[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 140 (Tuesday, October 7, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ARIE P. TAYLOR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 7, 2003

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the exceptional 
accomplishments and extraordinary life of a woman in the 1st 
Congressional District of Colorado. It is both fitting and proper that 
we recognize this distinguished public servant for her impressive 
record of civic leadership and invaluable service. It is to commend 
this outstanding citizen that I rise to honor Arie P. Taylor.
  Arie Taylor was a remarkable woman who lived a remarkable life. She 
was on the front lines of progress for decades and proved to be a 
powerful force in transforming the landscape of our city and state. Her 
indomitable spirit sustained her through many challenges and molded a 
life of notable accomplishment. Born in Bedford, Ohio, it was evident 
at an early age that politics would play a major role in Arie Taylor's 
life. At age 19, she served under the first African American woman on 
the Cleveland City Council. After studying at Miami University of Ohio 
and Case Western Reserve University, she served a four-year stint in 
the Women's Air Force as a Staff Sergeant where she was the first black 
classroom instructor and noncommissioned officer in Women's Air Force 
training. Arie Taylor distinguished herself in national politics when 
as a delegate to the 1968 Democratic National Convention, she fought 
against seating all-white Southern delegations.
  Arie Taylor's lengthy career in public service began in 1972 when she 
was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives representing House 
District 7 in northeast Denver. She was the first African American 
woman elected to the Colorado General Assembly and served six terms. As 
a state representative, she burnished a reputation of being forthright, 
outspoken and wearing great hats. She became a powerful advocate for 
African Americans, women, the poor, the elderly and other disadvantaged 
communities. Arie Taylor carried legislation that amended state civil 
rights statutes to include sex and gender. She carried fair housing 
legislation permitting women to access credit in their own names 
instead of having to rely on their spouses. She sponsored legislation 
for homemakers displaced because of domestic violence which, after 
passage, led to creation of a state income tax check-off to support 
organizations assisting victims of domestic violence. Arie Taylor 
further sponsored legislation that created treatment centers at the 
University of Colorado Medical Center for hemophilia and sickle cell 
anemia.
  Her service to the City & County of Denver began as Deputy Clerk of 
Denver District Court and Chief Clerk of the Denver Election 
Commission. Her career culminated in being appointed Denver Clerk & 
Recorder by former Mayor Wellington E. Webb in 1991. It comes as no 
surprise that Arie Taylor was the recipient of numerous awards 
including the Harriett Tubman Award for extraordinary efforts against 
racial violence. In 1999, the municipal center in northeast Denver was 
dedicated in her name.
  Arie Taylor lived a life of meaning and one that was rich in 
consequence. It is the character and deeds of Arie Taylor, and all 
Americans like her, which distinguishes us as a people. Truly, we are 
all diminished by the passing of this remarkable woman.
  Please join me in paying tribute to the life of Arie P. Taylor, a 
distinguished public servant. It is the values, leadership and 
commitment she exhibited during her life that serves to build a better 
future for all Americans.

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