[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 122 (Wednesday, July 26, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1519]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 HONORING DR. LINCOLN J. RAGSDALE, SR.

                                 ______


                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 26, 1995
  Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to take this opportunity to pay 
tribute to a great man, a distinguished citizen, and a dear personal 
friend, Dr. Lincoln J. Ragsdale, Sr.
  Born on July 27, 1926, Dr. Ragsdale's accomplishments began early in 
his life. After serving in World War II, he graduated from the 
Prestigious Tuskegee Flying School in 1945 as a commissioned second 
lieutenant. In what would later shape much of his life, Dr. Ragsdale 
became the first black pilot at Luke Air Force Base in Litchfield Park, 
AZ.
  Following his military career, he continued his education with great 
success. He graduated magna cum laude from the California College of 
Mortuary Science in Los Angeles, CA. Continuing his education, he 
received an associate of arts degree from Phoenix College and bachelor 
of science degree from Arizona State University. Additionally, he held 
an honorary doctor of law degree from Shorter College and earned a 
doctor of philosophy degree in business administration from Union 
Graduate School in Cincinnati, OH.
  This was only the beginning. Dr. Ragsdale became a successful 
entrepreneur and a community activist. His accomplishments too numerous 
to mention, Dr. Ragsdale will always be remembered for his efforts as a 
civil rights leader.
  Having endured racism, discrimination, and injustice throughout much 
of his life, Dr. Ragsdale never forgot his roots. Many times, at the 
expense of his business endeavors, he devoted himself to fighting the 
racial barriers he had faced. In the 1950's and 1960's, he fought to 
end segregation in Phoenix and secure a better life for all men and 
women. He did this with passion and without fear of the consequences. 
The love and support of his family and strong belief in God served as 
his sources of strength.
  Dr. Lincoln Ragsdale's life and accomplishments embody the true 
values--love of family, nation, and God--that have made this a great 
country. A man of vision, he served as a source of inspiration and hope 
for many of us who have followed his steps in our struggle for equality 
and justice for all citizens. May his deeds and actions serve us all as 
a guiding light to lead our efforts in pursuit of a better tomorrow for 
generations to come.


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