[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   JOE LANG KERSHAW: AN AMERICAN HERO

                                 ______


                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 5, 1994

  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, in the 1930's a young black 
college student found a job as a janitor sweeping up cigarette butts 
off the floor of the all-white Florida Legislature In order to pay for 
his school expenses at Florida A&M University. Joe Kershaw did that 
job, and he received his bachelor's degree in history and social 
studies. He continued with his studies and earned his master's degree 
in administration and supervision. Joe Lang Kershaw has always worked 
hard to make a difference, and what a difference he's made.
  Just a few years after his humble beginnings sweeping trash off the 
floor of the Florida Legislature, Joe Kershaw returned there, only this 
time as the first African-American elected to the legislature since 
Reconstruction.
  Joe Lang Kershaw did not stop while he was a janitor, and would not 
stop as a legislator. He served as vice chairman of the House 
Committees on Health and Rehabilitative Services, as well as the 
Committee on Regulated Industries and Criminal Justice. As chairman of 
the Elections Committee, Mr. Kershaw hand-crafted the reform of the 
State's election code, and thereby created a system of increased 
representation and public participation in the electoral process.
  Some of Joe Lang Kershaw's finest accomplishments have been in the 
field of education. He established the Black Archives Research Center 
and Museum at Florida A&M University, which today is one of the largest 
repositories of African and African-American artifacts and papers in 
the Nation.
  This past August, Mr. Kershaw was awarded an honorary doctorate from 
Florida A&M, the very same university he worked so hard to attend so 
many years ago. It is a fitting way to thank an individual who has 
played such an important role in opening doors for citizens of all 
colors and origins, and who has consistently placed the wants of the 
community before his own personal needs. He is an inspiration to his 
community, his State, and to his Nation. We are proud of his 
accomplishments, and thank him for a job well done.

                          ____________________