[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 40 (Thursday, March 21, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H2659-H2660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING ADA LOIS SIPUEL FISHER AND HELEN COLE DURING WOMEN'S HISTORY 
                                 MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Watts] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, there have been two special 
women throughout my life, my deceased mother, Helen Watts, and my 
gracious wife, Frankie Watts, and, of course, my four wonderful 
daughters.
  During this month of March, dedicated as National Women's Month, 
tonight I would like to pay tribute to two very special women from the 
great

[[Page H2660]]

State of Oklahoma that have influenced my political life, Ada Lois 
Sipuel Fisher and Helen Cole.
  Madam Speaker, Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher was born in Chickasha, OK, to 
parents only one generation removed from slavery. She received her 
bachelor's degree from Langston University and then in 1946, applied to 
the all-white University of Oklahoma law school. Because Oklahoma had 
no separate law school for blacks, she contended, the State's official 
policy of separate but equal education was illusory. Her simple request 
for an equal education sparked controversy across the country.
  Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher was a strong woman who endured many trying 
times and eventually triumphed. Her effort to enroll in the University 
of Oklahoma in January 1946, would take Thurgood Marshall and more than 
three years and two trips to the Supreme Court. Ms. Fisher carried 
herself with dignity throughout the entire ordeal. Her patience and 
courage eventually won the support of thousands of Oklahomans, 
including the university president, and it also won justice for her and 
thousands of others who would follow in her footsteps.
  Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher graduated from law school in 1951, earned a 
masters in history in 1968, and then spent many years as a professor 
and chair of social sciences at Langston University. In 1992, in 
recognition of her lifetime of serving, she was appointed a member of 
the board of regents of the university of Oklahoma.
  The Sipuel Case was a legal landmark which pointed the way to the 
elimination of segregation in all of American public education. This 
woman's strength and positive attitude made Oklahoma a better State, 
and it made the United States a better nation.
  Another dynamic Oklahoman is State senator, Helen Cole. Helen Cole is 
a native Oklahoman who has spent her career dedicated to helping others 
through public service in Oklahoma. She served in a variety of 
political offices including the State Republican Committee, Cleveland 
County precinct judge, and the State House of Representatives.
  Throughout her life as a public servant, Helen Cole has championed 
many cases. She is deeply concerned with the drug problem in America 
and works to educate people through Alcohol and Drug Centers. She is 
also involved in promoting ethics in government and belongs to the 
League of Women voters where she strives to encourage others to take an 
active role in government.
  In addition to her public achievements, Senator Cole is a wife and a 
mother. She is as dedicated to her family as she is in her service to 
our great State. She has been a rock of Gibraltar in difficult times 
for many, she has been a friend to me, a consultant, and a prayer 
partner. She has truly been a shining star. Mr. Speaker, it gives me 
great honor to recognize Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher and Helen Cole today. 
They are women who represent great integrity and principle--women we 
Oklahomans are proud to call our own.

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