[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 60 (Wednesday, May 13, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E851-E852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       A ``POINT-OF-LIGHT'' FOR ALL AMERICANS: DR. BETTY SHABAZZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MAJOR R. OWENS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 1998

  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of the renaming of the 
Glenmore School in Brooklyn, New York to the ``Dr. Betty Shabazz 
Elementary and Preparatory School.'' Dr. Betty Shabazz stands as a 
model of what the students of Glenmore School must strive to become--an 
individual with strength, resilience and perseverance in overcoming 
life's greatest challenges. Dr. Betty Shabazz is a great ``POINT-OF-
LIGHT'' whose legacy will live on forever and will positively influence 
many more generations to come.
  On Monday, June 23, 1997, a great presence in the lives of countless 
citizens of the world departed this earth. Dr. Betty Shabazz was not 
just an inspiration to the African-American community, an advocate of 
equality for women and a proponent of children's rights. She was an 
inspiration to the human community; she was an advocate of equality for 
all people and she was an incarnation of

[[Page E852]]

every ideal upon which this Nation was founded.
  Born Betty Sanders in Detroit, Michigan on May 28, 1936, Dr. Shabazz 
married activist and civil rights leader El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz 
(Malcolm X) in New York in 1958. On February 21, 1965, she witnessed 
the assassination of her husband after the bombing of their home just 
three weeks earlier. Despite this tragedy, she exhibited determination 
as a single mother, raising and educating her six daughters: Attallah, 
Qubilah, Ilyasah, Gamilah, and twins Malikah and Malaak.
  When the harsh winds of hatred swept across our country and 
prematurely ended the life of Malcolm X, they could not overcome the 
strength of his wife. Dr. Betty Shabazz continued the struggle after 
his death, keeping his quest for justice alive. She found time to 
become a certified nurse, and later earned Bachelor's and Master's 
degrees, and a Doctorate in Education Administration from the 
University of Massachusetts. Admirably and courageously, she took the 
movement into academia, where she touched the lives of hundreds of 
students. Dr. Shabazz served Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn as 
Director of Public Relations and Director of Institutional Advancement 
with ability, passion, and caring, qualities reflected in everything 
she did in life.
  As a single mother, Dr. Shabazz's challenges as a parent were not 
unique. However, they were heightened by the fact that she was the 
single mother of Malcolm X's children. She reared her six daughters 
alone, constantly preparing them for a life in the forefront of the 
African-American community, one that is a requirement for their 
lineage. In this way, Betty Shabazz has served as a model of motherhood 
and a reflection of the family values that every American family aims 
to emulate.
  The greatness of Dr. Betty Shabazz is apparent. Despite the 
firebombing of her home in 1965 and the brutal murder of her husband, 
she refused to turn what must have been inconsolable anger into 
motivation. She turned inward, furthering her education and 
strengthening her resolve as she embarked upon her mission to raise six 
children alone and make significant contributions to the community at 
the same time.
  A warrior in her own right, Dr. Shabazz has made her mark on the 
cause to uplift oppressed people around the globe, and especially 
within the African-American community. Her message will be forever with 
us, an inspiration to all who choose a life of service to their fellow 
man.
  Dr. Betty Shabazz turned tragedy into triumph. She exemplified what 
we all can do if we are willing to make sacrifices. During this 
celebration, let us reflect upon the lessons taught to us by Dr. Betty 
Shabazz. Her life has been a testament to the virtues of family, 
community, and activism, and it is fitting for the Glenmore School to 
be renamed the ``Dr. Betty Shabazz Elementary and Preparatory School'' 
in her honor. Dr. Betty Shabazz is a great ``POINT-OF-LIGHT'' for all 
to admire.

                          ____________________