[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 59 (Thursday, May 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E886]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO GARTH C. REEVES, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 1997

  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to pay 
tribute to a great Floridian and a great American, Garth C. Reeves, 
Sr.: reporter, editor, publisher, banker, entrepreneur, community 
activist, and humanitarian.
  Tomorrow Mr. Reeves will receive the honorary Doctor of Journalism 
degree from the University of Miami in recognition of his professional 
commitment and contributions as a leader of the Nation's African-
American press, as well as his personal involvement in promoting 
understanding in South Florida and beyond. Garth Reeves currently 
serves as publisher emeritus of the Miami Times, a newspaper founded by 
his father, Henry E.S. Reeves, in 1923.
  Garth Reeves' life has been dedicated to the achievement of 
excellence and service to humankind. Owner of the Miami Times, he has 
served South Florida for more than 50 years. He has been a reporter, 
columnist, managing editor, and publisher since 1940 when he earned his 
B.S. degree in printing at Florida A&M University.
  Garth Reeves' community involvement has not been limited to 
publishing the Miami Times. His impressive resume does not reveal the 
depth of his participation in struggles to bring civil rights to all 
Dade Countians. In the 1950's, for example, Reeves was part of a group 
who filed lawsuits to open up previously all-white public beaches and 
golf courses. His non-public actions indicate a quite, low-profile man 
who has been known to pay hospital and funeral bills and school 
expenses for the less fortunate and then seek to avoid any fanfare for 
himself.
  In professional journalism activities, Reeves served as a juror for 
the prestigious Pulitzer Prizes in 1977 and 1978 and was chosen 
Publisher of the year by the National Newspaper Publishers Association, 
which he once served as president, on three separate occasions.
  In education, Reeves served as vice chairman of the Miami-Dade 
Community College board of trustees and as a trustee of Barry 
University, Bethune-Cookman College, and Florida Memorial College. He 
has earned service awards from Florida A&M University (1965 and 1974), 
Florida memorial, and Barry.
  He has been justifiably honored for his youth work with the Boy 
Scouts of America and the YMCA. Reeves also has been active in 
attempting to create new opportunities for south Floridians through 
banking and his involvement in numerous foundations and charities. 
Predictably, this involvement has brought him a long list of awards.
  Florida A&M University has recognized him for his leadership and 
service by creating the one million dollar Garth C. Reeves Eminent 
Scholars Chair in Journalism. The Reeves chair honors Garth's 
contributions to his profession and provides support for the education 
of aspiring journalists.
  Garth Reeves' caring commitment to his fellow man and his service to 
his community have taken him to where few others have gone before. The 
University of Miami is right to bestow one of it's highest awards on 
this true son of South Florida. Garth C. Reeves, Sr., servant of the 
people, community activist, journalist, great Floridian, and great 
American.

                          ____________________