[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 31 (Thursday, February 16, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  A SPECIAL SALUTE TO MARTHA E. BOLDEN: CELEBRATING A LIFE OF ACTIVISM

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                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 16, 1995
  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I take pride in rising today to salute a 
resident of my Congressional District, Mrs. Martha E. Bolden, who was 
recently profiled in the Plain Dealer newspaper. In the article which 
is entitled, ``Four Score and Ten: A Life of Activism,'' the reporter 
explores the life of this outstanding individual and her contributions 
to our city. Mrs. Bolden is well known for her commitment to improving 
the lives of others. I want to share with my colleagues and the Nation 
some information regarding this outstanding individual.
  Mrs. Bolden was the operator of a beauty shop in Mobile, AL, during 
the 1930's when she was encouraged to vote because she was a business 
owner. Her $200 poll tax fee was paid by one of the city's black 
physicians. In order to register to vote, Mrs. Bolden was also required 
to memorize the Seventh Amendment to the Constitution. With 
determination, she overcame this obstacle and became a registered 
voter, achieving celebrity status in the black community. This action 
and determination on the part of Martha Bolden represented the 
beginning of a lifetime of activism.
  Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Bolden moved to Cleveland, OH, in 1953. Over the 
years, the Cleveland community has benefited greatly from her strong 
leadership. Upon arriving in Cleveland, Mrs. Bolden immediately became 
active in the Hough community, encouraging her neighbors to vote and 
work in political campaigns. When riots destroyed city neighborhoods in 
the mid-1960's, Mrs. Bolden was instrumental in helping to rebuild the 
city. She was a founding member of the Hough Area Development Corp., 
which was one of the first community-based development corporations in 
the country. The organization played a key role in revitalizing the 
neighborhood, including the development of shopping facilities and 
housing estates for residents.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to salute Martha Bolden on the House Floor 
today. I can recall that she was one of my first clients when I began 
practicing law in Cleveland. As an attorney, I represented her when she 
purchased her home in the city. I also recall that Mrs. Bolden was an 
active worker in my political campaigns. At the age of 90, she is still 
politically involved as one of the ``101 Women for Stokes.''
  Mr. Speaker, Martha E. Bolden is a hero to many, and an inspiration 
to all of us. Throughout her life, she has given unselfishly of her 
time and talent in an effort to make our city better and empower the 
community. Her political activism has made the difference in the lives 
of many. We salute her for her dedication and commitment. I want to 
share with my colleagues the article regarding Mrs. Bolden which 
appeared in the Plain Dealer. I ask them to join me in paying tribute 
to this exceptional individual.


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