[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 148 (Friday, November 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2085]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK'S CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the Community of Oak Park, Illinois. I take great pride in expressing 
my delight and heart felt congratulations as we commemorate the 100th 
Anniversary of the Village of Oak Park.
  Historically, Oak Park is a community in the Chicago area that has 
made significant contributions to diversity and is a model for other 
emerging American communities. Since the 1960's Oak Parkers have 
seriously planned for the evolution and development of their community. 
The Village of Oak Park has refused to maintain itself as a status quo 
neighborhood in the Chicago area. The integration of black and white 
residents has been a key component in the development of this unique 
neighborhoods. As the community began to change, the Village government 
took action by enacting an Open Housing Ordinance in 1968, a statement 
supporting integrated housing. In 1973 Village Trustees created a 
policy statement, ``Maintaining Diversity in Oak Park.'' These policies 
created the building blocks for a community now designated an ``All 
American City.''
  Revolutionary action was taken by the Village and initiated during a 
time when visible racial transformation was needed throughout Chicago 
neighborhoods. Based on the initiatives of the Village of Oak Park, it 
has become the home of people from various occupations, professions, 
ages, and income levels.
  Oak Park has produced a number of notable people who have made 
significant contributions to our world in their receptive fields of 
endeavor. To name just a few, in literature, Ernest Hemingway, and 
Carol Shields who is one of the finalists for the Man Booker Prize for 
literature this year. Percy Lavon Julian, an African American Research 
Chemist whose research led to discoveries in drug manufacturing, 
hormones, vitamins, amino acids, paint, and paper, Carl Rogers in 
psychotherapy, other of its better known have been Edgar Rice Burroughs 
of Tarzan fame, residents are Ray Kroc in fast food restaurants, and 
Frank Lloyd Wright an architectural genius, who has designed many of 
the world's most famous structures and buildings, many of which are a 
part of Oak Park's visible legacy. There is great need to maintain and 
commemorate the cultural richness and diversity of this unique village.
  The Gale Research Center of the Historical Society is a research 
center, which is a repository of photos, publication, and artifacts 
that highlight the community's history. Complimented by this are 
exhibits and special programs that assist in public education. Oak Park 
can proudly boasts of the Oak Forest River Forest Public H.S. and 
Fenwick H.S. an outstanding Catholic Parochial School. Centennial 
celebrations mark the communities effort to proclaim and instill the 
historical legacy of the Village of Oak Park. The advocacy of community 
members has been instrumental in nurturing the excellence of Oak Park 
and in helping to shape public policy. There is virtually no issue that 
I don't hear from someone in Oak Park about. Mr. Speaker, I believe 
that the Village of Oak Park is one of the most fascinating communities 
in our country and I commend them as they celebrate their centennial 
anniversary.




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