[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  A PASSIONATE VOICE FOR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE A TRIBUTE TO THE 
                          LIFE OF GARY SUDDUTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARTIN OLAV SABO

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 1997

  Mr. SABO. Mr. Speaker, Minnesota lost a passionate voice for social 
and economic justice when Gary Sudduth, the Minneapolis Urban League 
president, died suddenly this week at age 44. His untimely death 
strikes a blow to the community and efforts to make our cities better 
places to live, work, and learn.
  For years, Gary's reputation as an effective force for social change 
was well-known, not only in Minnesota, but across the Nation. In the 
process, he touched and improved the lives of millions.
  Gary was born and raised on the north side of Minneapolis with his 
eight brothers and sisters. He continued to live there until his death. 
In 1977, he joined the Minneapolis Urban League, and I first knew him 
as the young, active director of its juvenile advocate program. Later, 
he became director of the Street Academy and then vice president of 
community outreach and advocacy programs. In 1992, was named president 
and chief executive officer.
  Throughout his tenure, Gary united people from all walks of life to 
focus on a common goal--improving the social and economic conditions 
for people in urban areas. He know how to negotiate with his 
adversaries and to prod his friends--all in the name of implementing 
policies that would revitalize cities and benefit their inhabitants. At 
the same time, he sought longlasting solutions for problems, not quick 
fixes. Above all, he listened and he led, sustained by the belief that 
every problem had a solution.
  Gary demanded fairness, excellence, and accountability from the 
Government, from our schools and from the legal system. He challenged 
the establishment and the status quo to accomplish the changes he saw 
necessary--all the while speaking out for minorities, the poor, and for 
children. His moderating style and negotiating skills often brought 
calm, compromise, and peace to Minneapolis at times when crisis and 
unrest threatened to destabilize it.
  It will be difficult for the community to replace the talents and 
drive of Gary Sudduth, who made the work of the Urban League his 
mission. The way he lived his life was an example for us all--in fact 
it was his greatest asset. The city of Minneapolis, the State of 
Minnesota, and indeed the Nation are better off for his commitment and 
his contributions. That is his enduring legacy. I hope his example has 
inspired a new generation of leaders and urban advocates who will try 
to emulate his life's work.

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