[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 105 (Wednesday, July 16, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H6879-H6883]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING MAYNARD HOLBROOK JACKSON, JUNIOR, AND EXTENDING CONDOLENCES OF 
               THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON HIS DEATH

  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 303) honoring Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr., former 
mayor of the City of Atlanta, and extending the condolences of the 
House of Representatives on his death.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 303

       Whereas the Honorable Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. was 
     born on March 23, 1938, in Dallas, Texas, and at the age of 
     14 entered Morehouse College as a Ford Foundation Early 
     Admission Scholar;
       Whereas the Honorable Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. 
     graduated cum laude from North Carolina Central University 
     School of Law;
       Whereas the Honorable Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. became 
     the first African-American Vice Mayor of the City of Atlanta;
       Whereas the Honorable Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. proved 
     to be a gifted and brilliant political leader, and he later 
     became the first African-American Mayor of the City of 
     Atlanta;
       Whereas, during his years in office, the Honorable Maynard 
     Holbrook Jackson, Jr. was the catalyst for the design of a 
     $400 million terminal at Atlanta's Hartsfield International 
     Airport;
       Whereas the Honorable Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. helped 
     to secure Atlanta's selection as the site of the 1996 Summer 
     Olympics;
       Whereas the Honorable Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. served 
     as president of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors 
     and the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials;
       Whereas the Honorable Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. became 
     Chair of the National Voting Rights Institute of the 
     Democratic National Committee;
       Whereas the Honorable Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. 
     established the American Voters League, a nonpartisan 
     organization committed to increasing voter turnout;
       Whereas upon being elected Mayor of Atlanta, the Honorable 
     Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. began encouraging and fostering 
     interracial understanding in Atlanta;
       Whereas the Honorable Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. was a 
     strong supporter of affirmative action, civil rights, and the 
     expansion of social and economic gains for minorities;
       Whereas the Honorable Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. was a 
     great champion for diversity, inclusion, and fairness--not 
     just in government and business, but also in all areas of 
     life;
       Whereas the Honorable Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. was a 
     wonderful human being who never wavered from the principles 
     that guided his life and career;
       Whereas the efforts of the Honorable Maynard Holbrook 
     Jackson, Jr. on behalf on the City of Atlanta and all 
     Americans earned him the esteem and high regard of his 
     colleagues; and
       Whereas the untimely death of the Honorable Maynard 
     Holbrook Jackson, Jr. has deprived his community, the City of 
     Atlanta, the state of Georgia, and the entire Nation of an 
     outstanding leader: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) honors the life and accomplishments of the Honorable 
     Maynard Holbrook Jackson Jr.;
       (2) recognizes the legendary compassion exhibited by the 
     Honorable Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. as a civil rights 
     leader; and
       (3) extends its condolences to the Jackson family and the 
     City of Atlanta on the death of a remarkable man.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Ose) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Ose).


