[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]

 
   A TRIBUTE TO CITIZENS FOR PROGRESS--PRAISE FOR ITS FOUNDER, MRS. 
                            NOVELLA WILLIAMS

                                 ______


                        HON. LUCIEN E. BLACKWELL

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 1994

  Mr. BLACKWELL. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, October 29, 1994, at the 
fabulous, new Pennsylvania Convention Center, hundreds will gather to 
celebrate the 30th anniversary of a nonprofit organization in my 
congressional district, Citizens for Progress. This multipurpose, 
national, human rights organization was founded in Philadelphia in 
1964.
  The celebration will be a tribute to the work of this organization, 
but it will also provide an opportunity to acknowledge and honor the 
founder, president and chief executive officer of the organization, 
Mrs. Novella Williams.
  A tireless community leader and organizer, Mrs. Williams has founded 
more than two dozen citizen action groups, focusing her powerful 
attention in such areas as education, alcohol and drug abuse 
prevention, recreation, housing, health care, crime prevention and 
economic development. This parent, wife, loving mother, and activist is 
a native of Raleigh, NC. She has resided in Philadelphia since 1948 
with her husband, Thomas. She is the natural mother of one son and 
three daughters, and the surrogate mother of three sons since their 
toddler years, who were born to her deceased sister.
  Mrs. Williams has received numerous awards for her hard work and 
dedication. From the Philadelphia Urban Coalition, she obtained the 
Outstanding Member Award. The National Association of Public 
Accountants named her Woman of the Year. The Bronze Association honored 
her with the Cultural Advancement Award. From West Philadelphia High 
School, she received the Community Service Award. The National 
Opportunities Industrialization Center [OIC] recognized her with the 
Humanitarian Award. The National Association of University Women 
honored her with their Community Service Award. And, from the 
Philadelphia Health and Welfare Council, she was given the Achievement 
Award. These are just a representative sampling of the many awards, 
tributes, and recognition Mrs. Williams has received over her years of 
community and public service.
  It is obvious, therefore, why the Citizens for Progress have been so 
effective. Through the years, they have forced the closing of many 
undesirable establishments, including liquor stores. They were a 
catalyst for the development of the West Philadelphia Community Free 
School. They provide outreach, sponsoring workshops and programs to 
help keep the citizens informed about employment and educational 
opportunities. And, they provide health information.
  The program for the evening will include dinner, musical 
entertainment, and cultural enrichment, centered around the theme, 
``Families Networking for Peace,'' this black tie affair should offer a 
memorable evening.
  Mr. Speaker, it is rare that one combines talent and tenderness in a 
way that makes an impact and helps to improve the quality of life not 
only for the downtrodden and those without hope, but also for those at 
various stations in life, striving to find a better way for themselves 
and their families. We give tribute to the Citizens for Progress, and 
we praise Mrs. Novella Williams because the organization and the woman 
have dared to make a difference.

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