[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 72 (Friday, May 30, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1069]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




AN AWARD FOR NATURAL SOCIAL WORKERS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

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                           HON. CHAKA FATTAH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 30, 1997

  Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the recipients of the 
first Crystal Stair Award from the University of Pennsylvania School of 
Social Work. This award is given to natural social workers--those 
volunteers and professionals from any discipline who have worked 
passionately for social justice and the elimination of prejudice and 
oppression.
  The four recipients include Marian Wright Edelman, a nationally known 
advocate for children, C.B. Kimmins, an activist from a drug ridden 
Philadelphia neighborhood, and Jeffrey Lobach and Craig Trebilcock, two 
attorneys whose pro bono work assisted Chinese refugees.
  Marian Wright Edelman is founder and president of the Children's 
Defense Fund [CDF], based in Washington, DC. She has been an advocate 
for disadvantaged Americans her entire professional career, which began 
as the first black woman admitted to the Mississippi Bar. Ms. Edelman 
founded the Washington Research Project, a public interest law firm and 
the parent organization of the Children's Defense Fund, which under her 
leadership has become a strong national voice for children and 
families.
  C.B. Kimmins, is executive director and chief of staff of Mantua 
Against Drugs, Inc., and chief executive officer and president of 
C.B.'s Role Models, both based in Philadelphia. Mr. Kimmins has become 
a Philadelphia institution, who has made Mantua Against Drugs, Inc., 
well known beyond these city limits through his efforts to bring 
diverse elements of the community together to work with law enforcement 
to wage the war on drugs. Mr. Kimmins has the ability to empower 
neighborhoods to take back their communities.
  Jeffrey D. Lobach and Craig T. Trebilcock are attorneys from York, 
PA, who have provided pro bono advocacy for years on behalf of Chinese 
refugees from the freighter Golden Venture, who were detained in York 
County prison. During Mr. Lobach's presidency of the York County Bar 
Association, Mr. Trebilcock chaired its pro bono committee on Chinese 
refugees. Mr. Lobach is a 1981 graduate of the law school at Penn.
  Each of these recipients worked tirelessly against significant odds 
for the benefit of others. They have demonstrated extraordinary 
leadership in moving us forward collectively as a society. In doing so, 
they have touched all our lives and exemplified the spirit of the 
Langston Hughes poem ``Mother to Son'' from which the award derives its 
name.
  In his poem, Hughes writes of a mother's encouragement to her son: In 
a world where ``life ain't been no crystal stair,'' a natural social 
worker struggles unremittingly to bring light from darkness and create 
a crystal staircase, one stair at a time. It is this quality of 
determination and commitment that the Crystal Stair Award recognizes.
  The award, given April 16, 1997, highlights the University of 
Pennsylvania School of Social Work and the profession of social work, 
encouraging and inspiring others to join this effort. The award's 
benefits go well beyond the important work of calling attention to the 
selfless efforts of these recipients. Funds for scholarships and 
research will also be generated because of this award to further the 
objectives of Penn's School of Social Work.
  I hope that all Members will take time to learn more about this 
important award and encourage its recognition as our Nation moves 
forward in its effort to mobilize citizens to volunteer time to their 
communities.




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