[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 156 (Saturday, November 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2250]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SYLURA BARRON: AN AMERICAN HERO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 7, 1997

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to mourn the 
passing and celebrate the life of one of San Diego's most cherished 
civic leaders, Sylura Barron. For almost seven decades Sylura Barron 
made her mark on San Diego business, politics, and society.
  Sylura was born on Christmas Day, 1900, to Richard Richardson and 
Comelia Booker in Mainsfield, LA. Joining Calvary Baptist Church where 
her father was its first pastor in 1929, she remained a loyal member 
until her passing on November 4, 1997. She leaves a loving extended 
family, an admiring community of friends, and a legacy of service from 
which we will all draw strength and courage.
  Sylura Barron championed the shared goals and beliefs of the 
Democratic Party, and every Democratic leader from Franklin Delano 
Roosevelt to William Jefferson Clinton was honored by her input and her 
unflagging devotion to the community and Nation. which she viewed as 
her own extended family.
  The Democratic Party and our beloved Nation are better because of the 
contributions made by true patriots like Sylura Barron. Throughout her 
life, Sylura fought to promote educational and business opportunities 
in communities that often lacked strong and determined representation. 
Sylura was a thoughtful and eloquent promoter of a society that could 
step beyond divisions of race, class, ethnicity, gender, and sexual 
orientation. Sylura was a voice for all of us.
  Sylura Barron learned very early in life that there would be many 
barriers put in front of her, and she became determined to not only 
cross over those barriers, but to tear them down so they would not slow 
anyone following in her steps.
  Sylura Barron always felt that room should be made in the Democratic 
Party and in the Nation as a whole for every segment of our society. 
``Leave out no one'' was one of her favorite slogans. She was a 
determined and dedicated fighter, and she demanded that her voice be 
heard. Many times she led progressive movements to make the point that 
her political party was truly the party of the people. Sylura sometimes 
wondered if she was fighting this battle alone. Sylura, you can rest 
assured, thousands followed your lead--and you left out no one.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope that my colleagues will join me in keeping 
Sylura's dreams for our Nation alive. Leave out no one.

                          ____________________