[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 14 (Tuesday, February 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO GARY SUDDUTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARTIN OLAV SABO

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 1998

  Mr. SABO. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to acknowledge a great 
man from Minneapolis who was an outstanding leader in Minnesota's 
African American community. In honor of Black History Month, I would 
like to take this opportunity to once again pay tribute to Gary 
Sudduth, who died suddenly on July 28, 1997, at the young age of 44.
  As we celebrate the final week of Black History Month, I thought it 
appropriate to resubmit my commemoration of the life of Gary Sudduth, 
who made a profound impact on the African American community as well as 
everyone who knew him. He is sadly missed. The following is my July, 
1997 tribute to Gary.

       Minnesota lost a passionate voice for social and economic 
     justice when Gary Sudduth, the Minneapolis Urban League 
     President, died suddenly on July 28, 1997, at age 44. His 
     untimely death strikes a blow to the community and efforts to 
     make our cities better places to live, work and learn.
       For years, Gary's reputation as an effective force for 
     social change was well-known, not only in Minnesota, but 
     across the nation. In the process, he touched and improved 
     the lives of millions.
       Gary was born and raised on the North side of Minneapolis 
     with his eight brothers and sisters. He continued to live 
     there until his death. In 1977, he joined the Minneapolis 
     Urban League, and I first knew him as the young, active 
     director of its juvenile advocate program. Later, he became 
     director of the Street Academy and then vice president of 
     community outreach and advocacy programs. In 1992, Gary was 
     named president and chief executive officer.
       Throughout his tenure, Gary united people from all walks of 
     life to focus on a common goal--improving the social and 
     economic conditions for people in urban areas. He knew how to 
     negotiate with his adversaries and to prod his friends--all 
     in the name of implementing policies that would revitalize 
     cities and benefit their inhabitants. At the same time, he 
     sought long-lasting solutions for problems, not quick fixes. 
     Above all, he listened and he led, sustained by the belief 
     that every problem had a solution.
       Gary demanded fairness, excellence and accountability from 
     the government, from our schools and from the legal system. 
     He challenged the establishment and the status quo to 
     accomplish the changes he saw necessary--all the while 
     speaking out for minorities, the poor and for children. His 
     moderating style and negotiating skills often brought calm, 
     compromise and peace to Minneapolis at times when crisis and 
     unrest threatened to destabilize it.
       It will be difficult for the community to replace the 
     talents and drive of Gary Sudduth, who made the work of the 
     Urban League his mission. The way he lived his life was an 
     example for us all--in fact it was his greatest asset. The 
     city of Minneapolis, the state of Minnesota, and indeed the 
     nation are better off for his commitment and his 
     contributions. That is his enduring legacy. I hope his 
     example has inspired a new generation of leaders and urban 
     advocates who will try to emulate his life's work.

     

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