[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 24, 1999)]
[House]
[Pages H1673-H1674]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH AND WOMEN OF COLOR

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to participate 
in the celebration of Women's History Month and women of color. I 
applaud my distinguished colleague from California (Ms. Lee) who will 
later on this evening be conducting an hour discussion on this 
celebration.
  For more than 10 years, the month of March has been dedicated to the 
celebration of women in American history. This month affords us the 
opportunity to appreciate the accomplishments of women and the role 
they have played

[[Page H1674]]

in history, American women and women of color who throughout history 
have proudly served in shaping the spirit of our Nation and shaping our 
lives, individually and collectively.
  Today, empowered by this great legacy, American women serve in every 
aspect of American life, from social services to space exploration. The 
opportunities for American women are growing, and their efforts as 
mothers and volunteers, corporate executives and Members of Congress, 
law enforcement officers and administrators, construction workers and 
soldiers, educators and scientists, enrich all of us and make our 
country great.

                              {time}  2000

  Women continue to strengthen our Nation's social fabric as leaders in 
the home, the community, the workplace, and the government.
  The challenges facing women in the next century are many. They are 
increasingly called upon to serve as caregivers to children and elderly 
relatives and must bear the weight of providing economically for their 
families. However, through their endeavors, women are producing a 
heightened national consciousness to meet the needs of our people.
  As we honor the courageous legacy of our Nation's women of color and 
celebrate the diversity of their backgrounds, talents and 
contributions, I reflect upon one great woman that has placed her stamp 
on public service and who played an important role in my life, the 
Honorable Lena K. Lee, former Maryland House of Delegates member.
  A coal miner's daughter, Delegate Lee earned her prominence in 
Maryland through her indomitable intellect, compassion and character. 
Ms. Lee was the third woman to receive a law degree from the University 
of Maryland Law School, a founder of the Maryland Legislative Black 
Caucus, and a member of the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame.
  Teacher, principal, union leader, lawyer and legislator, Delegate Lee 
created a new vision of what African-American women could hope to 
achieve in Maryland and across this Nation. However, her impact would 
be much broader. She has touched the lives of many. Her leadership and 
noteworthy contributions in the fields of education, law and politics 
are well known in our State.
  In the summer of 1982, I received a call from this woman known only 
to me by reputation. She praised my work in assisting young African-
American law graduates in their efforts to pass the bar exam, as well 
as my community involvement. I had been working in my small law 
practice wondering how my career would proceed when this renaissance 
woman and legend in our community was calling to compliment me. As the 
one that influenced my decision to begin a political career in the 
Maryland House of Delegates, Lena K. Lee was my teacher in public life.
  ``Mentor'' is defined as a wise and trusted guide. I can proudly say 
that Lena K. Lee is a mentor. I have served the citizens of the 44th 
District in Maryland as a member of the House of Delegates and then as 
Speaker Pro Tem of the Maryland General Assembly and now I stand on the 
floor of the United States Congress today as a Member of this body.
  She exemplifies the very idea that no matter what your background or 
circumstances, one can achieve great success. However, upon arrival, 
she believes that one is a public servant, with a first and fundamental 
responsibility to those who are unknown, unseen, unappreciated and 
unapplauded. Her life is a model of the old adage that ``to whom much 
is given, much is required.''
  She is a champion of justice and dynamic legislator that was 
instrumental in getting Morgan State College changed to Morgan State 
University and saving the Orchard Street Church, a site of the 
underground railroad, from destruction. When we needed a black caucus 
and a women's caucus in the Maryland legislature, a new Provident 
Hospital or any other improvement in our community, it was her 
unselfish public service that was at the creation. Whether the cause 
was the health of Maryland prisoners or rebuilding of Orchard Street 
Church or Morgan State's university status, it was public service that 
was at the forefront of her agenda.
  Martin Luther King Sr. said, ``You cannot lead where you do not go 
and you cannot teach what you do not know.'' She may not have known her 
influence on other people's lives but Delegate Lee has led and taught a 
countless number of Baltimoreans how to stand and fight for justice. 
And so tonight I publicly thank her for all that she has done not only 
to touch my life but to touch the world.

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