[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 28, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H1450-H1451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO HENRY W. McGEE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding American, Mr. Henry W. McGee, who passed away on March 18 
at the age of 90.
  Mr. McGee was a trailblazer and an advocate for equal rights and 
justice throughout his entire life. He worked 44 years as an employee 
of the United States Postal Service, delivering mail through the rain, 
sleet, and snow. His entire life was representative of someone who came 
in at the bottom but worked his way to the top.
  In 1952, he was promoted general foreman and later served as 
superintendent of the largest finance station in the U.S. Postal 
Service.
  In 1976, he became the first African American appointed Chicago 
Regional Postmaster by President Lyndon B. Johnson, upon the 
recommendation of U.S. Senator Paul Douglas. Under his leadership, the 
Chicago Postal Service was able to improve its delivery rates and 
effectiveness in meeting the needs of its consumers.
  There is an old adage that says of life: ``It is not how long one 
lives, but how much one gives.'' This statement really is the epitome 
of the life that Henry McGee led. He found time to get involved in the 
community and take on issues greater than himself, despite his busy 
career.
  In 1946, he was selected to serve as president and acting executive 
director of the Chicago chapter of the NAACP. While there, he dedicated 
himself to the causes of ending segregation and fighting for equal 
justice.
  In addition to the NAACP, he became one of the charter members of the

[[Page H1451]]

Joint Negro Appeal, a self-help organization that was organized by such 
individuals as Truman Gibson and Judge Odas Nicholson.
  As president, Mr. McGee served diligently for more than 17 years and 
raised thousands of dollars to help such organizations as the Beatrice 
Caffey Youth Service League, the Good Shepherd Neighborhood Club, and 
other organizations.
  After he retired from the postal service, Mr. McGee still found time 
to give of himself and his talents, as Mayor Richard J. Daley appointed 
him to a 5-year term on the Chicago Board of Education. It was an 
opportunity for him to give back to Chicago and, more importantly, give 
back to the next generation, our children.
  The legacy that Mr. McGee leaves behind is both inspirational and 
impressive. I am so pleased that the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rush) 
has determined to name a post office in his honor.
  I ask that all of America join me in paying tribute to the life and 
legacy of Henry McGee, and may his loved ones be comforted in knowing 
this his life touched thousands of citizens throughout not only Chicago 
but, indeed, throughout America. He lived a great and inspirational 
life.

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