[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 116 (Wednesday, August 17, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 17, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                            MORNING BUSINESS

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           SENATOR CAROL MOSELEY-BRAUN REMEMBERS CECIL PARTEE

  Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN. Mr. President, many of the actions I have taken in 
my life have been heralded as firsts. But, people like Cecil Partee 
were firsts before I was even born and made my way possible. Mr. Partee 
was an example to me--an example of how to be an excellent legislator, 
an example of how to use the political system to make people's lives 
better, and an example of how to reach goals and hold on to dreams.
  Cecil Partee believed in the Dream of America, and he proved, time 
and time again, that excellence and merit and hard work could overcome 
the odds and barriers he faced as an American of African descent. He 
was always a gentleman, and personified the dignity and class that are 
borne of struggle and achievement.
  When I first ran for the general assembly, Cecil Partee was one of 
the first to become a friend and resource. Sometimes I would go down to 
his office just to sit and talk with him, and learn from his 
intelligence, his patience, and his experience. He was a mentor to me, 
and to countless others who saw public service as a noble calling.
  Mr. Partee was born in Arkansas in 1921. He attended Tennessee State 
University for his undergraduate degree and then chose to pursue a 
career in law. The University of Arkansas would not accept him, 
however. They did not admit African-Americans at the time. The 
university agreed to pay his way to a northern law school. He chose 
Northwestern University Law School in Evanston. We can be thankful he 
came to Illinois and even more thankful that he stayed.
  He passed the Illinois bar in 1947, but was not allowed to attend the 
congratulatory dinner with the other new lawyers, because the hotel 
where the dinner was held did not allow African-Americans. A year later 
Mr. Partee started his public career as an assistant state's attorney. 
In 1956, he was first elected to the Illinois House of Representatives.
  Mr. Partee went on to serve for 10 years in the Illinois House of 
Representatives and for 10 years in the Illinois Senate. He was the 
first African-American to be president of the Senate, a post he held 
from 1971-73 and 1975-77.
  He had a reputation as an astute and able legislator who fought to 
make the lives of ordinary citizens better. He worked to eradicate 
discrimination in the public and private sectors. He wanted to make 
sure that people could get good jobs and decent homes, whatever their 
race or nationality. He worked to ensure that consumers were treated 
fairly under the law. Most importantly, he worked to bring people 
together, and to eliminate barriers to real communication. He was a 
warrior in the battle to make the American dream a reality for all.
  In 1989, Mr. Partee was named state's attorney. He took over the 
position from Mayor Daley, and served in that capacity for a year. He 
also served as city treasurer in Chicago for three terms.
  The people of Illinois owe a great debt to Cecil Partee. He spent 
many of his years serving us, leading us, and making our lives better. 
His legacy is inspiring and tangible.
  Partee's wife and their two children and two grandchildren have much 
to be proud of and much to miss. He was a good man, a pioneer, and a 
great politician. I will miss him. We will all miss him.

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