[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 39 (Thursday, April 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E576]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING SOJOURNER TRUTH AWARDEES

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                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 6, 2005

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Flint Club of 
the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's 
Clubs, Inc., who on Saturday, April 9, will hold their 44th annual 
Sojourner Truth Founder's Day Awards Luncheon. During this ceremony, 
awards will be presented to nine deserving recipients.
  The Sojourner Truth Awards are given each year by the National 
Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., as 
a reminder of the endless effort which freedom demands of those who 
would be free and to recall the fact that slavery comes in many forms: 
enveloping the spirit as well as the body. In this regard, the Club 
annually acknowledges those members of the community who have shown to 
represent these ideals with dignity and distinction.
  One such award is the Club's Frederick Douglass Award, which this 
year will be given to the Honorable Archie L. Hayman, Chief Judge of 
the 7th District Circuit Court in Genesee County. A lifelong resident 
of Flint, Judge Hayman received degrees from C.S. Mott Community 
College and the University of Michigan-Flint, before receiving his 
Juris Doctorate in 1985 from Detroit College of Law. After stints at 
General Motors and his own private practice, Judge Hayman was elected 
to the bench of the 68th District Court in 1995, and was appointed to 
the Circuit Court one year later by former Governor John Engler. Judge 
Hayman has consistently shown a willingness to improve the community, 
as evidenced by his involvement with the Michigan Civil Rights 
Commission, NAACP, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Flint, and many others.
  The next award is the Positive Image Award, and its recipient is Mrs. 
Mancine Broome. Mrs. Broome is known throughout the City of Flint as 
one of its most ardent community activists. In the political arena, she 
was an integral part in successful campaigns to elect her late husband, 
Sylvester, to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners. Other 
campaigns followed, as did several citywide activities designed to 
enhance community spirit. Mrs. Broome has often been found as an active 
member or leader of groups including the Greater Flint Afro-American 
Hall of Fame, Zeta Amicae Auxiliary of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Bishop 
Airport Authority, and the National Association of Media Women. In 
addition to her long history of activism, Mrs. Broome has worked with 
Flint Community Schools as Supervisor of Graphic Arts and Printing 
Services for 38 years.
  The Club Appreciation Award goes to Ms. Gloria J. Coles. In 1984, Ms. 
Coles moved to Flint to become Director of the Flint Public Library, a 
position she held for 20 years, until her recent retirement. As 
Director, Ms. Coles led her staff in establishing the Library as a 
community focal point, a central location for enriching lectures and 
programs, and a hub for technological advances. During her tenure, Ms. 
Coles was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the State Library of 
Michigan, and in 1991, served as Board President. She also chaired 
Michigan's White House Conference Committees in hopes of setting a 
federal agenda for our nation's libraries. Ms. Coles has also been 
active with the Fairwinds Girl Scout Council, the United Way, and the 
Michigan Humanities Council.
  Alexzandria Poole, a senior at Grand Blanc High School, and Otis 
Wiley, a senior at Carman-Ainsworth High School, have been selected to 
receive this year's Youth Achievement and Academic Award. Miss Poole is 
a multi-talented young woman who balances a 3.902 grade point average 
with activities such as singing, playing and tutoring piano and viola, 
and studying Mandarin Chinese and Japanese. Mr. Wiley has excelled in 
the classroom, where he earned a 3.423 grade point average, and also on 
the athletic front. During his high school career, Mr. Wiley made it to 
the State Finals in three sports: football, basketball, and track and 
field, and has been honored for his efforts on local, state, and 
national levels. Despite his hectic schedule, Mr. Wiley still finds 
time to volunteer for various church and community projects.
  Also being honored during the ceremony are the winners of the Flint 
Club's Essay Contest: Miss Diamond Nelson (1st Place), Miss Breeanna 
Walker (2nd Place), and Miss Michelle A. Cochran (3rd Place).
  Last, but certainly not least, the Sojourner Truth Award itself this 
year will go to Ms. Pamela Loving, President and CEO of Career 
Alliance, Inc. Serving in this position since 1997, Ms. Loving oversees 
a multi-service organization that provides workforce development 
strategies and assistance for residents of Genesee and Shiawassee 
Counties from all walks of life. Each day, 800-1,000 people utilize 
Career Alliance's services in hopes of learning and/or developing 
skills that will enable them to increase their effectiveness in the 
workforce. Ms. Loving draws on extensive experience in the private, 
public, and corporate sectors to achieve her goals. She is a tireless 
advocate for promoting civic and community awareness, and improving the 
quality of life for all those she comes into contact with. Currently 
Ms. Loving serves as Co-Chair for Governor Jennifer Granholm's 
Community Challenge, as well as the Board of Directors for the Focus 
Council, Mission of Peace Housing Development Agency, Flint District 
Public Library, and Hamilton Community Health Network. She has received 
numerous awards for her work, including the YWCA Nina Mills Award, and 
the Jewish Federation Senator Donald Riegle Award, among many others. 
Ms. Loving is a true role model and is deserving of the highest 
respect.
  Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the National Association of Negro Business 
and Professional Women's Club's longstanding commitment to community 
service, and their mission to seek answers toward critical issues in 
the areas of health, education, employment, and economic development. 
These awardees have exemplified the highest of qualities, and I ask my 
colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in congratulating 
them all.

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