[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 158 (Monday, November 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO GEMILIA HALL HERRING AND RUTH HALL WILKERSON

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                         HON. WILLIAM M. THOMAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Sunday, November 9, 1997

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, the African-American Network of Kern County 
hosted its seventh annual Community Awards Night on November 8, 1997, 
and selected several outstanding Kern County citizens in recognition of 
their lifelong efforts to improve the way of life that thousands of 
people, young and old, black and white, enjoy.
  Gemilia Hall Herring and Ruth Hall Wilkerson are recipients of the 
African-American Network of Kern County's 1997 Historical Award. This 
award is given in recognition of the efforts of those who preserve and 
promote understanding of the history of the African-American pioneers 
of Bakersfield.
  These two women, grandchildren of Mary and Willis Monroe Hall who 
were Kern County pioneers in 1884, have provided outstanding service to 
their community as founding members of the Allenworth Historical Park 
and Museum in Kern County. Named after Colonel Allenworth, who in the 
1860's became the highest ranking black man in the U.S. Army, the park 
has for the past 22 years presented the historical significance of the 
African-Americans who came as pioneers to Kern County and those that 
followed in their footsteps.
  Over the years, Gemilia Hall Herring and Ruth Hall Wilkerson have 
raised and loved families, but their love and respect for their 
heritage has been a bonus for all of us in Kern County. We thank them 
for giving of their talent and time to ensure that none of us forget 
the legacy that came before.
  The women I honor here are leaders at home, but often through their 
quiet bearing, are not recognized. We salute them.




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