[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 87 (Monday, July 10, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO THE LATE WALTER JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 10, 2000

  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to pay 
tribute to a dedicated teacher, community visionary, and loving family 
man who passed away unexpectedly last week.
  Walter Johnson was a man who loved life and all the important things 
in it--his family, his friends, his church, his students, his African 
American heritage. He loved the difference that he was making in our 
community through his work as an educator with the Milwaukee Public 
Schools, through his commitment to expanding low income housing for 
seniors and the disabled, and through his long time involvement with 
the Milwaukee branch of the NAACP.
  Behind his dignified, gentle manner was a fierce determination to 
gain opportunity for all members of our community. He taught his 
students to do well by doing good. He was a leader at Calvary Baptist 
Church were he set an example for others in our city; that there is 
need and a way for people of faith to actively address poverty and 
prejudice. He served with the Milwaukee NAACP in many capacities, 
guiding the organization in its work to attain an integrated, diverse 
society--open to all Americans.
  Shortly before he died, Martin Luther King, Jr. asked God to grant us 
all a chance to be participants in the newness and magnificent 
development of America. Walter Johnson heard the call and is now 
reaping his reward. I offer my condolences to his beloved wife, 
Minerva, and to his children, Christopher and Hilary. He will be 
missed.

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