[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 7, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S3951]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN RECOGNITION OF THE REVEREND DR. S. HOWARD WOODSON, JR.

 Mr. TORRICELLI. Madam President, I rise today to acknowledge 
the Reverend Dr. S. Howard Woodson, Jr., after whom Calhoun St. in 
Trenton is being renamed.
  It has been an honor for the State of New Jersey to have the service 
of an individual with the immense talents of the Reverend Woodson. In 
his efforts to serve the community, Reverend Woodson has used his 
leadership skills to effect positive change throughout the State.
  After moving to Trenton in 1946 and becoming pastor of Shiloh Baptist 
Church, the Reverend Woodson became actively involved in the civil 
rights movement. As Chairman of the segregated board of the Carver 
YMCA, he fought to be granted independent status by the National YMCA, 
which led to the establishment of its own branch, freeing it from the 
supervision of the central office. This was a first for the Nation. 
During his time as President of the State Conference of the NAACP, he 
convinced then Governor Richard Hughes to convene the first state-wide 
conference on housing discrimination, out of which grew important 
minority housing legislation. Over the course of his political career, 
the Reverend Woodson had the distinction of being the first person of 
color elected as councilman-at-large in Trenton. He was also the first 
person of color to serve as Chairman of the Ranking Legislative 
Committee, Assistant Democratic Leader, and Speaker of the State House.
  But, the impact of the Reverend Woodson extends beyond his work in 
the areas of civil rights and politics. Through his leadership, Shiloh 
Baptist Church was able to erect a new center of worship and began 
numerous community outreach programs such as the Clean Neighborhood 
Drive and a Neighborhood Get Acquainted program.
  I am proud to extend my congratulations to the Reverend Woodson on 
this special occasion.

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