[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]

 
                       TRIBUTE TO UNITA BLACKWELL

                                 ______


                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 1994

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to pay 
tribute to Ms. Unita Blackwell of Issaquena County, MS. Ms. Blackwell 
is a former elected official, business person, activist, and mother. 
Ms. Blackwell, who earned a master's degree in regional planning from 
the University of Massachusetts, became the first black female mayor in 
Mississippi in 1976.
  Ms. Blackwell made history that day but her journey began over a 
decade before. Ms. Blackwell was one of the key organizers of the 
Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. The Mississippi Freedom 
Democratic Party was the organization that challenged the seating of 
the all-white delegation from Mississippi at the Democratic National 
Convention in Atlantic City, NJ, in 1964.
  In 1973, Ms. Blackwell was a part of this country's effort to 
normalize relationships with the People's Republic of China. In 1977, 
she became the national president of the United States-China People's 
Friendship Association where she served until 1983. During her tenure, 
she led over 15 missions that included approximately 7,000 other 
Americans traveling to China.
  While serving on boards and commissions Ms. Blackwell has influenced 
national public opinion on issues that affect the quality of life for 
rural America. In addition, she was a chief plaintiff in lawsuits to 
end discrimination against blacks seeking housing loans with the 
Farmers Home Administration and was instrumental in desegregating the 
Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol.
  In 1990, Ms. Blackwell was elected the first woman president of the 
National Conference of Black Mayors, which is comprised of 
approximately 400 members. She was also instrumental in the development 
of the Women Caucus of Black Mayors while serving as conference 
president.
  Ms. Blackwell continues her plea for equality and in 1992 her hard 
work and dedication was recognized by being selected as a MacArthur 
Fellow by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The 
unrestricted $350,000 fellowship for creativity in public affairs 
allows Ms. Blackwell to continue her commitment to improving life for 
others.

                          ____________________