[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 22, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E871]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF MR. BERNARD C. WATSON

                                 ______
                                 

                              CHAKA FATTAH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 21, 2002

  Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a truly remarkable 
man, a person who genuinely exemplifies what it means to be a teacher, 
mentor, and scholar.
  Mr. Bernard C. Watson, a longtime educational and civic leader in 
Philadelphia, will be this year's recipient of the Philadelphia Award 
for 2001. The award, which will be presented June 11, honors a resident 
of the Philadelphia region who does the most to ``advance the best and 
largest interest of the community.'' The award is complimented with a 
cash prize of $25,000. Prior recipients of this distinguished award 
include people such as Sister Mary Scullion, co-founder of Project 
H.O.M.E., former Mayor Edward Rendell, former City Council President 
and current mayor John Street, and Rev. Leon Sullivan, a social 
activist, and educator responsible for leading international efforts to 
promote nonviolent social and economic change.
  Originally from Gary, Indiana, Mr. Watson quickly rose to prominence 
by becoming a deputy superintendent to Philadelphia public schools in 
1967. He was also president of the William Penn Foundation, vice 
president for academic affairs at Temple University, and vice president 
of the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts. Considered an expert in his 
field, Mr. Watson was appointed to a number of educational advisory 
councils by three different U.S. presidents. He also authored several 
books, including a memoir, ``Colored, Negro, Black: Chasing the 
American Dream.''
  Chairman of the Philadelphia Award Trustees, William J. Marrazzo, 
indicated Mr. Watson was selected from dozens of highly qualified 
nominees. Chairman Marrazzo commented that Mr. Watson ``has been a 
tireless fighter of ignorance and injustice, a determined advocate for 
educational excellence, and an energetic supporter of the arts. He is 
truly one of Philadelphia's treasures.''
  Mr. Speaker, I couldn't agree more with the Chairman's comments. Mr. 
Watson's selflessness is evidenced in his words and actions. Educating 
others, Mr. Watson recently reflected, is the most rewarding aspect of 
his work. Mr. Watson commented, ``Education is how you give people 
control of their lives. It is a way of giving someone the notion of 
what you can be as a human being.''

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