October 6, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2033 ensure state legislatures a strong, cohesive ing and athletics. He used his fame as keys to IN RECOGNITION OF THE STOCK- voice in the federal system. experiment in the musical world and also act- YARD REDEVELOPMENT ORGANI- The ideals of strong and effective leadership ing. Nevertheless his fame is attributed to his ZATION are the cornerstones upon which the NCSL remarkable achievements in his boxing. He Leadership Institute was founded. Leadership was one of the first athletic stars to cross over is an essential ingredient of any legislature. into different mediums of public spotlight. HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH Moving beyond conflict and partisanship to Sugar was known for his huge entourages and OF OHIO meet the real needs of people is the funda- public displays of success, truly a man who mental test of legislative leadership. enjoyed the life he lived. He showed genera- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The NCSL Leadership Institute seminars tions of young African Americans that raw Thursday, October 6, 2005 foster lively discussions and provocative case physical talent was not enough. Skill, ability studies, where promising leaders can explore and education were also important. Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to their common values and the future of the leg- In 1989 Sugar Ray Robinson died a month recognize the Stockyard Redevelopment Or- islature in a bi-partisan setting. ganization (SRO), which has done much to Numerous State Legislators have attended before his birthday, leaving behind a plethora oversee the redevelopment of Cleveland’s the Leadership Institute in its 10 years of oper- of fans, along with countless influences and Stockyard neighborhood in Ohio’s 10th Con- ation. The future of our government depends friends. Sugar Ray Robinson represented gressional District. Once the center of Cleve- on the quality and creativity of the men and hope and optimism for the African American land’s stockyard industry, this neighborhood, women who lead it and is imperative that we community during an era of blatant and sys- like many such neighborhoods in Cleveland endorse programs that instill leadership quali- tematic racial oppression. He aided in racial ties. On behalf of past, present and future relations in athletics while giving African Amer- and around the country in the decades fol- Legislators, I extend my continued support icans a sense of pride as an example of Afri- lowing World War II, became blighted as com- and appreciation of the NCSL Leadership In- can American perseverance and strength over panies fled to the suburbs, sunbelt, or over- stitute. the negative barriers. Sugar Ray broke these seas while residents followed the new free- barriers, charging forward for his people to be ways out of town. f seen, to be respected and to be loved. It was In March 2000, when SRO’s newly ap- HONORING THE MULTI-TALENTED a fight to show that African American people pointed director Alex Brazynetz visited my of- SUGAR RAY ROBINSON were not inferior and should be granted equal fice for the first time, he brought big dreams, opportunity. significant problems, and a small request. His HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL The African American hero, the American dream was the revitalization of this long-ne- OF NEW YORK idol, Sugar Ray Robinson showed the Amer- glected inner city neighborhood. The problem IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ican people a black man that was a powerful was that the privately owned and crumbling Thursday, October 6, 2005 warrior, and clearly the best of his time in and West 67th Place was not eligible for highway out of the ring. I have reintroduced legislation funding or local road maintenance, while the Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recog- in the 109th Congress to recognize the stellar owner was unable to provide the maintenance. nize and honor the esteemed boxer Sugar career of Sugar Ray Robinson. It is an honor The request was for a creative way to get this Ray Robinson for his positive impact on the which Sugar Ray Robinson very well deserves street fixed to retain the last remaining busi- athletic world as one of the greatest boxers of and I truly hope my colleagues will join me in nesses and to attract new business to this all time, and to honor his service as a role this effort. blighted neighborhood. The key to overcoming model with an extraordinary positive influence the obstacle and realizing the dream was a on his community. Sugar Ray Robinson was a f federal Economic Development Administration prime example of an American role model, a (EDA) grant to fix West 6th Place. man from an era where blacks were seen and INTRODUCTION OF THE NURSING treated as second class citizens and he fo- HOME EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE In conjunction with the SRO, the Westside cused on his talent in order to achieve great- ACT Industrial Retention and Expansion Network ness, the story of a true hero. At a time when (WIRE-Net) and the EDA, the City of Cleve- African American youth did not have African land agreed to purchase West 67th Place for American icons to idolize; Sugar Ray more HON. RON PAUL a nominal fee, making the street eligible for a than filled this void, by being an enormous federal grant. The $1.2 million grant was the boxing influence to a variety of African Amer- OF TEXAS key to completing a $1.8 million infrastructure ican children, some of whom became Muham- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES investment. This investment then leveraged mad Ali, and Sugar Ray Leonard whom even $24.7 million in additional and proposed in- took Robinson’s nickname. He gave these Thursday, October 6, 2005 vestment in the immediate area, along with re- kids something to believe in and something to alizing 362 additional jobs. Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce be proud of. Building on the success of the West 67th The phrase ‘‘pound for pound the best’’ was the Nursing Home Emergency Assistance Act. This act makes private, for-profit nursing Place project, the SRO is currently under- coined in honor of Sugar Ray’s boxing suc- taking a Land Use Study of the West 65th cess, and has been used to reference suc- homes eligible for the same federal aid as is currently available to public nursing homes. Street, Denison Avenue & Ridge Road cor- cessful boxers ever since. Walker ‘‘Sugar ridors in collaboration with WIRE-Net and with Ray’’ Smith was born in Detroit, Michigan in Under current federal law, only public nursing support from Councilmen Matthew Zone 1921. He began boxing as an amateur in New homes may receive federal disaster assist- (Ward 17) and Kevin Kelley (Ward 16) and the York City, where he quickly advanced to the ance. However, hurricanes, tornadoes, and nearby City of Brooklyn, Ohio. professional circuit in 1940. New York has al- earthquakes do not distinguish between pri- ways been a tough city and to make it there vate and public, or for-profit and not-for-profit, Mr. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, as Sugar Ray Robinson did, you have to be nursing homes. the success in Cleveland’s Stockyard neigh- among the best of the best. From 1946 to As I have recently seen in my district, all borhood proves that small federal investments 1951 he became the world welterweight cham- nursing homes face unique challenges coping in our nation’s cities can be stretched and le- pion and the world middleweight title holder. with natural disasters and their aftermaths. It veraged to go a long way to help rebuild our Sugar Ray’s athletic ability clearly outmatched is not fair to the taxpayers who work in, reside cities. More of these opportunities must be his opponents, fight after fight. A fierce com- in, or have entrusted the care of their loved made available. We must continue to rebuild petitor, Sugar Ray’s final record was an utterly ones to, a private nursing home that private the commercial, industrial, and residential amazing 174 wins, 109 of them being knock- nursing homes are denied the same federal bases of our nation’s cities like Cleveland and outs, and only 19 losses and 6 draws; this aid available to their public counterparts. Mr. neighborhoods like the Stockyard, with the being a remarkable testament to Sugar Ray’s Speaker, the Nursing Home Emergency As- help of federal investments like what we’ve amazing athletic accomplishments within the sistance Act ensures all residents of nursing seen successfully done in conjunction with the boxing circuit. homes can benefit from federal disaster aid. I federal Economic Development Administration, Sugar Ray Robinson was a Renaissance encourage my colleagues to support this legis- the City of Cleveland, and the Stockyard Re- man; he did not restrict himself to solely box- lation. development Organization.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:55 Oct 07, 2005 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06OC8.081 E06OCPT1 E2034 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 6, 2005 THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE tion Region 18, as President of the Upper Pe- the aches and pains of age, and does not JUSTICE STUDIES DEPARTMENT ninsula Business Teachers’ Association, as need to wear her glasses when reading. She AT SAN JOSE´ STATE UNIVER- President of the Gogebic County District of the is also a woman of strong Christian faith. SITY Michigan Education Association, as President In recognition of a lifetime of generosity and of the Wisconsin Alumni Association and as a love, I ask my colleagues in the House of HON. ZOE LOFGREN board member and President of the Northern Representatives to join me in honoring Vera OF CALIFORNIA Michigan University ‘‘N’’ Club. McDonald as she celebrates her 90th birthday. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Korpi further served the MEA as Presi- f dent and Treasurer of the Michigan Education Thursday, October 6, 2005 Association Professional Staff Association IN HONOR OF JIM BOREN, NA- Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. serving all Uni-Serv Directors in Michigan; as TIONAL MEDIA CITATION AWARD Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th President of the National Staff Organization; WINNER Anniversary of the Justice Studies Department and as the Uni-Serv Director for the Michigan at San Jose´ State University. Education Association/National Education As- HON. JIM COSTA The Justice Studies Department at San sociation from 1964 until 1981. OF CALIFORNIA Jose´ State was the first degree-granting pro- In addition to holding many high ranking po- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES gram in criminal justice in the United States. It sitions within the MEA, Mr. Korpi was also the Thursday, October 6, 2005 was founded in 1930 by August Vollmer, then founder, leader, organizer and Treasurer of Chief of Police in Berkeley, California, and the Upper Peninsula Education Association, Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to T.W. MacQuarrie, the President of San Jose´ which continues to be a valuable organization honor Jim Boren for receiving national rec- State College. In 1935, nation’s oldest profes- for teachers bargaining labor contracts across ognition as an outstanding journalist by the sional law enforcement fraternity, Chi Pi the Upper Peninsula. Journalism Education Association which re- Sigma, was founded at San Jose´ State. Arnold Korpi is known for far more than his cently awarded Mr. Boren with the National The department prepares students for posi- brilliant organizing and advocacy skills. De- Media Citation Award. tions of responsibility and leadership in fed- scribed as an early leader and a moving force Jim Boren is an established journalist who eral, state