[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 22 (Thursday, March 3, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                CONGRESSMAN KILDEE HONORS ELIZABETH ROSS

                                 ______


                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 1994

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to stand before you 
today to pay tribute to Mrs. Elizabeth Ross of Pontiac MI, and her 
family. As we celebrate the International Year of the Family, 1994, we 
must not forget those heroes who continue so given to much of 
themselves to the community. Elizabeth Ross is one of Pontiac, 
Michigan's silent heroes.
  To understand the true greatness of Elizabeth Ross, you must examine 
the history of her family over the past three generations. This history 
was complied by Elizabeth's niece, Susan Banks, Ph.D., the first member 
of her family to earn a doctorate. I will share with you some 
highlights from the Ross family history.
  Albert and Hattie Ross, Elizabeth's parents, moved to Pontiac in the 
mid-1920's from their home in Anderson, IN. They came hoping to take 
full advantage of the opportunity for economic advancement offered by 
the up-and-coming automobile industry. The automobile industry had 
become big business in Detroit, MI by 1916 and by 1920, Pontiac Motors 
had built two facilities in the city of Pontiac. Many white workers 
left their original jobs upon being hired by the automobile industry 
and blacks moved north to fill the vacancies. By the 1930's, blacks, 
including Albert Ross, were able to work in these factories.
  Although they barely completed the eighth grade, Elizabeth's parents, 
Albert and Hattie, established a strong respect for education in all of 
the future generations of their family. One quarter of their children, 
along with sons and daughters-in-law, have bachelors degrees and 
Elizabeth is no exception. Elizabeth attended Tennessee Agriculture and 
Industry College, known today as Tennessee State University, received a 
bachelors degree in food and nutrition and became a registered 
dietitian.
  After graduation Elizabeth traveled to Daytona beach, FL to visit a 
classmate attending Bethune-Cookman college. Her friend, Sara Davis had 
become Dean of Women under the college's president, Mary McLeod 
Bethune. Elizabeth Ross considers her subsequent meeting with Ms. 
Bethune to be a shining moment in her life. A photograph was taken of 
the three women during this visit. Over the years it has become a 
family heirloom and major topic of discussions at family reunions.
  Elizabeth continues to be active in her community. On Saturday in the 
warmer months, you can find her serving pancakes in downtown Pontiac 
for the benefit of local charities. She recently organized the reunion 
of three generations of the Ross family. Elizabeth was recently 
recognized on the front page of the Pontiac-Auburn Citizens Post for 
her life time achievements and commitment to her family.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my fellow Members of the 103d Congress to 
join me in celebrating the International Year of the Family and in 
recognizing the priceless contributions of the Ross family and one of 
its most outstanding members, Elizabeth Ross.

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