[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             FATHER CUNNINGHAM: PASSION, COURAGE, TENACITY

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                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 1997

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a special 
person--Father William Cunningham--who passed away last week. 
Detroiters, those in need and Catholics across America have not only 
lost a kind benefactor and gentle heart, we have lost a hero, friend, 
and a perfect model of inspiration and hope.
  A visionary pragmatist who founded Focus:HOPE, one of the Nation's 
largest civil rights organizations, Father Cunningham worked tirelessly 
for more than three decades building racial harmony and creating jobs 
in the city of Detroit. Although we have not yet reached his goal, 
because of his passionate work, relations among our citizens have 
improved dramatically.
  It was a shock to everyone last October to learn that this great man 
was stricken with cancer, but his courage and tenacity shone bright as 
the Sun as he fought his deteriorating health to the very end.
  His long request to his long-time friend and cofounder of Focus:HOPE 
Eleanor Josaitis: no plaques, no streets, no buildings named after him, 
``Just make sure my work continues.''
  Even during his last breath, this hero to many was still concerned 
about us--about the future of the city and its people he loved with all 
his soul.
  Focus:HOPE will serve as his lasting legacy. Born out of the ashes of 
the Detroit riots of 1967, Father Cunningham made his dream of helping 
the poor a reality. Whether it was food, jobs, or racial harmony, 
Father Cunningham and Focus:HOPE were on the leading edge, breaking new 
ground, winning the war on poverty inch by inch.
  It was an honor to know such a great man. He was a generous man with 
a kind heart. His service was to God and his fellow man. He always had 
a kind word, willing ear, and helpful advice.
  Father William Cunningham was a good friend to all he knew and those 
he didn't know, but could help. He will be missed sorely, but his 
legacy and spirit will remain ingrained in our souls forever.

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