[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 30 (Tuesday, February 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E279-E280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING ROSA AND JACK KELLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 2003

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rosa and Jack 
Kelley's contributions to the African American Historical and Cultural 
Museum of California's San Joaquin Valley. On Saturday, February 15, 
the retirement of Jack Kelley, the memory of his wife Rosa, and the 
beginning of the Kelley Endowment Fund for the African American Museum 
was celebrated in Fresno, California.
  Jack Kelley has been an active member in the community throughout his 
life. Mr. Kelley served his country bravely in World War II. Jack 
continued his brave and honorable service to America as one of the 
first African American policemen for the Fresno Police Department, and 
later as the first African American to be promoted to Sergeant within 
the Department. Showing his range of diversity,

[[Page E280]]

Jack was drafted as a professional football player after graduating 
from Fresno State University.
  The late Rosa Kelley served the public as a Licensed Vocational Nurse 
and elementary school teacher. She was an active member in her church 
and many other civic activities in the community. She was known as a 
devoted wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose 
love, kindness, and encouragement touched the lives of many people 
throughout her life and allowed the Museum to be at the status it is 
today.
  Mr. Kelley began his 12-year dream of creating an African American 
Historical museum of the pioneers of the San Joaquin Valley out of the 
trunk of his car. His perseverance to display the photos and artifacts 
from early African American pioneers to the public has lead to his 
vision becoming a reality.
  The African American Historical & Cultural Museum has promoted an 
understanding, appreciation, and awareness of African Americans 
historically and culturally throughout the San Joaquin Valley who have 
been pioneers and role models in their community. The Museum serves as 
a permanent home to remember the work of African Americans of the 
Valley.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor Jack and Rosa Kelley for their 
outreach in the community and their dedication to the African American 
Historical and Cultural Museum. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
wishing Jack Kelley and the Museum many more years of success.

                          ____________________