[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 125 (Thursday, September 18, 1997)]
[House]
[Pages H7589-H7590]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO MINNIE ELIZABETH HARPER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from North Carolina [Mr. Jones] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to share the story of a truly 
remarkable American. While I was back in eastern North Carolina during 
the month of August, I had the great fortune to make the acquaintance 
of Minnie Elizabeth Harper.
  Minnie Harper was born and raised in eastern North Carolina. A 
product of a loving and caring family, Minnie Harper is a 1974 honor 
graduate of Greene Central High School who has always been very active 
in her church and in her community. Even at a very young age, Minnie 
Harper was a role model to all who knew her. She was on a direct path 
to success.
  Sadly, in June 1975, a terrible automobile accident left Minnie 
Harper a C-5 quadriplegic, but she did not let it lead her off her path 
to success. Such an accident may have hampered the dreams and broken 
the spirit of most people, but not Minnie Harper.
  In her own words, Minnie Harper stated, and I quote, ``I am not a 
failure. My parents did not raise any failures. My handicap has not 
totally impeded my dreams and goals; it has just altered the path and 
encouraged me to push forward.''
  Proving those words to be true, Minnie Harper went on to graduate 
with honors from Lenoir Community College in Kinston, NC in May 1981. 
Upon her graduation, Minnie Harper continued to give to her community. 
She founded and organized the American Community Girls Club in Snow 
Hill, NC, where she resides.
  In this club, Miss Harper guided and motivated young ladies, 
encouraging them to pursue excellence and to build self-esteem. Today, 
these young ladies are following their own paths to success and remain 
in contact with their role model, Minnie Harper.
  While continuing to volunteer in her community, Minnie Harper again 
focused on her educational goals. Having completed her degree at Lenoir 
Community College, Minnie Harper went on to obtain a bachelor of 
science degree in social work from East Carolina University in 
Greenville, NC.
  After she graduated as a member of the National Honor Society, Minnie 
Harper was accepted to the East Carolina University masters program in 
social work. Before she could obtain her masters degree, sadly, yet 
another tragedy struck Minnie Harper's life.
  A fire in her parents' home left her with second- and third-degree 
burns over 40 percent of her body. The accident also left her with 
severe facial damage, the loss of two fingers, and a permanent lung 
condition.
  Ever optimistic, even after the tragic fire, Minnie Harper said, and 
I quote again, Mr. Speaker, ``God has not given me any more than I can 
bear.''
  Minnie Harper continued with her selfless work. Incredibly, she has 
remained active in the community, helping others and setting an 
excellent example for all Americans, both young and old.
  In December 1995, North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt appointed Minnie 
Harper to the North Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council. In 
this capacity she works to raise awareness of the Independent Living 
Rehabilitation Program and ensures that handicapped citizens are 
recognized for the work they do.
  Minnie Harper is a champion for the rights of handicapped citizens, 
both by giving them the spiritual and emotional support and 
encouragement she is famous for and by helping to make lawmakers aware 
of their needs.
  I have truly been inspired by the story of Minnie Harper. Despite 
extraordinary unfortunate circum- stances, Minnie Harper has not asked 
for handouts. Nor has she ever uttered the words ``I cannot.'' She has 
persevered, she has succeeded, and she has helped others along the way 
with her dedication to her church, her family, her friends, and her 
community.
  Minnie Harper has not complained about her hardships, but has always 
held a positive attitude and has given constant credit to God for 
giving her the strength to carry on. I admire Minnie Harper for her 
courage and her strength, and I thank her for serving as a role model 
to all who hear her incredible story.
  Mr. Speaker, citizens like Minnie Harper truly make America great.

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