                             General Leave

  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 303 introduced by my colleague from the State of 
Georgia (Mr. Lewis) honors Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr., former mayor 
of the city of Atlanta and extends the condolences of the House of 
Representatives on his death.
  Mr. Speaker, today we do honor a great American leader. Maynard 
Jackson courageously guided the city of Atlanta for three terms as 
mayor. He was inspired to enter public service, catch this date, on 
April 4, 1968, when he was a 30-year-old hard-working lawyer in 
Atlanta. Why does that date register with us? On that terribly 
bittersweet day, Maynard Jackson welcomed his first child into the 
world and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was tragically 
assassinated. The combination of these two events moved Mr. Jackson to 
enter politics.
  Only 2 months later, he unhesitatingly launched a grassroots campaign 
that challenged, albeit unsuccessfully, a powerful incumbent senator. 
His campaign earned him 200,000 votes, but in 1973, he again challenged 
a well-known incumbent as he ran for mayor of Atlanta, and this time he 
won. He was elected the first black mayor in Atlanta's history.
  Maynard Jackson went on to become one of the most influential civic 
officials in the history of Georgia, the South and our entire Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, last month, on June 23, Maynard Jackson sadly collapsed 
and died from a heart attack right here in Washington at the age of 65. 
He once was quoted as saying, with perhaps too great an understanding 
of the way we tend to simplify history, that ``I could see my full name 
will be Maynard Jackson, first black mayor of Atlanta.'' Certainly his 
civic accomplishments are not to be overlooked.
  Today, we seek to remember him more as the wonderful principled man 
that he was with a memorable booming voice and a giant, friendly 
handshake. His life was truly one worthy of commendation by this House, 
and I am proud that we are taking up this legislation.
  I urge all Members to support the adoption of H. Res. 303 that honors 
the life and accomplishments of the honorable Maynard Holbrook Jackson, 
Jr. I thank my colleague from Georgia for introducing this worthwhile 
measure.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
might consume.
  Mr. Speaker, Maynard Jackson, Jr., who took on Atlanta's 
establishment as the city's first black mayor and later helped plan for 
its role in the 1996 Olympics, died last month at the age of 65.
  Maynard Jackson first made history in 1973 when he was elected the 
first black mayor of Atlanta. He made his presence known immediately by 
taking on the predominantly white business leadership and demanding 
that doors be opened for blacks. That is why many people called him Mr. 
Affirmative Action in this country.
  He was reelected to a second term in 1977 where he led the city 
through one of its darkest periods, the string of slayings of young 
blacks from 1979 to 1981. When he left office after 2 years, barred 
from seeking a third consecutive term, he could boast of many 
accomplishments, including the expansion of Hartsfield Atlanta 
International Airport and the opening of the city's rapid rail system.
  A lawyer by training, Maynard Jackson, Jr., was born in Dallas, 
Texas, on March 23, 1938, the third of six children. His father, 
Maynard Jackson, Sr., was a Baptist minister and his mother, Irene 
Jackson, was a college language teacher with a doctorate's degree in 
French. When Maynard was seven, his family moved to Atlanta to take 
over as pastor of the Friendship Baptist Church.
  He enrolled at Morehouse College in Atlanta as an early admissions 
scholar and earned a BA degree in political science. He later earned a 
law degree from North Carolina Central University.
  Maynard Jackson's family was active in early voting rights efforts. 
His grandfather was co-chairman of the Atlanta Negro Voters League, and 
his father founded the Georgia Voters League.
  Maynard Jackson can be credited with not only what was accomplished

[[Page H6880]]

during his terms in office but also for laying the foundation for 
Atlanta's continuing success as one of the most desirable places in the 
country to live.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to yield the rest of the time to 
the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis), the author of this resolution, 
a person from Atlanta who is well-known throughout America, to finish 
managing our time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember, to honor and celebrate a great 
citizen and a dear friend, Maynard Jackson.
  Maynard Jackson's untimely death was shocking and is still 
unbelievable. I have known Maynard Jackson for more than 35 years; and, 
Mr. Speaker, I must tell my colleagues Maynard Jackson was a man who 
thought the impossible was possible. In 1973, he was the first African 
American to be elected mayor of the city of Atlanta. He served 12 years 
as mayor of the city.
  During his tenure as mayor of Atlanta, he began encouraging and 
fostering an interracial understanding, transforming the city into a 
new Atlanta, to the gateway to the South, the city that was too busy to 
hate. I truly believe that Maynard Jackson must be looked upon as one 
of the founding fathers of the new Atlanta, the new South and the new 
America.
  Maynard Jackson was a strong supporter of affirmative action, civil 
rights and expansion of social and economic gain for minorities. As our 
current mayor Shirley Franklin stated a few days ago, Maynard Jackson 
was a lion of a man. He was a champion of inclusion for all people and 
never wavered in his commitment to Atlanta.
  In fact, Mr. Speaker, Maynard Jackson helped create an Atlanta that 
we all could be proud of. He was not afraid or scared to do what was 
unpopular. He was not scared to take a chance. Maynard Jackson was not 
afraid to do the right thing.
  Because of his leadership, vision and dedication, our city, State and 
Nation will never be the same. We will miss you, Maynard. Atlanta will 
miss you, the Nation will miss you, but we would never, ever forget 
you. You have left your mark on each and every one of us. Thank you for 
your service. Thank you for giving your heart and your soul. As you 
take your passion and energy to the great beyond, again a grateful 
Nation, a grateful people and a grateful city say thank you.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1100

