[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 101 (Thursday, July 28, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
         SALUTING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KANSAS CITY CALL

                                 ______


                            HON. ALAN WHEAT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 1994

  Mr. WHEAT. Mr. Speaker, on July 22, the Kansas City Call, a minority-
owned newspaper in Missouri's Fifth District, celebrated its 75th 
anniversary. Known for its commitment to social justice and racial 
equality, the Call has been a mainstay in Kansas City's black community 
for four generations and has gained national recognition for 
maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity.
  The editor and publisher of the Call, Miss Lucile Bluford, is a 
national figure in her own right, known for her commitment to civil 
rights and her voracious pursuit of the truth. Miss Bluford began her 
career in journalism more than half a century ago. In the 1920's, when 
she was beginning to decide on a career, Miss Bluford opted to pursue 
her dream of writing for a newspaper, even though opportunities for 
black women at that time were few and far between.
  A champion of equal rights for all people, Miss Bluford continues to 
use the Call as a voice for social change. As she stated in her 
editorial printed in the Call's 75th anniversary edition, ``Our job 
over the years has been not to print news about the happenings in the 
community, but to advocate and to campaign for justice, first-class 
citizenship, democracy and fairness.''
  And, Mr. Speaker, Miss Bluford is joined by Donna Stewart, who must 
also be commended for the energy, commitment, and intelligence she has 
displayed as managing editor of the Call.
  Over the span of 75 years, the Call has covered the issues at the 
heart of the community. From its anti-lynching campaigns of the 1920's, 
to its successful fight against racist policies at the University of 
Missouri in the 1930's, to its present-day battle against black-on-
black crime, the Call has kept readers abreast of each of these 
pressing social issues week in and week out. It will surely continue to 
be a voice for social justice for many years to come.
  After 75 years of not missing an issue, the Call's commitment to 
serving the community continues undaunted. For as is noted in its 
diamond anniversary edition, the Call will continue to speak ``for the 
right of every citizen, regardless of color, to have decent housing, 
employment, good schools, and equal opportunities.''
  I am proud to convey my best wishes and warmest congratulations to 
the Call on its 75th anniversary. As the Call looks forward to its next 
75 years, I am confident that it will continue to build on its 
established record of seeking truth and social justice, and serving as 
a shining light and moral compass for our community.

                          ____________________