[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 13 (Wednesday, February 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             THE PTA: A CENTURY OF SERVICE TO OUR CHILDREN

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                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 1997

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to recognize one 
of the most time-honored and revered organizations in our Nation today. 
February 17, 1997 will mark the 100th birthday of the Parents and 
Teachers Association, known more widely as the PTA.
  Formed on February 17, 1897, PTA was initially known as the National 
Congress of Mothers. Credit for the initial concept of this world-
renowned organization has been ascribed to Alice McLellan Birney, a 
mother of three children whose husband practiced law in Washington, DC. 
Joining Ms. Birney in this historic undertaking was Phoebe Apperson 
Hearst, widow of the late U.S. Senator George Hearst. Ms. Hearst always 
reminded her audiences that ``there could be no lasting improvement in 
human welfare other than through education.''
  Another name synonymous with the early formation of the PTA is that 
of Selena Sloan Butler. Ms. Butler founded the National Congress of 
Colored Parents and Teachers in Atlanta, GA, in 1926. The National 
Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers merged with the National 
Congress of Parents and Teachers in 1970 and formed what is now our 
present day PTA. The enormous contribution of Ms. Butler is equally 
notable this month as we also celebrate Black History Month across our 
Nation. Mr. Speaker, today we honor an organization that supports and 
speaks on behalf of our children.
  PTA assists parents in developing the skills they need to raise and 
protect our children. It encourages parent and public involvement in 
the public schools of this Nation.
  On February 17, 1997, PTA chapters across this land will celebrate 
Founders Day, which honors the legacy of PTA.
  I therefore ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, to rise and 
salute the PTA, the leading child advocacy organization in our Nation.

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