[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 29, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF THE LATE WARDELL YOTAGHAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 29, 1999

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a real 
hero. No, he did not hit 70 home runs, steal any bases, slam dunk any 
basketballs, nor was he an actor. No, he was for real. He was Wardell 
Yotaghan, a man who lived and worked, who spent his life trying to make 
life better for people who lived in public housing. Mr. Yotaghan died 
of a heart attack at the age of 53, much too young, before his time; 
but that's not unusual for African-American males. Black men have the 
lowest life expectancy rate of any large group in America.
  Wardell did not live long, but he lived well. He lived well enough to 
help countless others through very difficult times. His wife said, ``He 
went 24 hours a day,'' and understood that what he did would ultimately 
help him and his family as well.
  In the early 1990's, Wardell helped lead a campaign that resulted in 
the Federal Government granting some Chicago Housing Authority 
residents a level of control over their own buildings. Wardell filled 
many roles over the years, including president of his building at 2450 
W. Monroe. His wife said, ``Wardell was like a father to the people 
here.'' They wouldn't make a move unless they talked to him, wouldn't 
sign anything unless they confirmed it with Wardell. Everybody knew 
that he would do the right thing.
  Wardell worked at Malcolm X College as a security aide and for 10 
years was a Cook County Sheriff's Deputy. Here was a man who truly 
understood what leadership was really about. ``First of all, servant of 
all,'' he has now transcended all and leaves a wonderful wife Marie, 
who shared in his work, three daughters, two sons, two sisters, and 
eight grandchildren.
  Wardell died, but his will and drive to save Public Housing will 
continue to live on. Wardell was able to bring people together, was 
full of patience and has a genuine desire to see democracy work. He was 
love in action.

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