[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 95 (Monday, July 12, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1356-E1357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                MOURNING THE DEATH OF C. MICHAEL SAVAGE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JESSE L. JACKSON, JR.

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 12, 2004

  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay 
tribute to the life of Clarence Michael Savage, a model of compassion, 
commitment, and community service, who passed away on June 24. Mike was 
a man of strong personal faith, and a devout advocate of social 
justice.
  A graduate of St. Louis University, Mike began his career of service 
working on behalf of lower-income neighborhoods in St. Louis and 
migrant farm workers throughout the country. Mike was known as a 
champion for the rights of people marginalized in our society. He 
served as the CEO of the Access Community Health Network in Chicago 
from 1994 until his tragic death last month. Mike was innovative in his 
approach to serving the working poor, uninsured and medically 
underserved. During his tenure at Access, Mike led the organization 
through unprecedented change as the organization grew from nine to 
forty-one health centers serving more than 160,000 patients annually.
  Throughout his career, Mike was unyielding in his pursuit of justice. 
Before joining Access, Mike served as Executive Director of Fenway 
Community Health Center in Boston. He also worked for Heartland 
Alliance Travelers & Immigrants Aid and United Neighborhood 
Organization of Near Southwest Chicago. Mike was also active in many 
organizations nationally and locally, including National Healthy Start 
Association, United Power for Action and Justice, and the Chicago 
Chapter of Dignity USA.
  Those of us who were privileged to have known him, will remember his 
incredible passion for addressing the underserved and his commitment to 
those in the fight with him. He was a visionary, he was a leader, and 
he was a friend. I extend my deepest condolences to Andy Swan, his 
partner, his family, and all those who join me in treasuring Mike's 
memory.

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