[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 2 (Thursday, January 5, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E41]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            TRIBUTE TO THE LATE DR. MARJORIE STEWART JOYNER

                                 ______


                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 4, 1995
  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning with great sadness to pay 
tribute to the late Dr. Marjorie Stewart Joyner, who passed away on 
Tuesday, December 27, 1994. Dr. Joyner was an inspiration to 
generations of Chicagoans who grew up coming to know and respect her 
for her remarkable achievements.
  Dr. Joyner was born in 1896 in Monterey, VA. After moving to Chicago 
in 1912, Dr. Joyner embarked on a long and prosperous career in the 
beauty parlor business. In fact, she was the first African-American to 
attend and graduate from a Chicago-based beauty school, and later 
invented and patented a permanent wave in 1928.
  It was through her endeavors in this field that Dr. Joyner was able 
to work toward providing increased economic opportunities for African-
Americans. Her support made it possible for the establishment of the 
Cosmopolitan Community Church in Chicago in 1934. In addition, she and 
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt established the National Council of Negro 
Women in 1935. This organization has been dedicated since that time in 
addressing Negro and women's issues. Later, Dr. Joyner founded the 
United Beauty Owners and Teachers Association and the Alpha Chi Phi 
Omega Sorority. Dr. Joyner was also active in local charitable events, 
including the annual Chicago Defender Bud Billiken Parade, the largest 
parade for the African-American community in the country.
  Mr. Speaker, Dr. Joyner was an American treasure who throughout her 
long life gave tirelessly of herself for the advancement of her race 
and of all persons in need. She drew strong accolades from leaders and 
political figures around the country, and I am but one in a long line 
of persons who have come to pay their respects for this true American 
patriot. On this day, Mr. Speaker, I join her family, her friends, and 
all of Chicago and the Nation, in mourning the loss of a dear and 
special friend.


                          ____________________