[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 6 (Tuesday, February 1, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[Congressional Record: February 1, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO MR. RALPH McCARTNEY
(Mrs. MEEK asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Mrs. MEEK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Ralph McCartney,
who resides in Overtown, FL in the 17th Congressional District of
Florida. Mr. McCartney, a community activist, is the last of eight
children born to Lillian and Leon McCartney. He has been and is a major
contributor to the community of Overtown. Mr. McCartney may be best
known for his eloquence in reciting great works of literature, however,
his most outstanding contributions are from working behind the scenes.
Of the many contributions that he has made to greater Miami, three
McCartney activities have had, and will continue to have positive
impacts on the people for years to come.
First, there is the Edison Park Elementary I-95 Overpass. As a result
of the relentless efforts of Mr. McCartney, the Edison Park Elementary
I-95 Overpass was constructed. Young children no longer have to face
the death-defying temptations of taking a short-cut across I-95 to get
to school.
Second, the U.S. Department of Defense Race Relations Institute.
Because of the success of this program, those individuals who came
through the Miami experience have a much more significant appreciation
and understanding of their role in making America and the military a
better place for all.
And third, the rebuilding of the Booker T. Washington School. The
tireless work of Mr. McCartney, the late Dr. Johnny Jones, the school
board, and the community, led to the successful rebuilding of the
school.
There is so much more that I can say about Mr. Ralph McCartney;
however, his untiring drive to make our community a better place speaks
volumes. When asked how he wants to be remembered, he replies, ``That I
was a McCartney.''
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