[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 53 (Thursday, April 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E625]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO VIOLA PITTS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARTIN FROST

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 2004

  Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the late Viola 
Pitts, an African American leader who made a tremendous impact in the 
lives of many throughout the North Texas community.
  Mrs. Viola Pitts, a native born Texan, spent the vast majority of her 
life in the heart of Como, a historically black neighborhood in west 
Fort Worth. Her vigorous efforts to strengthen the voter turn out 
amongst African Americans, earned her the title of ``unofficial mayor 
of Como.'' Mrs. Pitts' determination, tenacity and honesty earned her 
the respect of many top elected public officials in North Texas.
  Mrs. Pitts, who was never afraid to confront an issue, worked 
tirelessly to ensure that the Como community received proper funding 
for their community center, elementary school, and neighborhood 
streets. Her selfless contribution to the Como area were recognized and 
honored in 2000, when Tarrant County officials renamed the new medical 
clinic to JPS Health Center--Viola M. Pitts/Como.
  Mrs. Viola Pitts was truly a civic minded individual who helped make 
the Fort Worth community a better place to live by simply being active 
and involved. Hopefully, through her memory we can all continue to draw 
on these same personal qualities that so many of us have come to 
respect and admire.
  Mr. Speaker, I honor Mrs. Viola Pitts for her lifelong contributions 
and commitment to the residents of the Fort Worth community.

                          ____________________