[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 19 (Thursday, February 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO GWENDOLYN BROOKS

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                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 1997

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and reverence that I 
offer this tribute to a fellow Chicagoan, Poetess Gwendolyn Brooks.
  Her writings have painted the picture of African-American people. A 
picture that is often filled with deep emotion, resounding character, 
and gallant triumphs. The depth of her talent has allowed her writings 
to reveal the character and experiences of America as a whole.
  The quality and importance of her poetry to this Nation is evidenced 
by the fact that in 1950 she became the first African-American to win 
the Pulitzer Prize for poetry. As further evidence of her contribution 
to American letters she has been awarded two Guggenheim Fellowships, 
has served as a poetry consultant to the Library of Congress, and 
currently serves as State of Illinois poet laureate.
  My words of praise cannot convey the depth of my gratitude for her 
contribution to her community and her Nation. The writings of Gwendolyn 
Brooks have the quality of a hand that rocks a baby's cradle. For the 
hand that soothes a baby by rocking it to and fro is also the same hand 
that disciplines the child--both done with love. Her style of writing 
welcomes and embraces. It is this characteristic of her work that 
allows her to address difficult if not disturbing issues we have 
addressed as individuals, as a people, and a nation without being 
haughty or magnanimous.
  Gwendolyn Brooks is an American treasure. A treasure whose brilliance 
will never fade. It is with deep affection that I offer this tribute.

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