[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 27 (Friday, March 11, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                          DR. JOHN B. COLEMAN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Texas [Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson] is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the State of Texas 
suffered a great loss over the weekend with the passing of Dr. John B. 
Coleman, a great friend and mentor to scores of Democratic politicians.
  As Democrats throughout Texas all know, Dr. Coleman was more than a 
great physician and successful entrepreneur. He was the kind of friend, 
community servant, and philanthropist that made Texas extremely proud 
to call him a native son.
  On behalf of my colleagues from Texas, I am deeply honored to share 
with this body the memory of a man who contributed so very much to 
Democratic politics, and principles. His quiet leadership, and his 
political activism without regard for personal gain, will ensure that 
his memory will live forever in the minds and hearts of every freedom 
loving Texan.
  Dr. Coleman was a man of great conscience, whose legacy will long be 
felt even beyond the borders of Texas. Dr. Coleman lived daily what he 
preached. His relentless support of black American and other minority 
candidates, and his devotion to the minority community, while choosing 
to stay out of the limelight of politics, will leave a void that will 
be difficult to fill.
  My Democratic colleagues would remind me that Dr. Coleman's support 
was not limited to black American politicians. Ask any of the previous 
mayors of the city of Houston, or the governor of Texas. He constantly 
sought out candidates whose moral fiber comported with his own strict 
standards, whether they were black American or not. In short, he put 
his money where his mouth was.
  When Dr. Coleman finished medical school and returned to his native 
Houston in 1962, most hospitals would not allow him to practice. Nor 
could he eat at the local diners, or play golf with other doctors at 
the local country clubs. A man of impressive patience and enduring 
character, he thereafter devoted his life to chipping away at the 
prohibitions against black patronage of hotels, theaters, and other 
businesses.
  Dr. Coleman epitomized independence and self-sufficiency, and 
encouraged other black Americans to practice the same. His black-owned 
radio station has been one of the most influential voices of the black 
community.
  In education, Dr. Coleman was an impassioned and devoted leader. He 
was one of the first black Americans to be appointed by a Texas 
Governor to the board of regents of the prestigious Texas A&M 
University. He also served with pride on board of regents of Texas 
Southern University, and chairman of the board of the United Negro 
College Fund.
  For black Americans everywhere, John B. Coleman leaves behind a 
legacy of pride and inspiration.
  For the State of Texas, Dr. Coleman was the embodiment of good 
politics, and good citizenship. As a number of Texas legislators have 
said, ``he didn't look at the outcome of a political race for himself, 
but what was good for the community.''
  I sincerely believe that the State of Texas is a better place to live 
because of the life-long community efforts of Dr. John B. Coleman.

                          ____________________