[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 20 (Wednesday, March 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E289-E290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            TRIBUTE TO THE JULIA WEST HAMILTON LEAGUE, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 4, 1998

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to The Julia West 
Hamilton League, Inc., which was formed in 1938, the outgrowth of 10 
women who dared to dream. Mrs. Ellen V. Johns Britain, the organizer, 
believed that women joining together as a dedicated unit might 
accomplish some of the things that seemed impossible at that time, but 
could be helpful to the betterment of the community, education, youth 
and self.
  Mr. Speaker the League was named to honor a great woman who gave 
unsparingly of her time, devotion and love to the causes of humanity, 
Mrs. Julia West Hamilton, who was a participating member of the League 
until her death. The League was incorporated in 1971. The first 
president was Mary EC Gregory. The League is currently led by Mary J. 
Thompson.
  Mr. Speaker, The purpose of the League is (1) to promote benevolence, 
cultural and educational interests in the community; (2) to strive to 
gain new knowledge and skills of achieving better self-understanding, 
learning to interact more sensitively and honestly with others; (3) to 
encourage young people to aim early in life toward education, develop 
good character and find a useful place in society; and (4) to establish 
a monetary award known as the Julia West Hamilton Award. This award is 
presented to a student in each of the 14 senior high schools in 
Washington, DC and a four-year Julia West Hamilton Scholarship is

[[Page E290]]

awarded to a recipient from one of the senior high schools every four 
years. To date, the League has provided over $68,000 in student awards 
and scholarships.
  Over the past 21 years the League has donated approximately $73,500 
to the Hospital for Sick Children and has supported Howard University's 
Sickle Cell Anemia Program. The League has also contributed to the 
Brigadier General West A. Hamilton Scholarship Fund of the Washington 
Club of Frontiers International, the United Negro College Fund, the 
Cardozo and Eastern High School bands and the Eastern High School Choir 
for travel abroad. Assistance is also provided to needy families at 
Thanksgiving and Christmas. The League holds lifetime memberships with 
the National Council of Negro Women and the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA. In 
1980, the Ellen V. Johns Britain Award was established in honor of the 
founder of the Julia West Hamilton League, Inc. This award is presented 
for out-standing and dedicated services to a member of longstanding.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that this August body join me in special tribute 
to the gentle ladies of The Julia West Hamilton League, Inc. whose 
motto, ``THE ONLY GIFT IS A PORTION OF THYSELF'' and good works, on the 
occasion of their 60th anniversary, are worthy to be praised.

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