[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 91 (Tuesday, June 6, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 A TRIBUTE TO LITERARY SCHOLAR AND CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER, BERNARD BARSHAY

                                 ______


                        HON. CHARLES E. SCHUMER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, June 6, 1995
  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an 
extraordinary citizen, Mr. Bernard Barshay. His literary 
accomplishments and social contributions have truly made a significant 
impact on the lives of millions. Like many poor Jewish immigrants who 
worked hard to achieve the American dream, Professor Barshay survived 
on meager resources while growing up in Brooklyn. However, these 
circumstances did not prevent Barshay's remarkable determination to 
succeed and overcome impossible odds.
  Throughout his life, Professor Barshay struggled with his vision, 
eventually becoming legally blind. He continued to pursue his literary 
goals and at the age of 28, became the youngest syndicated writer in 
America. After winning several academic scholarships, Barshay continued 
to prove himself as a writer, playwright, storyteller, and novelist 
despite his failing eyesight. Even as his doctors urged him to 
discontinue his journalistic career, Barshay began teaching, and soon 
after became the chairman of the journalism department at Long Island 
University. At LIU, he was a mentor of the Journalism Honor Society, 
and a member of the Polk Committee, which awards outstanding 
individuals on newspaper writing. Later Barshay went on to produce 
dramatic readings and plays for radio broadcast programs. His love of 
writing and reading developed into yet another successful career as a 
mystery storyteller, poet, and oral dramatist. His works were recorded 
in an album titled ``Four American Murder Mysteries.''
  At the height of his teaching and broadcast career, Barshay paid a 
visit to Louisiana to report on voting rights for blacks. He was then 
arrested and jailed with other civil rights supporters. Inspired by the 
voting rights struggle of African-Americans, Barshay began devoting his 
work toward community activism and educational empowerment. He 
requested a voluntary position as a teacher in Harlem and continued 
reading his poetry and children's stories on radio programs. Ever since 
he moved to the Kensington section of Brooklyn, Professor Barshay has 
worked tirelessly to promote racial harmony between the Jewish and 
black residents. The positive impact he has made on all New Yorkers is 
worthy of national recognition. I am proud to have such an insightful 
and courageous activist residing in Brooklyn.


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