[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 133 (Monday, October 23, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1880]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ART EDGERTON

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 23, 2000

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to an extraordinary 
man from my district, Mr. Art Edgerton. Art unexpectedly passed from 
this life on Tuesday, September 26, 2000 in his home in Perrysburg, 
Ohio. Art exemplified artistry, humanitarianism, and zest in every 
aspect of his being.
  Well known to Northwest Ohioans, Art was a most talented and 
accomplished musician who made his mark nationwide. Though he began his 
professional career as a drummer at the tender age of nine, Art's piano 
playing was legendary and he played with various bands through the 
early 1950s. Even after settling in Toledo, Ohio and pursuing other 
employment, Art continued playing the piano, entertaining audiences in 
his adopted hometown.
  In 1957, Art entered into a new career, that of broadcasting. 
Beginning as a part time disc jockey with the former WTOL radio 
station, he soon transitioned to a report for both radio and television 
covering civic affairs. Art broke into this field at a time when his 
race and his disability made this pursuit very difficult. Still he 
persevered, enduring prejudice with grace, covering the 1963 March on 
Washington and, blind since birth, taking notes in Braille. An early 
colleague best summed up Art's style: ``. . .   a very accomplished 
reporter. He was extremely sensitive at a time when being a black 
reporter presented him with a lot of obstacles.'' The colleague noted 
how it was not easy for many people to accept Arts' use of Braille 
writing as he reported an event, and highlighted ``Art's ability to 
maintain his composure and to deal fairly with everyone he dealt with, 
even if they didn't deal fairly with him.'' Even as he continued in his 
journalism and music careers, Art took on a new challenge in the late 
1960's becoming an administrative assistant in the external affairs 
office of the University of Toledo and later, the Assistant Director 
for Affirmative Action.
  Active in community affairs as well, Art served as Board President of 
the Ecumenical Communications Commission of Northwest Ohio, Board 
Member of the Greater Toledo Chapter of the American Red Cross, member 
of the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped, 
President of the Northwest Ohio Black Media Association, and the 
National Association of Black Journalists. In 1995 he was inducted into 
that organization's Regional Hall of Fame. Among all of his awards and 
accolades, Art was perhaps most proud of receiving the 1967 Handicapped 
American of the Year Award which was presented to him personally by 
Vice President Hubert Humphrey. Coming from an unhappy childhood in 
which his parents could not accept his blindness, his wife explained 
why this particular award affected him so deeply, ``With his 
upbringing, how he had to scuffle, he just figured he would never be 
recognized. The fact that somebody recognized what he done gave him 
that much more determination to continue and do better.''
  Mr. Speaker, Art Edgerton was a friend and a trusted advisor 
throughout the years I have served in this House. I shall miss deeply, 
as will our entire community. He made us better through his caring and 
talents spirit. He always advocated for the rights of people with 
disabilities. Exceedingly gracious, completely endearing, unfailingly 
honest, yet with a core of steel, Art Edgerton was a man among men. We 
offer our profoundest and heartfelt condolences to his wife of 35 
years, Della, his sons Edward and Paul, his grandchildren and great-
grandchildren. May their memories of this truly great man carry them 
forward.

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