[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 100 (Tuesday, July 15, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF DR. BETTY SHABAZZ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 15, 1997

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a true American 
hero; a lady of unconquerable spirit, a loving mother, educator, and 
activist for her people and our Nation. I rise to pay tribute to the 
legacy of Dr. Betty Shabazz. I would like to read to you the letter 
that was sent by me to Dr. Shabazz's family upon her passing:


       Dear Attallah, Qubilah, Malaak, Gamilah, Malikah, and 
     Ilyassah Shabazz: Please accept my condolences upon the 
     transition of your mother. I know this is a great loss to 
     you. There can be no words to describe what you are feeling. 
     I hope that it is of some comfort to you that I, and millions 
     of other Americans, are also deeply saddened by her passing. 
     I do not believe that I am exaggerating when I associate 
     myself with millions of Americans in this regard. Your 
     mother's self-evident love of her people, her heroic 
     composure in assuming the mantle of leadership, her 
     purposefulness, her quiet strength, and her professional 
     achievement have shown as beacons of triumph over adversity. 
     Your mother's life has been a testament to the power of 
     integrity and dignity.


  When the harsh winds of hatred swept across our country and 
prematurely ended the life of Malcolm X, they could not overcome the 
strength of his wife. Dr. Betty Shabazz continued the struggle after 
his death, keeping his quest for justice for all alive. As a doctor of 
education administration, she brought the movement into academia, where 
she immeasurably touched the lives of hundreds of students. Dr. Shabazz 
served Medgar Evers College as director of Institutional Advancement 
with ability, passion, and caring, qualities that were reflected in 
everything she did in life.
  A single mother, Dr. Shabazz's challenges as a parent were not 
unique. However, they were heightened by the fact that she was the 
single mother of Malcolm X's children. She reared her six daughters 
alone, constantly preparing them for a life in the forefront of the 
African-American community, one that is a requirement of their lineage. 
One of her daughters is a successful public relations executive, 
another a vocal activist in her late father's movement of human rights. 
In this way, Betty Shabazz has served as a model of motherhood and a 
reflection of the family values that every American family aims to 
emulate.
  Malcolm X left us with a commitment to work so that people around the 
world, regardless of their race, are afforded their basic human rights. 
A warrior in her own right, Dr. Shabazz has made countless 
contributions to the cause of oppressed people around the globe, and 
especially within the African-American community. Her message will be 
forever with us, an inspiration to all who choose a life of service to 
their fellow man.
  In this time of need for the entire Shabazz family, let us reflect 
upon the lessons that have been taught us by Dr. Betty Shabazz. Her 
life has been a testament to the virtues of family, community, and 
activism, and it is fitting for this House of Representatives, in the 
name of the American people, to pay her tribute.

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