[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 23 (Wednesday, March 6, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MR. JAMES T. McCAIN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 6, 2002

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a lifelong 
friend and mentor, Mr. James T. McCain of Sumter, South Carolina. 
``Nooker'' as he is affectionately known, is an extraordinary man who 
has contributed greatly, not only to his community and state, but the 
entire nation. He started his professional career as an educator. But 
his most lasting contributions were made as a civil rights activist. An 
accomplished author, his long-standing commitment to the struggle for 
equality is legendary throughout the nation. He is married to the 
former Ida M. Channault of Georgia, and they have three children.
  Nooker was born on March 8, 1905 in Sumter, South Carolina, where he 
resides. He graduated from Morris College in Sumter, and continued his 
education in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he received a Masters of 
Education Degree from Temple University. His talents were displayed 
over subsequent years as an outstanding educator. He held positions as 
a teacher, principal, college professor, registrar and dean. The Negro 
Educational Review nationally recognized Mr. McCain's unique abilities 
in 1952 when he was named Runner-up in a nation-wide Classroom Teacher 
of the Year project conducted.
  In addition to his incredible contributions as an educator, Mr. 
McCain has dedicated his life to seeking full citizenship, civil rights 
and absolute equality for minorities in our country. Through his 
participation in such civil rights efforts as the sit-ins, Freedom 
Rides and picketing during the sixties, Mr. McCain displayed his 
willingness to put the good of the people ahead of his own safety. He 
served as Field Secretary and Director of Organization of the Congress 
of Racial Equality (CORE) for nine years. His affiliation with CORE 
called for him to courageously work in numerous communities throughout 
the South during the turbulent 60's when civil rights activities were 
hazardous work. He later served as Director of the Citizenship, 
Education, Scholarship, Education and Defense Fund for Racial Equality 
in South Carolina.
  Mr. McCain has made his mark on the civil rights movement, not only 
through his actions, but also through his publications. He was an 
inductee into the University South Caroliniana Society, and has 
contributed countless volumes on the civil rights movement to the South 
Carolina Library. He is co-author of the publication, Political 
Strength: How to get it, a guide to effective community action.
  Throughout his life, ``Nooker'' has been active in many facets of his 
community. His past and present professional and civic affiliations 
include Associate Director, South Carolina Council on Human Relations; 
President and Treasurer, Palmetto Education Association; Vice Chairman, 
South Carolina Economic Opportunity Board; Coordinator Sumter Black 
Political caucus; Charter President, Sumter Branch of the N.A.A.C.P.; 
1st Vice Chairman, Wateree Community Actions, Inc.; Boy Scouts of 
America; Lay Advisory Board, Sumter High School; Sumter Count Council 
on Aging, and the Governor's Council on Human Affairs for South 
Carolina. He is a recipient of the Order of the Palmetto, the highest 
honor that a South Carolina Governor can bestow on an individual. He 
has also been recognized as the Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year 
for South Carolina. Mr. McCain continues his community involvement as a 
trustee emeritus of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in wishing my 
first baseball coach and lifelong political mentor--Mr. James T. 
``Nooker'' McCain--a Happy 97th Birthday which, God willing, he will 
celebrate on Friday, March 8th. I wish him good luck and Godspeed.

                          ____________________