[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 112 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1621]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    PATHWAYS TO FREEDOM BUS TRAGEDY

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                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 1, 1997

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to comment on 
the recent tragedy in Emporia, VA, on July 29, 1997. A bus carrying 
students and chaperones with the Pathways to Freedom program crashed, 
leaving one person dead and two seriously injured.
  Pathways to Freedom is a program started through the Rosa and Raymond 
Parks Institute for Self Development which helps young people learn the 
values of those who risked their lives for freedom during the 
Underground Railroad and civil rights movements. The students and 
chaperones came from all over the United States and the Bahamas to 
learn where we have been in order to know where we are going. In the 
words of Lila Cabbil, past president for Institute, those on the bus 
were not on a field trip, but on one leg of a lifelong journey.
  Adisa Foluke, 25, was the sole life lost in this tragic accident. He 
was extremely dedicated to the Pathways to Freedom program. In the 
words of Adisa's mother, ``He embodied the spirit of the movement. He 
connected with the children in an exceptional way, and was committed to 
carrying on Mrs. Parks' legacy.''
  On a personal note, Adisa regularly stopped by my office, during 
which time we had many conversations concerning the program and other 
civic projects in the Detroit area. It was an inspiration to me to see 
the next generation taking a leadership role in educating others on the 
importance of remembering the struggle for civil rights.
  Pathways to Freedom has made a special effort to ensure that the 
program will continue its outstanding work of educating young people on 
American civil rights history. The children want to continue, as they 
have been inspired by Mrs. Parks, from whom they learn to live their 
lives differently because of struggle, instead of stopping their lives 
in the face of adversity.




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