  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman 
from Baltimore, Maryland (Mr. Cummings)
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Res. 303, 
a resolution to honor the former mayor of the City of Atlanta, the 
Honorable Maynard Jackson, Jr. And I want to thank my colleague, the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis), for this resolution.
  It is often said, Mr. Speaker, that when a person dies in our lives, 
and if it is somebody who is close to us, a part of us dies. The 
untimely death of one of our foremost leaders was a tragedy, and he 
will be sorely missed. But as I listened to the gentleman from Georgia 
(Mr. Lewis), I cannot help but think about the fact that when Maynard 
Jackson became mayor back in 1973 of the great City of Atlanta, I was 
graduating from Howard University, and I can remember many of us being 
inspired by his leadership and the fact that he was a strong man who 
stood up. We had a saying back then, that he did not scratch where he 
did not itch and he did not laugh at jokes that were not funny. But he 
was a strong man, a strong African American man, and he inspired many 
of us student government leaders.
  The Honorable Maynard Jackson was a pioneer for civil rights. He 
graduate cum laude from North Carolina Central University School of Law 
and went on to become the first African American mayor of Atlanta where 
he left a legacy of contributions that would pave the way for both 
African American leadership in the 21st century and a new standard of 
public service and commitment.
  After being elected to office in 1973, at the age of 35, which I find 
amazing, Maynard Jackson, Jr., began to foster and encourage 
interracial understanding as well as serving as a guide in leveling the 
vastly uneven social and economic playing fields for minorities. He was 
a great advocate for diversity and fairness in all areas of life. The 
Honorable Maynard Jackson, Jr., was also the catalyst for the design of 
Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport. He played an essential part 
in securing Atlanta's selection as the site of the 1996 Summer 
Olympics. He also played an integral role in increasing voter turnout 
by establishing the nonpartisan American Voters League.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, Maynard Jackson was an outstanding leader who 
was greatly influential. He was and will continue to be held in the 
highest esteem by his community, his colleagues, the State of Georgia, 
and the entire Nation. We should all aspire to such greatness. Please 
join me in honoring his life and accomplishments.
  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman 
from North Carolina (Mr. Ballance).
  (Mr. BALLANCE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. BALLANCE. Mr. Speaker, it is my high honor and privilege to stand 
and speak today on H. Res. 303, sponsored by my esteemed colleague, the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis), which is honoring the late, great 
Mayor Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr.
  It is said that time, like an ever-flowing stream, bears all its sons 
and daughters away. I suppose I am unique among the speakers today, in 
that I had the great pleasure of meeting and studying with Maynard 
Jackson beginning in 1963 at North Carolina Central University Law 
School, where I was and he had transferred from Boston. There in 
Durham, North Carolina, during a pivotal chapter in the civil rights 
struggle, Maynard transferred to be where his mother, Dr. Irene Dobbs 
Jackson, was a professor at North Carolina Central University.
  We established a close friendship which spanned a period of almost 40 
years, through his three terms as mayor of Atlanta and his entering 
back into the business world, where he was serving at the time of his 
untimely death.
  Maynard's contributions to his adopted city of Atlanta and to America 
are unparalleled in our times, and he will be remembered as a giant in 
not only the political world but in the social and economic world as 
well, and his legacy will extend for all times.
  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my colleague, 
the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Marshall), the former mayor of the city 
of Macon.
  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia 
(Mr. Marshall).
  Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, I was elected mayor of Macon in 1995. 
Macon is a small town of a little over 100,000 people located 80 miles 
or so south of Atlanta. One of the first things I did after being 
elected was to visit Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr.
  Maynard Jackson was elected mayor of Atlanta in 1973 at the age of 
35, the first African American mayor of a major city in Georgia as well 
as the southeast. He served two 4-year terms and became known for 
promoting majority-minority partnerships to improve access for African 
Americans to the world of contracting and supplying governments.
  Maynard Jackson was elected again as mayor in 1989 and served one 
term. When I went to see him as a newly elected mayor, it was to get 
his advice, any advice he would care to offer. I had no particular 
agenda, just a hope that he would impart some wisdom, given his 
experience in both government and business. Maynard Jackson spent hours 
of his time with me that day.
  Of course, I cannot recall all that we spoke of, but I found his 
advice very valuable. I will always remember how cordial and engaged he 
was, someone who really did not need to give me the time of day, but, 
instead, gave me several hours. Maynard and I became

