[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 156 (Saturday, November 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO MRS. CLARETTA ``MOTHER FREEDOM'' SIMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 7, 1997

  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House today to join 
me in paying tribute to one of Milwaukee's most cherished citizens, 
Mrs. Claretta ``Mother Freedom'' Simpson.
  Mrs. Simpson has devoted her entire life to helping others succeed. 
Through her actions, thousands of Milwaukee youth have gone on to 
realize their dreams and have, in turn, lent a helping hand to others. 
A circle of caring and giving has surrounded Mrs. Simpson all her life 
and this month her family will gather with her to celebrate her work.
  Mrs. Simpson entered the world in 1901 in the small town of Smedes, 
MS, delivered by a mid-wife in her home. She experienced the hardships 
of life at an early age and these experiences lead her to become active 
very early in the American Civil Rights Movement.
  Mrs. Simpson's activities in the civil rights movement pre-date Rev. 
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She started her work with Dr. T.R.M. Howard 
of Mount Bayou, MS, one of Dr. King's professors. Mrs. Simpson turned 
the Civil Rights Movement into her life's work, marching in cities all 
across America, including Birmingham, AL, Detroit, MI and Washington, 
DC. She marched with Dr. King and was in Washington to hear his famous 
``I have a dream. . .'' speech.
  Mrs. Simpson's tireless efforts on behalf of her fellow man and woman 
have earned her the title of ``Mother Freedom'' from other civil rights 
activists. Her constant participation and support of the movement 
provided hope and inspiration to everyone around her. Her presence will 
forever be remembered by those who were there when the dogs came, the 
hoses flowed, and the lives were lost. Her bravery in the face of death 
is testimony to the beliefs she holds and the seriousness of her 
conviction. She cheated death to further the cause, and that is 
something we should never forget.
  In 1958, Mrs. Simpson moved to Milwaukee, WI to continue her efforts 
in working for civil rights for African-Americans. She became an 
integral part of her community and worked to soften the sting of 
poverty on children in Milwaukee.
  In 1970, she founded Career Youth Development (CYD), Inc. of 
Milwaukee. CYD is a non-profit, multi-service, social service agency 
that serves children from families who most need assistance in 
Milwaukee. CYD provides over 40 programs to Milwaukee's poor families 
to help them through drug addiction, gang activity, parenting, academic 
challenges and many other challenges. She started CYD in her own home, 
using her own social security check to cover costs.
  CYD's slogan is ``Love in Action'' and it could not better summarize 
the philosophy of Ms. Simpson. ``Love in Action'' is what these 
families and children receive, Mrs. Simpson's love in action.
  On November 28th of this year, Mrs. Simpson will be celebrating her 
96th birthday. Family and friends will get together to celebrate a life 
of giving and a woman with undeniable strength and spirit. I am proud 
to say that I will be a part of her celebration that day and I will 
always appreciate the sacrifices she has made for Milwuakee and for 
America.***P***

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