[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 100 (Wednesday, July 18, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1355]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             REGARDING THE ANNIVERSARY OF CHERRY v. MATHEWS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CYNTHIA A. McKINNEY

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 18, 2001

  Ms. McKINNEY. Mr. Speaker, July 19 is the 25th anniversary of U.S. 
District Court's landmark decision in the infamous case known as Cherry 
vs. Mathews. This historic ruling has paved the way and established 
equal and just civil rights for America's disabled citizens. 25 years 
ago, disabled Americans did not have access to many federal buildings, 
schools, public transportation, and voting booths.
  An undue burden was placed upon citizens with disabilities, and they 
were not treated with the respect, courtesy, and equal opportunity that 
all Americans should be afforded.
  Dr. James L. Cherry, a Georgian, led the fight to insure that 
disabled-citizen rights were acknowledged and protected. Dr. Cherry's 
suit against the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare brought 
about not only changes through the courts; it renewed and confirmed our 
Nation's belief that equal opportunity is a unalienable right for all.
  I would like to thank Dr. Cherry for his courage, commitment, and 
foresight. As we observe the 25th anniversary of Cherry vs. Mathews, we 
are all reminded that our great nation was built upon a foundation of 
principles and equality and that has been sustained by the ideals of 
opportunity and justice.

                          ____________________