[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 4 (Tuesday, January 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 VISCLOSKY HONORS RESIDENTS OF NORTHWEST INDIANA ON MARTIN LUTHER KING 
                                  DAY

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 21, 1997

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin 
Luther King, Jr. today, and we reflect on his life and work, we are 
reminded of the challenges that democracy poses to us and the delicacy 
of liberty. Dr. King's life, and unfortunately his vicious murder, 
remind us that we must continually work and, if necessary, fight, to 
secure and protect our freedoms. Dr. King, in his courage to act, his 
willingness to meet challenges, and his ability to achieve, embodied 
all that is good and true in that battle for liberty.
  The spirit of Dr. King lives on in many of the citizens in 
communities throughout our Naiton. It lives on in the people whose 
actions reflect the spirt of resolve and achievement that will help 
move our county into the future. In particular, I would like to 
recognize several distinguished individuals from Indiana's First 
Congressional District, who, in the past year and in their own ways 
have, have acted with courage, met challenges, and used their abilities 
to reach goals and enhance their communities.
  Mr. Jack Parton, director of the United Steelworkers of America, 
District 7, Mr. Eric Mason and Mr. Michael Krueger, both graduates of 
Portage High School, led a prodiversity rally in Portage, IN, last May 
to peacefully, but forcefully, counter a march by the Ku Klux Klan. 
Their efforts sent a strong and clear message to members of the KKK, as 
well as members of our communities and citizens throughout the country, 
that ethnic, racial, and religious hatred will not be tolerated. The 
counter-rally that they developed and carried out was an overwhelming 
success. It generated enormous support from religious, labor, business, 
and civic groups throughout the region. The courage of these men should 
be held up as an example to all that, through thoughtful, united 
action, the values of human rights that we all cherish can--and must--
be maintained, even in the face of ignorance and hatred.
  I would also like to recognize Janee Bryant, Brandon Crayton, Brandie 
Frifth, LaKisha Girder, Damara Hamlin, Markika Harris, Rasheedah 
Jackson, Leah Johnson, Jacleen Joiner, Ayashia Muhammad, Clinton 
Pearson, Kala Simmons, Sheria Smith, David Suggs, DeKeyur Summer, 
Jennifer Thompson, Stephanie Thompson, Courtney Williams, and Joey 
Willis.
  These outstanding individuals are the members of the Tolleston Junior 
High School team, which won the Indiana State Bowl Championship in 
spelling. This wonderful accomplishment is a reflection of their hard 
work and dedication to study. Their scholastic effort and rigorous 
approach to learning have made them the best in the State. They have 
brought pride to themselves, their families, their school, and their 
communities. Their success is also a credit to the outstanding ability 
and leadership of their teacher-coaches, Mrs. Margaret Hymes, Mrs. 
Paula Thompson, Mrs. Sandra V. Alfred, Ms. Dionne Moore, Mrs. Janice L. 
Williams, and Mrs. Juanita Vincent. The Tolleston students, who won the 
State Bowl Championship in spelling, as well as their gifted teachers, 
deserve recognition as true role models in our State.
  Though very different in nature, the achievement of all of these 
individuals reflects many of the same attributes that Dr. King 
possessed and the values he espoused. Like Dr. King, these individuals 
saw challenges and rose to the occasion. They had goals and worked to 
achieve them. Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my other colleagues to join 
me in commending their initiative, resolve, and dedication.

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