[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 76 (Thursday, June 16, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 16, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                  NIDA E. THOMAS, A NATIONAL TREASURE

                                 ______


                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 16, 1994

  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to the 
attention of my colleagues one of America's treasures--Nida E. Thomas. 
Ms. Thomas will celebrate her 80th birthday on Sunday, June 19. Tribute 
will be paid to her on Friday at a community reception.
  When we remember people who have made a difference, Nida Thomas 
always will be included. She has been a pioneer in countless areas. A 
consummate champion of the people, her compassionate, positive, no 
nonsense manner of persuasion has made her a beacon of hope for many. 
Her tireless efforts have benefited the young, the poor, the ill, and 
the disenfranchised.
  Born in Goldsboro, NC, her family moved to Elizabeth, NJ, in 1923. 
Ms. Thomas holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from New York 
University and a masters in social work degree from Clark Atlanta 
University School of Social Work. Ms. Thomas retired in 1984, after 16 
years with the State of New Jersey Department of Education. She served 
as director and assistant deputy of the Commission of Equal Educational 
Opportunity, having set up the office in 1968. This office was 
established to deal with problems of school desegregation in New 
Jersey. The problem was expanded to include Affirmative Action, and 
later, national origin.
  Her prior work experience includes chief of the Bureau of 
Intercultural Relations at the New York State Department of Education; 
executive director of the Urban League of Bergen County; community 
organization secretary, Urban League of Union County. She has been a 
member of the adjutant faculty at Georgian Court College in Lakewood, 
NJ, and at Trenton State College Graduate School of Education, Trenton, 
NJ.
  Although Ms. Thomas retired 10 years ago, she is a very active member 
of the community. I had an opportunity several weeks ago to brief Ms. 
Thomas before she traveled to South Africa to witness the changes since 
the election and inauguration of President Nelson Mandela. It was an 
honor to be able to share my knowledge and experience with someone who 
has done the same, time and time again. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Thomas is 
nationally known and respected for her concern for human rights.
  I am sure my colleagues will join me as I wish Nida E. Thomas a happy 
birthday and healthy future. On behalf of our community, I would like 
to thank her family--brothers, Jesse and Nathaniel Edwards, and 
daughters, Lutrica and Rosemary--for sharing her with us as she guided 
the lives of those who needed it.

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