[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 127 (Friday, October 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO CHRISTINE OSBURN JACKSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 6, 2004

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a woman who 
has unselfishly served the women and girls of the Greater Charleston 
YWCA and all citizens of the Charleston, South Carolina area for most 
of her career. Ms. Christine Osburn Jackson is retiring after 36 years 
as the Executive Director of YWCA of Greater Charleston, and a lifetime 
of service to her community and fellow human beings.
  My friend, Christine, has parlayed her position into a platform to 
promote racial justice and help shape public policy. This was a natural 
role stemming from her leadership of the organization during the 
turbulent 1960s when Charleston's YWCA sought to remain segregated. Her 
tenacity led the all-black branch of the organization to be designated 
the YWCA's national affiliate in Charleston, and carry on its mission 
of equality and empowerment.
  Her leadership was sought during the preeminent civil rights 
struggles of the time. She was one of only three women to share the 
stage with Martin Luther King, Jr. during his only visit to Charleston 
with the Southern Christain Leadership Conference. She also hosted 
meetings at the YWCA for black hospital workers during the infamous 
1969 Charleston Hospital Strike.
  It was Christine Jackson's strength and steadfastness during these 
difficult times that built the foundation for the YWCA's continuing 
success. Under her leadership, this organization has actively 
registered voters, taught parenting to teenage mothers, provided after 
school programs for local students, and honored women in industry for 
their contributions with the Tribute to Women in Industry (TWIN) 
awards. She has carried on the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. by 
organizing community events throughout the month of January to inspire 
others to promote social justice.
  Many organizations have sought out her extraordinary talents. She 
holds membership on many governing boards including the Interfaith 
Crisis Ministry, the League of Women Voters, and the Foster Care Review 
Board. Ms. Jackson has also been the recipient of numerous awards 
including those bestowed by five different national sororities and 
fraternities, the Trident United Way, the Committee on Better Racial 
Assurance, and the Charleston County Baptist Association.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in applauding 
Christine Osburn Jackson's lifetime of achievements. Although her daily 
presence at the Greater Charleston YWCA will be missed, I know her 
guiding hand will still be felt throughout the community.

                          ____________________