[[Page H6881]]

friends who saw one another infrequently but who always responded 
quickly to one another's calls, e-mails, or letters.
  The last time I spent any significant amount of time with him was 
just this February in Macon at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame for the 
opening of an exhibit honoring black classical musicians in Georgia. 
Maynard's aunt, Ms. Mattiwilda Dobbs, was the guest of honor for the 
occasion; but Maynard was the star who could have easily stolen the 
show. Instead, he remained out of the limelight, allowing his aunt to 
fully enjoy the attention she deserved as a world-famous artist, the 
first African American soprano to perform at the Metropolitan Opera 
House in New York.
  When I heard of Maynard's passing, I recalled that evening I spent 
with him in February at the Music Hall of Fame, and I remembered one 
touching incident. As we were all examining the memorabilia gathered 
for this exhibit honoring classical American artists of Georgia, the 
walls for this section of the museum were covered with photographs. 
Maynard grabbed my arm and pulled me toward one. It was a picture of 
the Morehouse College Glee Club that appeared quite old. And with great 
pleasure Maynard pointed to one of the young men in the picture. It was 
his father, a father who had passed away when Maynard was quite young.
  Now Maynard himself has passed away too young, leaving us in his 
prime, but leaving a legacy of remarkable accomplishments for Atlanta 
and all of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is right and just that this body 
honor Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. with this resolution prepared by 
the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis). Maynard Jackson will be sorely 
missed by his family and many friends. May he rest in peace knowing 
that his life was well lived.
  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 2 
minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).
  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Lee).
  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for yielding me 
this time and for introducing this resolution. It gives us the 
opportunity to reflect upon a great man.
  I rise in strong support of this resolution honoring Maynard Jackson, 
most famously known as the first African American mayor of Atlanta, but 
who will be remembered for much more than his outstanding service as 
mayor to the people of Atlanta.
  Maynard Jackson's accomplishments were far-reaching. He was an 
extraordinary leader in business, law, and public service. He 
successfully brought the world's largest airport, the Olympics, and a 
new world-class reputation to the City of Atlanta. Because of his 
efforts, the city boasts a booming economic center that is now home to 
one of the most prosperous African American business communities in the 
world.
  The Honorable Maynard Jackson was a staunch supporter and pioneer of 
affirmative action initiatives. His legacy is particularly important at 
a time when the Nation has renewed its commitment to diversity as a 
compeling State interest through the Supreme Court's landmark decision. 
The transforming power of targeted efforts toward diversity and 
inclusion is clearly evidenced in Jackson's work. As mayor of Atlanta, 
he authored initiatives that laid the foundation for many of the 
minority firms in Atlanta's thriving business community. Additionally, 
Jackson successfully incorporated some of the most marginalized 
communities into the core of the city's political activities.
  Early in life, Maynard Jackson proved he was exceptional by 
graduating from Morehouse College at the age of 18. He also held a law 
degree from North Carolina Central University. In addition to serving 
three mayoral terms, Jackson created several successful business 
ventures. He most recently chaired the Democratic National Committee 
Voting Rights Institute.
  He believed in serving the larger community, but he also believed in 
giving back on an individual level. He did so by serving as a mentor to 
many young potential, aspiring, upcoming young leaders. Those leaders 
now have great shoes to fill with Maynard's passing, but are able to 
step up to the challenge and lead us into tomorrow, a great tomorrow, 
because of his care and his guidance.
  I honor Maynard Jackson for his life's work. He created opportunities 
where none really existed. He advocated for communities that had been 
disregarded and disenfranchised. Every leader can learn from the way in 
which he facilitated the breaking of racial and class divides to 
achieve collective progress, prosperity, and peace for all Atlantans 
and all Americans.
  To Jackson's credit, Atlanta is now a sophisticated and progressive 
city, an example to the country and to the world. His work points the 
way to a more equitable society and has left us numerous methods as to 
how that society can be achieved. For that, we are deeply grateful.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my congressional district, the Ninth 
Congressional District of California, who knew and loved Maynard 
Jackson, I join today with our colleagues, Maynard's family and 
friends, and, indeed, the entire Nation, as we mourn his passing, but 
also as we celebrate his life and his monumental accomplishments. 
Maynard Jackson will forever remain in the hearts and the minds of the 
American people.
  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman 
from Georgia (Mr. Scott).
  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia 
(Mr. Scott).
  Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis), for yielding me this time. This is 
an extraordinary moment that we pay tribute in these hallowed halls of 
Congress to an extraordinary man, an extraordinary American, a man of 
soaring magnitude whose contribution and legacy speak right to the core 
of the foundation upon which this country was built: that is freedom, 
that is equality, that is making the best of us.
  Maynard Jackson came on the scene at an extraordinary time in the 
history of this country. It was in 1968, when two very monumental 
things happened that directed his life from that moment on. In 1968, 
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, and it moved Maynard 
Jackson to enter into the world of politics. The second monumental 
thing that happened was he chose to challenge Senator Talmadge, a 
legendary figure also of soaring magnitude, and in many ways in a 
different direction.
  That was a monumental crossroads in the history of Georgia and 
started us on a path of inclusion for African Americans in the world of 
politics, but especially in Georgia. I stand here as a Member of 
Congress and unashamedly say to my colleagues that had it not been for 
Maynard Jackson taking that chance in 1968 against Herman Talmadge, 
many of us African Americans who are in politics today might very well 
not have been in politics or had the opportunity.