and local law enforcement, in gov- for the Michigan Teacher Tenure Act, Mr. has won numerous awards and recognition ernment investigative branches, in institutional Korpi helped lay the groundwork for the pro- from national organizations and community and community correctional offices, the court fessional teachers’ bargaining and job security groups. Jim Boren was one of California State system, social services, public health, and in issues. He was part of the historic Teacher University, Fresno’s finest graduates and had the educational field. Alumni of the program Tenure legislation which enabled classroom many opportunities to leave the Valley in pur- have gone on to become leaders and educators to teach and act without fear of re- suit of prestige. Being the dedicated Fresnan innovators in our community, and have made prisal, thus fostering and encouraging the aca- that he is, however, Jim chose to stay in his a positive impact on countless lives. demic freedoms for all Michigan teachers. community and share his talent with his home- As a Member of Congress, I fully under- Mr. Speaker, I ask the U.S. House of Rep- town. stand the importance and impact that this pro- resentatives to join me in thanking Mr. Arnold Beginning his career in 1972, Jim joined the gram plays in securing the safety of our com- Korpi and his family for his dedication to the Fresno Bee. He worked his way up from a munity and ensuring that our laws are carried education labor movement in Michigan. Arnold general assignment reporter to becoming the out fairly and responsibly. I am proud to stand Korpi has more than earned his place in Fresno Bee’s main political writer. He spent 15 here today to recognize the Justice Studies Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Labor Hall of years in that position keeping the San Joaquin Department at San Jose´ State University and Fame for his commitment to his community Valley informed about local and national I urge them to continue the important work of and his teaching profession. events by covering local elections, guber- educating the next generation of justice pro- f natorial races and presidential campaigns. In fessionals. 1995 Jim Boren became Editor of the editorial IN CELEBRATION OF VERA f page in the Fresno Bee. MCDONALD’S 90TH BIRTHDAY Jim Boren has a well-deserved reputation INDUCTION OF ARNOLD KORPI as a skilled and reliable investigative reporter. INTO THE UPPER PENINSULA HON. JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD His journalistic abilities, compassion, and be- LABOR HALL OF FAME OF CALIFORNIA lief in justice are credited in the release of in- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nocent prisoners charged for crimes they did not commit. HON. BART STUPAK Thursday, October 6, 2005 OF MICHIGAN Mr. Boren has been the recipient of numer- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD. Mr. Speaker, ous awards for his talent as a journalist. He I rise to congratulate my mother-in-law, Mrs. has received notoriety from various organiza- Thursday, October 6, 2005 Vera McDonald of Los Angeles, California, tions, including an investigative reporting Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to who celebrated her 90th birthday on July 18th award from the Society of Professional Jour- pay tribute to an educator who has played a of this year. nalists, the Jim Tucker Award from California key role in organizing teachers in Michigan’s Vera Jackson McDonald was born in Mem- State University, Fresno, and the national Upper Peninsula for seventeen years. It is for phis, Tennessee on July 18, 1915, to Walter honor of receiving the Friend of Scholastic this lifelong dedication to his noble profession and Lola Jackson. As a young girl and the old- Journalism Award from the Journalism Edu- of teaching and contributions to the labor est of 6 children, Vera spent her formative cation Association. movement that Arnold Korpi so richly deserves years assisting her parents in caring for her For his contributions and loyalty to the com- to be inducted into the Upper Peninsula Labor younger siblings and running the household munity, it is with great pleasure that I extend Hall of Fame. while her parents worked. the gratitude and appreciation of the residents After spending nearly two decades, from In 1942 at the age of 22, Vera married Artie of the San Joaquin Valley to Jim Boren. 1946 to 1964, as a business education teach- Lee Miller. Although they did not have any f er in Rockland and Wakefield, Michigan and children of their own, they raised a large fam- as a professor at Gogebic Community Col- ily after they took custody of their neighbor’s A REDESIGN OF THE $1 COIN TO lege, Mr. Korpi became an early labor leader six children following the parents’ tragic and COMMEMORATE THE LIFE AND for the teachers of Michigan’s Upper Penin- premature death. LEGACY OF MARTIN LUTHER sula. On September 16, 1977, we welcomed Vera KING, JR. Mr. Korpi was tireless in his commitment as into our family when she married James a leader in the labor cause. Mr. Korpi held a McDonald, my father in law, following the HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL number of prestigious positions throughout the passing of her first husband, Mr. Miller. At 90 OF NEW YORK Michigan Education Association (MEA) and years old, Vera remains a source of inspiration IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES civic organizations, including his service on and happiness for our entire family. Vera the Board of Directors of the Michigan Edu- would be the first to tell you that, despite her Thursday, October 6, 2005 cation Special Services Association (MESSA), remarkable age, she remains active and inde- Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to as President of Michigan Education Associa- pendent. She doesn’t suffer from arthritis or invite Congress to join me in cosponsoring

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