[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 27, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E12]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE SPIRIT OF DR. KING LIVES ON

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 27, 1998

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, we celebrated the 
birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Reflecting on his life and work, I 
was reminded of the challenges that democracy poses to us and the 
delicacy of liberty. Dr. King's life, and, unfortunately, his vicious 
murder, should remind all of us that we must continually work and, if 
necessary, fight, to secure and protect our freedoms. Dr. King, in his 
courage to act, his willingness to meet challenges, and his ability to 
achieve, embodied all that is good and true in that battle for liberty.
  The spirit of Dr. King lives on in many of the citizens in 
communities throughout our nation. It lives on in the people whose 
actions reflect the spirit of resolve and achievement that will help 
move our country into the 21st century. In particular, several 
distinguished individuals from Indiana's First Congressional District 
were recognized during the 19th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
Memorial Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 1998, at the Gary Genesis 
Center in Gary, Indiana. In the past year, these individuals have, in 
their own ways, acted with courage, met challenges, and used their 
abilities to reach goals and enhance their communities.
  Lake County Prosecutor, the Honorable Bernard Carter, was honored 
with the 1998 ``Marcher's Award'' for his contributions to the struggle 
for equality of civil rights. As the first African-American County 
Prosecutor in the State of Indiana, Bernie has been an outstanding 
professional in his fight for the civil rights of all minorities and 
women. He has been a role model for our young people and an outspoken 
and issue-oriented leader in the justice system. In addition, Mr. 
Curtis Strong received the 1998 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ``Drum 
Major Award'' for his outstanding contributions to fighting 
segregation. Curtis has held leadership roles with both the NAACP and 
the Fair Share Organization, in which he has demonstrated against 
racial injustices in housing, education, employment, and police 
brutality. Curtis was also a top labor union official who fought for 
minority inclusion in union leadership, skilled crafts jobs, and 
seniority appreciation. Both Bernard Carter and Curtis Strong should be 
applauded for their important civil rights efforts in Northwest 
Indiana.
  I would also like to recognize the following Tolleston Junior High 
School students: Janne' Bryant, Antoinette Correa, Tiffany Finch, 
Brandi Frith, Lakisha Girder, Leyona Greer, Damara Hamlin, Ayonna Hood, 
Leah Johnson, Jacleen Joiner, Candice Jones, Taariq Muhammad, Ayashia 
Muhammad, Ilisha Muhammad, Reneda Pryor, Whitney Sullivan, David Suggs, 
Courtney Williams, and Joey Willis. These distinguished students are 
members of the Tolleston Junior High School Spell Bowl Team, which won 
the 1997 Indiana State Bowl Championship in spelling. In addition, the 
following students from Northwest Indiana won the 1997 ``I Have A 
Dream'' Youth Assembly essay contest this past July in Little Rock, 
Arkansas: Dayna Maria Ingram, of West Side High School; Wesley Adam 
Gordon, of St. Michael School; Katherine R. Rzepka, of Andrean High 
School; Tavetta Pulliam, of Horace Mann High School; and Daniel J. 
Davis, of Valparaiso High School.
  The accomplishments of these outstanding individuals are a reflection 
of their hard work and dedication to scholarship. Their scholastic 
effort and rigorous approach to learning have made them the best in the 
State and in the Nation. They have also brought pride to themselves, 
their families, their schools and their communities. Their success is 
also a credit to the outstanding ability and leadership of their 
teachers. In particular, Margaret Hymes and Charles Wells should be 
commended for the devotion they have demonstrated as coaches for the 
Tolleston Junior High Spell Bowl Team.
  Though very different in nature, the achievement of all these 
individuals reflects many of the same attributes that Dr. King 
possessed, as well as the values he espoused. Like Dr. King, these 
individuals saw challenges and rose to the occasion. They set goals and 
worked to achieve them. Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my other colleagues 
to join me in commending their initiative, resolve, and dedication.

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