[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        SALUTING THE LIFE AND WORK OF MATTHEW ``MACK'' ROBINSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES E. ROGAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2000

  Mr. ROGAN. Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, my district and our nation 
lost a great hero. On Sunday, March 12, Matthew ``Mack'' Robinson died 
from complications associated with diabetes. Mack is a legend not just 
in the Pasadena area, but around the world. Mack's life is a testament 
to hard work and determination; he was a proud, humble, public servant 
who was admired by all.
  Mack was born in Cairo, Georgia 88 years ago. He then moved to 
Pasadena at age 6. His work helped to lead Pasadena from segregation to 
unification. Today Pasadena is one of the most diverse communities in 
the nation.
  Mack attended Pasadena public schools, after graduating from Muir 
Technical High School and attending Pasadena Junior College. He shined 
as an athlete; many said it ran in the family. His younger brother 
Jackie was one of baseball's greatest. Mack was a record-setter in high 
school, and a state champion.
  At Pasadena College, he competed to join another great, Jesse Owens, 
on the 1936 Olympic team. When the team traveled to Berlin, Mack ran in 
the same shoes he wore in Pasadena. He success came from raw talent, 
grit, and determination.
  Sadly, after returning home, Mack did not encounter the open arms he 
found on the track in Berlin. He attended the University of Oregon, 
only to return home when hardship struck his family. Mack moved back to 
Pasadena to support his family, and began work with the city of 
Pasadena. Anecdotes abound of a smiling Mack proudly wearing his USA 
Olympic sweatshirt while he worked--often sweeping streets--in and 
around Pasadena.
  As the New York Times reported, Mack lost his job when the city fired 
all black employees in a desegregation battle. While others sat idly 
by, Mack turned his efforts to his fellow Pasadenans. He began a 
lifetime of service and volunteerism in the community, never asking a 
penny in payment or recognition. His actions spoke louder than words.
  Not long ago, the city of Pasadena saluted the contributions of Mack 
and his brother Jackie by erecting a monument to the two men near city 
hall. It is a fitting tribute to the lives of these two prominent 
Pasadena residents.
  But Mr. Speaker an even more fitting tribute will be when my 
colleagues here today join me in saluting from the well of the House, 
the life, the work, and the legacy of Matthew Mack Robinson.

                          ____________________