[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 135 (Saturday, November 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO CHARLES W. CHERRY, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN L. MICA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 19, 2004

  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, it was my privilege to know Charles W. Cherry, 
Sr., a community leader and distinguished citizen of Florida's 7th 
Congressional District. I join many others from across the country in 
mourning the loss of this outstanding American. His passing is a 
significant loss to the City of Daytona Beach and to the State of 
Florida.
  Charles arrived in Daytona Beach in 1952 during the height of 
segregation. As a civil rights activist in the 1960's and 1970's, he 
helped organize bus boycotts, fought for better wages at area 
hospitals, and advocated for better representation for the minority 
community in Daytona Beach. He became president of the Volusia County-
Daytona Beach Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of 
Colored People, later becoming president of the state branch and a 
member of the national board of directors.
  In 1978, Charles founded the Daytona Times, a newspaper that has 
grown into a media company covering Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, 
with two newspapers and 11 radio stations. He was elected to the 
Daytona Beach City Commission in 1995, where he served five consecutive 
terms. As a commissioner, Charles was a strong supporter for new 
infrastructure and improved city services in black neighborhoods.
  Charles W. Cherry, Sr. worked during his life fighting for the 
principles of equality, justice and opportunity. The City of Daytona 
Beach has lost a great champion for our community. I will always 
treasure his public service, his friendship and the example his life 
has set for so many.
  My deepest sympathy is extended to his wife Julia T. Cherry, his son 
Charles W. Cherry, Jr., his family and his friends.

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