TAIWAN PLANE SALES the same rights as the next one; they too are COMMENDING THE 1ST BRIGADE citizens of the United States and all it rep- COMBAT TEAM/34TH INFANTRY HON. SCOTT GARRETT resents. Their efforts need to be commended. DIVISION OF THE MINNESOTA OF NEW JERSEY [From the Washington Post, Sept. 25, 2007] NATIONAL GUARD IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES A LITTLE ROCK REMINDER: NINE PIONEERS Tuesday, October 2, 2007 SHOWED WHY SCHOOL INTEGRATION MATTERS SPEECH OF (By Juan Williams) Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Fifty years ago this week, President HON. BETTY McCOLLUM Speaker, despite recent aggressive behavior Dwight Eisenhower risked igniting the sec- OF MINNESOTA from China, Taiwan’s democracy has contin- ond U.S. civil war by sending 1,000 American IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ued to grow and flourish. I am pleased that soldiers into a Southern city. The troops, Monday, October 1, 2007 this House can come together today in sup- with bayonets at the end of their rifles, pro- port of Taiwan. vided protection for nine black students try- Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speak- China’s industrial buildup in the last decade ing to get into Little Rock’s Central High er, today I rise strong support of H. Con. Res. has been unprecedented. While Chinese citi- School. Until the soldiers arrived, the black 185. I join the gentleman from Minnesota, Mr. zens have been taking advantage of their in- teenagers had been kept out by mobs and the Arkansas National Guard, in defiance of the WALZ in offering this resolution. Our entire creased economic freedom, the Chinese gov- State joins together in welcoming home the Supreme Court’s 1954 ruling ending school ernment has been using this economic growth segregation. 2,600 members of the Minnesota National to build up their military and position new and The black children involved became the Guard’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th In- dangerous weapons along the Taiwan Strait. leading edge of a social experiment. Their fantry Division who recently returned from The Taiwanese request to purchase 66 F– lives offer answers to the question of what Iraq. 16 fighter planes will assist them in countering happens to black children who attend inte- During the 22-month deployment of the the growing threat of Chinese militarism. grated schools, a question underscored by 1/34th BCT, these courageous citizen soldiers These weapons will allow the Taiwanese to the recent Supreme Court ruling that vol- served Minnesota and our Nation with honor untary school integration plans in Louisville balance the threat of hundreds of Chinese and Seattle are unconstitutional. and dignity. Their service frequently put them fighters and bombers that are stationed just on The June decision said a focus on mixing in harm’s way, and we are grateful for their the other side of the Strait. students based on their skin color violates safe return to their families. Since the war in We have always stood by our friends in Tai- every student’s right to be judged as an indi- Iraq began our friends, families and neighbors wan and today we call on the President to en- vidual without regard to race. The ruling

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