[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 106 (Friday, July 31, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1507-E1508]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   DR. LUCILLE BANKS ROBINSON MILLER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 31, 1998

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and mark 
the passing of Dr. Lucille Banks Robinson Miller.
  Dr. Miller was born in the District of Columbia. She was the eldest 
of six daughters born to Deacon Edward Lewis and Deaconess Mary Lewis 
of the Metropolitan Baptist Church. As an adult, Dr. Miller became 
affiliated with Corinthian Baptist Church. Most recently, she was a 
member of the New Bethel Baptist Church. She was the devoted mother of 
three sons: Dr. Thomas Tipton, Arthur Robinson and Reginald Robinson.
  Dr. Miller graduated from Armstrong Senior High School, the Just 
Nursing School, and Jennifer Business College. She also attended Howard 
University, where she majored in music and minored in psychology. Dr. 
Miller received an Honorary Doctorate from Virginia Seminary and 
College in 1983, and an Honorary Doctorate from the Washington Saturday 
College in 1996.
  With a deep love for gospel music, she formed the Banks Seminary 
Choir in 1937. That group rapidly became one of the most successful 
youth choirs in the Washington area. Following this success, Dr. Miller 
founded the Paramount School of Music, one of the largest private 
schools in the area. She taught music for 38 years.
  As she gained popularity among churches and ministers in the 
Washington area, Dr. Miller was called upon to be the Mistress of 
Ceremonies at area churches and for major gospel events. During this 
time she established friendships with renowned gospel artists of her 
time, including Mahalia Jackson, James Cleveland, Roberta Martin, 
Richard Smallwood, Donald Vails, and a host of others. She also held 
regular Sunday vesper services at various churches from the late 1950's 
to the 1970's.
  Known for her colorful and inspirational style, Dr. Miller became a 
legend in her own time. It was this same personal style that led her to 
become Washington's premier gospel music radio personality. She started 
her radio career at Station WOOK. She also worked at WUST and WOL radio 
stations. In 1979, she joined the WYCB Family. Her radio career 
continued for more than 45 years. The spirit of Dr. Miller's WYCB 
programs--``The Early Dawn of Gospel Sound'' and ``The Hour of Love and 
Power''--radiated a family warmth. Her never-ending concern for senior 
citizens, youth and the religious community was always apparent.
  During her career, Dr. Miller received over 600 awards and 
commendations and was received in an audience with Pope John Paul II at 
Vatican City in Rome, Italy. Two of her most cherished awards were her 
induction into the Thomas Dorsey Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1996 and 
her induction into the Eta Beta Sorority Hall of Fame in 1996.
  Her passion for helping others will always be remembered. She made 
sure that the children of her listeners had tuition and clothes for 
school, that families in need of food and shelter were provided for, 
and that the needs of

[[Page E1508]]

senior citizens were met. This was her legacy of compassion, touching 
the hearts and lives of hundreds of thousands.
  Mr. Speaker, for her faithfulness, nobility of character and 
humbleness of spirit, I ask the Members in this chamber to join me in 
celebrating the marvelous legacy of Dr. Lucille Banks Robinson Miller.

                          ____________________