[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 146 (Tuesday, November 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2097]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2097]]
                  THE LIFE OF CONGRESSMAN SIDNEY YATES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 14, 2000

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, good morning. Today we gather 
with one accord to pay respect to the memory of our colleague Sid 
Yates. Public servant, staunch advocate of freedom of expression, 
leader, father, and friend, Mr. Yates' life is a true testament of the 
greatness one can achieve in this country when he has a good heart and 
character, a focused mind, and a determination to succeed.
  Mr. Yates has never been a stranger to the ethic of hard work and 
leadership. Born in Chicago at the beginning of the 20th Century, 
Sidney Yates learned at an early age how to grapple with and overcome 
the trappings of adversity. Equipped with an arsenal of courage, he has 
conquered the lion's share of lows with true fighting spirit and has 
emerged victoriously. Losing both parents by the age of five, Mr. Yates 
was left with the responsibility of raising his younger sister and his 
little brother. In order to provide for his siblings, Mr. Yates worked 
as a carpenter for most of his childhood. At a time when most children 
are afforded the opportunity to hope, dream, play, and learn, Mr. Yates 
was forced to think in real terms. As a young provider, he was forced 
to make decisions that had an immediate impact on the lives of his 
loved-ones. As a champion, Mr. Yates accepted his role without 
reservations.
  His role as leader eventually extended beyond his immediate family as 
he began a life of community service and public advocacy. He held 
numerous posts and positions on the local and state level. However, it 
was an upset victory in 1948 that brought Mr. Yates to Capitol Hill as 
a Representative of the 9th District of Illinois.
  As Congressman, Mr. Yates proved to be a capable and effective 
leader. Not only was he successful in responding to the needs of his 
diverse constituency--born the son of Lithuanian Immigrants--Yates 
understood the importance of pushing the envelope and entertained 
innovative ideas and progressive policies that widened the scope to 
explore the unknown.
  Mr. Yates' record of public service has left an indelible mark of 
greatness. His efforts have led to many historic victories. He has been 
a patron and protector of the Arts--As Langston Hughes would say, life 
for Sid Yates ``ain't been no crystal stair. It's had a lot of cracks 
and holes in it; but he held on to his dreams for he knew that if 
dreams die, life becomes like a broken winged bird that cannot fly.'' 
Yes, Sid Yates continued to dream and continued to soar until his last 
days.
  Thank You Sid!

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