                              {time}  1115

  Mr. Speaker, in 1968 when Maynard Holbrook Jackson chose to challenge 
Herman Talmadge, it opened up a new era. He did not win that election, 
but he got over 25 percent of the vote and he set us on a course. The 
very next year, 1969, he became vice mayor of Atlanta, the first 
African American to do so. Following that in 1973, he was elected to 
become the first African American mayor of the City of Atlanta.
  During that period, there was a burgeoning of political participation 
the likes of which Georgia had never seen. I am a beneficiary of that 
because as a kid in 1973 I was out helping Maynard Jackson get elected 
to become the first African American mayor of Atlanta. Exactly 1 year 
later, Maynard Jackson was in the streets of Atlanta helping David 
Scott get elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1974, at 
that time to become the youngest person to be elected in the history of 
the Georgia legislature.
  It is so much to contain such a life, but not only in politics. 
Maynard Jackson made great contributions in opening up so many doors of 
opportunity, not just for African Americans, but for white Americans 
and for women, doors that were closed. He built, yes, he built the 
Atlanta International Airport. He built it on the foundation of many 
others, but it was Maynard Jackson that used that airport to open up 
tremendous business opportunities and partnerships for black and white 
Georgians

[[Page H6882]]

and for Americans, and for that we are eternally grateful. As I pass 
almost two or three times a week, I look down at that point where he 
fell in Reagan National Airport, and I say a silent prayer; and that 
prayer is Dear God, thank you for sending Maynard Jackson our way.
  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all of the Members who 
participated this morning and thank the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Ose) for yielding so much time.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to say to the family and friends of Maynard 
Jackson and to all of the citizens of Atlanta and the citizens of our 
Nation that we have lost a son of America, a citizen of the world. 
Maynard Jackson was a very proud graduate of Morehouse College. He 
loved the school, the glee club; he loved the citizens of our city. He 
will be deeply missed, but we take this as an opportunity to honor and 
pay tribute to him for all of the good things that he did to make our 
city, our State, our Nation, and our world a better place.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I do want to add my condolences to those of my 
colleagues here. I cannot match their eloquence this morning. Their 
words are very well spoken. The majority side concurs in the extension 
of condolences to the family. I urge all Members to support the 
adoption of House Resolution 303.
  Ms. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues today in tribute 
to the life of Maynard Jackson Jr. and in strong support of H. Res. 302 
which honors the life of this truly outstanding public servant.
  Mr. Speaker, Maynard Jackson served as a strong voice for African-
Americans and all the citizens of Atlanta, Georgia. As the first 
African-American mayor elected in 1973, at the age of 35, Maynard 
Jackson became the first African-American mayor of a major Southern 
city and as mayor he dedicated his service to improving Atlanta in all 
the ways he could do.
  Maynard Jackson was a vocal voice in this country for civil rights 
and for increased opportunities for all minorities. By the conclusion 
of his first term as mayor of Atlanta, the percentage of city contracts 
