[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 119 (Tuesday, September 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1871]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ANNA MAE BOX

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 1999

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to pay 
tribute to an outstanding mother, community activist, leader and 
citizen who fit the category of unsung heroine.
  Ms. Anna Mae Box was born on January 5, 1928, on the westside of 
Chicago to Earlie and Lula Woods and lived there for the rest of her 
life. She grew up, went to Alfred Tennyson Elementary, John Marshall 
High and Chicago State University.
  On December 7, 1942, she married Mr. Eugene Box Sr., and in 1959, 
they moved to 4114 W. Arthington Street in Chicago, where they raised 
their children and spent the rest of their lives.
  As a resident of 4114 W. Arthington, Ms. Box became a dedicated 
community worker, striving to prevent erosion of values and urban 
decay. She worked untiringly with Presentation Catholic Church and 
School and the Daniel Webster Public School. When the Chicago Public 
School System began a program of aggressively pursuing involvement and 
participation of citizens, Ms. Box became one of the very first school 
community representatives and all of the schools in her district came 
to know and to love her. I too, Mr. Speaker, was privileged to know, 
love and respect both her and her family, because for many years I 
lived in the very small community, two blocks over. Therefore, my 
knowledge is first hand. Her vibrancy and spirit of positivity was a 
highlight of her presence, her work and her being. On September 18th, 
1999, upon initiation by the Honorable Michael D. Chandler, Alderman of 
the 24th ward, the Chicago City Council will be renaming the 4100 block 
of West Arthington Street, to Anna May Box Street.
  I salute this act to honor the life, work and legacy of a great woman 
and wish her family well as they carry on in her tradition. Edwina Box-
McGee, Willie Box, Jr, Patricia Box-Baker and all of the family have my 
best wishes as you celebrate and renew your own commitments to 
community service.

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