[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 64 (Friday, May 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E842]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING ALICE GREENFIELD MCGRATH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 2002

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to pay tribute to Alice 
Greenfield McGrath, an extraordinary woman who has continuously fought 
for social justice, on this very special occasion, her 85th birthday.
  Ms. McGrath holds a special place in the hearts of countless 
individuals and her actions as a social justice activist and advocate 
will not be forgotten. She has dedicated a tremendous amount of her 
time to both the struggles for economic and legal rights for poor 
people and against the prejudices and discriminations suffered by 
people of color.
  Since her first semester at Los Angeles Community College, Ms. 
McGrath has immersed herself in social activism. In 1942, she became 
involved in the Sleepy Lagoon Case, the event that soon after triggered 
the ``Zoot Suit Riot''. The riot is a significant event in Los Angeles 
history, as it represents the first time the political involvement of 
the Mexican American community made a difference, as it brought the 
mistreatment of Chicanos by police officers, sailors and other 
servicemen to light. And of course, Alice McGrath was right there with 
the community, fighting for the justice that all Mexican Americans 
deserve.
  Ms. McGrath's activism continued to expand over the years. In 1986 
she developed a pro bono program for the Ventura County Bar 
Association, and currently she is active with the Mexican American Bar 
Association and the Black Attorneys Association. She additionally 
serves on a California Judicial Council sub-committee for Access and 
Fairness in the Courts. She has been honored by El Concilio del Condado 
de Ventura, the Mexican American Bar Association of Los Angeles, and is 
a recipient of the Joyce Yoshioka award, which is presented by the 
Ventura County Criminal Defense Bar.
  It is only fitting that we pay tribute to Alice Greenfield McGrath 
today. She has contributed so much to so many people over the years and 
is such an inspiration to us all. Our community is blessed to have a 
woman as wonderful as Ms. McGrath in its midst. I urge you to join me 
in wishing Ms. McGrath a wonderful birthday.

                          ____________________