[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 1, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    TRIBUTE TO MABEL GERTRUDE HOLMES

                                 ______


                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 1, 1995
  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the 
attention of my colleagues a tribute that was paid to one of America's 
great educators, the late Ms. Mabel Gertrude Holmes. On Friday, the 
city of Elizabeth, NJ, recognized the achievements of Ms. Holmes. Born 
in Virginia, Ms. Holmes first moved to Elizabeth in 1906. During an era 
when most African-Americans were denied opportunity, she earned a B.S. 
in elementary education from the Newark Normal School in 1921 and went 
on to receive an M.S. in education from New York University. Ms. Holmes 
put her education to great use, she taught second graders at 
Continental School No. 3 for 28 years. Elizabeth is fortunate to have 
had this dedicated educator and concerned citizen as one of its leading 
residents for so many years.
  In 1949, Ms. Holmes became the first African-American to serve as the 
principal of a school in the city of Elizabeth. She served in an 
exemplary manner in that position for 14 years. Ms. Holmes also served 
as a member of the Elizabeth Board of Education from 1966-69. In 
Elizabeth, the name Mabel Gertrude Holmes will always be synonymous 
with education. She served her community well and for a very long 
period of time. Many lives were touched and improved by this kind and 
compassionate woman from Smedley, VA.
  Mabel G. Holmes is an excellent role model for our young people and 
it is appropriate that she is being remembered during Black History 
Month. An educator and humanitarian, her life of service to her 
community is an inspiration to us all. Mr. Speaker, I urge my 
colleagues to join with me in recognition of a truly special woman, the 
late Mabel Gertrude Holmes.


                          ____________________