[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 112 (Friday, August 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1529]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                A TRIBUTE TO JUSTICE CLINTON WAYNE WHITE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2001

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of our nation's Civil 
Rights' Leaders, the Honorable Clinton Wayne White.
  Justice Clinton Wayne White was born on October 8, 1921. Between 
1942-1945, he proudly served in the United States Army Air Corp.
  After World War II, Justice White attended the University of 
California, Berkeley and received his Bachelor's Degree in 1946 and 
later he earned his LLB from the University's Boalt Hall School of Law. 
In 1949, he, along with one other African-American, was admitted to the 
California State Bar. It was at this time that Justice White truly 
became an inspiration to African Americans and future African American 
leaders.
  Justice White was a prominent defense attorney who publically 
criticized and challenged the criminal justice system's biases against 
African-Americans. He knew how to use the law to fight for social, 
economic and political progress for people of color. He was a warrior 
and a crusader, who truly believed in equality for all persons.
  It was his strength and determination for equity, which led Justice 
White to become President of the Oakland NAACP in the 1960s. He waged a 
successful campaign to change the Alameda County's jury selection 
system to include minorities.
  After several successful years as a leading civil rights attorney, 
Justice White was elevated to serve as a trial court judge in the 
Alameda County Superior Court and was later appointed to the State 
Court of Appeal.
  Even with his hectic schedule, Justice White still found the time to 
participate in many community organizations such as Men of Tomorrow and 
the Charles Houston Club. He was certain to make time to coach youth 
baseball teams in Oakland, because he cared about our youth and their 
future. In 1978, Justice White became the founder of the Clinton White 
Foundation which seek to enable and empower people to live their lives 
away from poverty and despair.
  Justice White was considered a mentor to current leaders in Alameda 
County, but to me, he is also and will always be my hero. I knew him 
when I was still a student in the early 1970s. His guidance and wisdom 
helped me through some very difficult times. I will always remember his 
kindness and compassion.
  I am proud to stand here alongside his family, friends and colleagues 
to salute Justice Clinton Wayne White, a man who was a legacy for all.

                          ____________________