going to minority-owned firms had increased from 0.13 percent at the 
time he took office to 38.6 percent by the end of his term. His 
leadership helped mold Atlanta into a city that not only offered hope 
and opportunities for African-American businesses, but for all of the 
citizens he represented.
  Mr. Speaker, Maynard Jackson strongly believed in the ideals of the 
Democratic Party and worked diligently to engage more citizens in the 
political process. Mr. Jackson served as a much-needed voice for those 
at the grassroots level and tirelessly strived to get people involved 
in communities across the country.
  Mr. Speaker, Maynard Jackson was a selfless leader who strongly 
believed in the potential of young people. Helping to invest for a 
better future, he gave much of his time in helping to develop their 
talents for leadership. As a mentor for these individuals, Mr. Jackson 
guided them by communicating about his own experiences to help better 
prepare these future leaders for the large task of making all 
communities brighter.
  Mr. Speaker, Mayor Jackson not only worked hard to make Atlanta a 
better city to live in, but also stands out as a role model for all 
people. I express my deep condolences to his family and all of his 
friends and may God grant him eternal rest.
  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 303, a 
resolution honoring the life of Maynard Jackson, Jr. Mr. Speaker, 
Maynard Jackson was a shining example of strength, resilience and 
undeniable charisma. As classmates at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA 
we had the opportunity to spend a lot of time together as part of an 
experimental program sponsored by the Ford Foundation. Even then 
Maynard exhibited an intellectual curiosity well beyond his years. 
Maynard's strong faith and ability to stand steadfast even during 
troubling times served him well after the sudden death of his father.
  Many of the skills Maynard developed during his early years at 
Morehouse helped him become the first African-American mayor of 
Atlanta. Under this leadership Atlanta was well on its way to becoming 
the new symbol for the south. Atlanta became an international city 
known for it's southern hospitality as well as it's fine dining and 
tourist attractions. As the shining example of the new south, Maynard 
led the way by introducing new initiatives that helped increase the 
number of minority contractors. As a result of his hard work local 
businesses flourished and a new generation of African-American 
millionaires was born. As mayor, Maynard endured criticism from 
proponents of the ``old south'' to lead the city to unprecedented 
growth, and prosperity which culminated in the expansion of the Atlanta 
airport.
  Mr. Speaker, even after Maynard Jackson left office he continued to 
fight for the under-served and bring vital financial resources to 
Atlanta. His involvement with the U.S. Olympic committee led to 
Atlanta's selection as the site of the 1996 Summer Olympics. The city 
of Atlanta, the state of Georgia and the nation owes Maynard Jackson a 
debt of gratitude. Maynard's foresight and wisdom opened the door for 
African-American politicians throughout the nation. Today we mourn the 
man, but we remember the contributions he made in the name of fairness 
and equality. We will miss Maynard Jackson.
  Mr. Speaker, on June 25, 2003, I spoke in memory and praise of 
Maynard Holbrook Jackson.
  The speech follows:

            In Memory and Praise of Maynard Holbrook Jackson

      (Speech of Hon. Major R. Owens of New York, in the House of 
               Representatives, Wednesday, June 25, 2003)

       Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I join with all of my colleagues, 
     with the family and with all Americans in mourning the 
     passage of a great political leader and a personal friend, 
     Mayor Maynard Jackson. I rise to salute the outstanding 
     achievements of the former Mayor of Atlanta who was also a 
     national political leader and a major asset of the Democratic 
     Party. But before I sound the loud trumpets which are 
     appropriate for the highlighting of Mayor Jackson's public 
     life, I would like to pause and note my fond personal 
     memories of Maynard.
       In the Morehouse College class of 1956 he was my classmate. 
     But even more intimate than that space were the roles we 
     shared as part of an experimental program sponsored by the 
     Ford Foundation. Maynard and I were two of 30 college 
     freshmen who had been admitted without completing the last 2 
     years of high school. Most of the so-called ``Ford Boys'' 
     were 16 years old. Maynard was the youngest at age 14.
       Maynard was a native of Atlanta, the location of Morehouse 
     College. He was a member of one of the oldest African 
     American leadership families. Maynard even at that early age 
     had a strong sense of mission and personal responsibility. 
     Despite his youth he became the host for our group of 30 
     special students. We were from very different worlds. My 
     father was a factory worker who had never earned more than 
     the minimum wage. But during that freshman year Maynard's 
     father who was the minister of one of Atlanta's most 
     prestigious churches, died suddenly. My mother also died in 
     the Spring of that year. Few understand better than I did the 
     sudden escalated maturation of the 14 year old Maynard. It 
     was probably the first great crisis of his life but he 
     rallied his personal resources and he overcame that great 
     emotional obstacle. It was a challenge which set a pattern 
     for the rest of his life and career.
       My classmate, Mayor Maynard Jackson leaves a clear and 
     shining legacy for all to see and for African American 
     leaders to utilize as a guiding beacon. Mayor Maynard sought 
     power and through a very creative strategy and set of tactics 
     he won power. But the truly distinguishing achievement of 
     Mayor Maynard Jackson was his bold and uncompromising use of 
     his power to further empower the African American community 
     of Atlanta. In very concrete dollar and cents terms he 
     confronted the business elite of Atlanta and forced the 
     opening of new doors of significant business opportunities 
     for minorities.
       Under Mayor Jackson's early leadership as Mayor, Atlanta 
     City contracts soared from less than 1 percent in 1973 to 39 
     percent within 5 years. Many of these contracts were related 
     to the construction of the expanded world class Atlanta 
     airport. It is believed that several dozen new black 
     millionaires were created via Maynard's mandated joint 
     venture models. It is important to note that the airport 
     expansion was still completed ahead of time and under budget. 
     For African Americans unprecedented new opportunities were 
     opened up as a result of the Mayor's confrontation with the 
     white business establishment. Maynard Jackson could never be 
     called an ``empty suit'' concerned only with the ceremony and 
     symbolism of being the first Black Mayor of Atlanta. The 
     legacy he leaves is a lesson for all African American 
     leaders: power is acquired for the purpose of empowering 
     those who lacked power before. Martin Luther King's movement 
     and the Voting Rights Act were constructed, not to install 
     peacocks with their limited agendas for personal wealth and 
     fame; instead the assumption of public office is a method of 
     extending the struggle.
       Let it be noted and fully understood that Maynard Jackson 
     had to pay a price for his courage and his boldness on behalf 
     of the continuing struggle. When he left office as Mayor, the 
     white establishment attempted to lynch him economically by 
     denying him an appropriate berth in the private sector. 
     Fortunately, it was one more hurdle which Maynard overcame. 
     More of the story of the battle of Atlanta must be told in 
     order for the legacy to be understood clearly. Mayor Maynard 
     Jackson was more than just a successful politician. He was a 
     trailblazer, a

[[Page H6883]]

     hero who set high standards that all African American public 
     officials must measure up to in performance.

  Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Speaker, the City of Atlanta, the State of Georgia, 
and the United States of America mourn the passing of an important 
civic and civil rights figure. Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. lived as a 
trailblazer, paving the way for future black politicians throughout the 
country. Furthermore, Maynard Jackson was not only a prominent 
political figure, but a man of character as well; strong, genuine, and 
always full of heart.
  Former Mayor Jackson was born in Dallas, Texas in 1938 into a family 
of civil rights activists. This strong background influenced Jackson to 
become involved in public affairs at an early age. The assassination of 
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the birth of Jackson's first child, 
occurring within days of each other, proved a pivotal turning point in 
Jackson's life and inspired him to commit to serving the public 
interest.
  Jackson demonstrated immense courage when he challenged a popular, 
long-sitting United States Senator during his first run for public 
office in 1968. By becoming the first African-American to run for the 
Senate from the State of Georgia, Jackson cleared hurdles and opened 
new opportunities for African-American political ambition. Five years 
later, Jackson once again raised the bar of public service and made 
history with his successful campaign for the office of Mayor of the 
City of Atlanta. This victory made Jackson both the first black mayor 
of a major southern city and, at age 35, the youngest mayor in the 
United States. His election marked a turning point for both the City of 
Atlanta and our entire nation, as Jackson came to embody a rising 
political tide of young and energetic African-American politicians, 
along with the likes of Coleman Young and Tom Bradley, who possessed a 
sincere ambition to reinvigorate urban politics. The three terms that 
Jackson would go on to serve during the next twenty years would make 
him the second longest serving mayor in Atlanta history, a milestone in 
and of itself.
  While each of these accomplishments are impressive and significant, 
Jackson's record as Mayor of Atlanta is equally admirable. His record 
shows a deep commitment to equality and a bold desire to reform the 
traditional Atlanta business community to make it more inclusive. 
During his tenure in office, Jackson launched an aggressive program to 
increase the number of minority contractors employed by the city. He 
also succeeded at creating ``joint venture'' programs in which minority 
and white contracting firms worked together for the construction of the 
mid-field terminals at Hartsfield International Airport. Jackson's 
efforts in reshaping and marketing the city have been credited with 
supplying the Atlanta region with much of its growth over the past 
quarter century. Maynard Jackson turned what was a regional town into a 
national and international business center.
  Finally, Jackson gained international prominence during his final 
term as Mayor in the early 1990's. Once again, he did his utmost to use 
his position to bolster the prestige and notoriety of his hometown. His 
most visible accomplishment in office was surely his intimate 
involvement in the effort to bring the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games to 
Atlanta. We fondly remember the televised images of Mayor Jackson 
hugging and congratulating other city officials immediately following 
the announcement that Atlanta had been successful in its bid for the 
Olympics. Two years later, Jackson went before an international 
audience during the closing ceremonies of the Barcelona Olympics and 
proudly waved the Olympic flag on behalf of the City of Atlanta and the 
United States of America.

  In recent years, Jackson sought to extend his sincere commitments to 
equality and progress to the national level. Jackson led a national 
initiative within the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to encourage 
African-American voter participation by heading the DNC's Voting Rights 
Institute. In this he sought to empower those who lacked a significant 
political voice.
  During Jackson's career in public service, his tireless efforts have 
transformed a city, empowered its citizens, and brought it 
international recognition. Time and again, Maynard Jackson was a strong 
advocate for economic equality and high levels of civic participation 
within the African-American community. While this is likely the most 
noticeable aspect of his legacy, he has always desired to be known for 
his accomplishments on behalf of all individuals.
  Indeed, our entire nation experienced a great loss when Jackson 
passed away on June 23, 2003. He was 65 years old and left behind a 
tremendous political legacy. Maynard Jackson inspired an untold number 
of potential political leaders, so many of whom will benefit from the 
doors that he opened and the barriers that he shattered. He will be 
greatly missed by people of all races, Democrats, Republicans, 
Georgians and non-Georgians alike.
  Public servants such as Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr., who have had a 
significant impact in local and national politics, leave not only 
action, but legacy. As was said upon the passing of John Adams and 
Thomas Jefferson, ``They are no more . . . but how little is there of 
the great and good which can die! To the country they yet live, and 
live forever.''
  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Quinn). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Ose) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 303.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________