[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 63 (Wednesday, April 30, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S5529]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO EMILIE WANDERER

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I would like to pay tribute to Emilie 
Wanderer, of Henderson, NV, on the occasion of her 101st birthday, 
which she celebrated earlier this month.
  Emilie Wanderer is the oldest member of the Nevada bar, but her 
significance goes well beyond her longevity. She both contributed to, 
and exemplifies, the progress our society has made in terms of quality. 
She broke down barriers for herself and for others. During a time when 
many women were discouraged from pursuing higher education and many 
were excluded from professional opportunities, Emilie Wanderer embarked 
on a legal career in addition to raising her children.
  Her noteworthy accomplishments include becoming the first woman to 
practice law in Las Vegas, being the first woman to run for district 
judge in Nevada, and joining with her son John Wanderer in the first 
mother-son legal practice in the State. She has been an inspiration and 
a role model for Nevadans, especially for women pursuing careers in 
fields traditionally dominated by men.
  Through her legal work and through her life, she has made our State a 
better, kinder, fairer, and more just place.
  Emilie Wanderer is considered a legend in the southern Nevada civil 
rights community. Several decades ago, racism and segregation plagued 
Las Vegas like so many places throughout America. Earlier this year 
when we celebrated African American History Month we rightfully 
recalled the role that Black leaders played in the civil rights 
movement, but I think it is important also to recognize that some 
whites--not only famous and prominent people but also those who never 
received much attention or credit--were committed to the pursuit of 
justice and fairness.
  Emilie Wanderer is one such person who helped bring about progress in 
race relations in Nevada. Early in her career, she served as legal 
counsel for the Nevada chapter of the National Association for the 
Advancement of Colored People, and she held NAACP meetings within her 
own home, even at the risk of harassment, threats and intimidation. She 
believed it was the right thing to do, and she had the courage of her 
convictions.
  Emilie Wanderer's commitment to, and contributions to, promoting 
social justice and securing equal rights for all the people of Nevada 
deserve to be recognized and praised. On behalf of our State, I thank 
her and send my best wishes.

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