[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[House]
[Pages H6677-H6678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF BETTY SHABAZZ

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee 
on Government Reform and Oversight be discharged from further 
consideration of the resolution (H.Res. 183) honoring the life of Betty 
Shabazz, and ask for its immediate consideration.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?

                              {time}  1730

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, and I 
will not object, I would like to say to my friend from New York, 
sometimes at 700 knots you have to make a split second decision, and in 
this case, I think it has worked out for the best.
  As I was standing before, I learned of a problem that existed and 
made a decision. As a matter of fact, I had rose at the other time with 
the reservation to allow the gentleman and the gentlewoman from New 
York to make their talk in support of the issue. The issue at hand had 
nothing to do with Betty Shabazz, and I rise in full and strong support 
of the gentleman from New York and the gentlewoman from New York and 
for what they are trying to do in this.
  Mr. Speaker, under my reservation, I yield to the gentleman from New 
York [Mr. Rangel].
  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California [Mr. 
Cunningham] for allowing his name to be included among the Members of 
Congress that take this time before we adjourn to pay great tribute to 
a great American. I recognize that the gentleman's objections had 
nothing to do with the life of this great woman, and I appreciate the 
fact that the gentleman is removing that objection.
  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                              H. Res. 183

       Whereas the Nation honors Betty Shabazz as a wife, mother, 
     educator, and advocate for civil and human rights, women, and 
     the poor;
       Whereas Betty Shabazz, through her life and deeds, has been 
     an inspiration to people around the world;
       Whereas Betty Shabazz was a woman of strength, resilience, 
     perseverance, and grace who overcame the greatest of 
     challenges;
       Whereas Betty Shabazz was born Betty Sanders in Detroit, 
     Michigan, on May 28, 1936;
       Whereas Betty Shabazz met and married the controversial 
     activist and leader El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X) in 
     New York in 1958;
       Whereas on February 21, 1965, while pregnant with twins, 
     Betty Shabazz and their four daughters witnessed Malcolm X's 
     assassination;
       Whereas Betty Shabazz exhibited her resiliency and 
     determination as a single mother, raising and educating her 
     six daughters, Attallah, Qubilah, Ilyasah, Gamilah, and twins 
     Malikah and Malaak;
       Whereas Betty Shabazz found the time to become certified as 
     a registered nurse, and to later earn bachelor's and master's 
     degrees and, finally, a doctorate in education administration 
     from the University of Massachusetts;
       Whereas Betty Shabazz joined the administrative staff of 
     Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York, rising to high 
     positions;
       Whereas, while preserving the public memory of her late 
     husband, Betty Shabazz earned a reputation of her own, as an 
     educator, public speaker, and advocate for women, education, 
     and civil and human rights;

[[Page H6678]]

       Whereas on June 23, 1997, Betty Shabazz succumbed to 
     injuries suffered in a tragic fire;
       Whereas Betty Shabazz personified the roles of wife, 
     mother, and professional woman; and
       Whereas Betty Shabazz will be forever remembered for her 
     love of family, her commitment to humankind, and for the joy 
     and laughter she brought to all those who knew her: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives honors the life 
     of Betty Shabazz.

  The resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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