[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 5 (Tuesday, February 3, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E68]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               HONORING AFRICAN AMERICAN PIONEER AWARDEES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 3, 1998

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Black History Month, it is 
with great pleasure that I rise to day to recognize the achievements of 
seven African American individuals whose contributions to society have 
enriched all our lives. On February 1, 1998, The Forum Magazine will 
host the 8th Annual African American Pioneer Awards at the Riverfront 
Hotel in downtown Flint. The honorees are as follows:
  Dr. J. Merrill Spencer fought in 1964 to bury his mother in 
previously all-White, Flint Memorial Park Cemetery. His sense of 
justice prevailed and his action led to the demise of racially 
motivated cemetery practices in the State of Michigan. Dr. Spencer is a 
graduate of Morehouse College and was awarded a Doctor of Mortuary 
Science by the National Conference of Examiners of Morticians and 
Embalmers.
  Minnie Madison Martin is being posthumously honored for a life that 
can only be described as inspirational. Ms. Martin began a career at 
General Motors as a cafeteria worker, became an assembly line employee, 
and was finally promoted to a supervisory position at A.C. Spark Plug. 
She took a leave of absence from GM to start her own business, Martin 
Leasing. From humble beginnings, Ms. Martin turned her company into a 
multimillion dollar corporation.
  Glenora Roland has been a vital part of the Flint community for more 
than half a century. She was the proprietor of Flint's first African 
American entertainment agency, played a key role in the creation of the 
Flint Neighborhood Improvement Preservation Project, and was Executive 
Director of the Flint Neighborhood Coalition. Her commitment to our 
community and her wisdom over the years is very much appreciated.
  Samuel R. Dismond, Jr., M.D. is the first African American to serve 
as Chief of Staff at Flint's Hurley Medical Center. A graduate of 
Howard University Medical School, Dr. Dismond is a Charter Fellow of 
the American Academy of Family Physicians. In 1997, the Academy of 
Family Practice paid tribute to Dr. Dismond by naming him Michigan's 
Family Physician of the Year.
  Captain Mickey Traylor's career has literally led him to new heights 
for 25 years. He began his distinguished career in the United States 
Armed Forces, and had since piloted for Southwest and Lufthansa 
Airlines. Captain Taylor has shared his love of flying with young 
people through the creation of Friends of Aviation, an organization 
which provides flight opportunities and learning experiences for 
underprivileged children from all walks of life.
  Tracy M. Byrd is a true pioneer in the field of boxing. She is 
currently the International Female Boxing Association's Lightweight 
Champion, defending her title around the world. With an undefeated 
record in boxing and her service as a Flint police officer, Tracy has 
made us all very proud.
  Rose Byrd is nationally recognized as the first woman professional 
boxing trainer. This accomplishment alone is admirable, but Mrs. Byrd 
is also the mother of eight wonderful children. Her compassion and 
nurturing extend beyond her family to the boxers in her charge. Mrs. 
Byrd is shy about receiving praise for what she sees as ``just doing 
her job'' but she is most deserving of this honor.
  Mr. Speaker, African Americans have a magnificent and rich history; a 
history which is inextricably woven into the economic, social, and 
political fabric of this Nation. In 1926, the late Dr. Carter G. 
Woodson understood that black Americans were not receiving proper 
recognition in history for their contributions. His idea of setting 
aside one week each year to commemorate the achievements of African 
Americans led to the observance of Black History Month in 1976.
  In this spirit, I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives 
to join me in commemorating Black History Month. It is indeed a great 
honor for me to highlight and pay tribute to the notable 
accomplishments of these seven individuals who have contributed so much 
to this great Nation. I thank The Forum Magazine for initiating the 
African American Pioneer Awards to document, honor, and celebrate 
African Americans in Flint and in the State of Michigan. Best wishes 
for a truly successful event.

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