[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 78 (Tuesday, June 14, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO CHARLES W. SIMMONS, PH.D.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN L. CARDIN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 14, 2005

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to 
Charles W. Simmons, Ph.D., founder and president of Sojourner-Douglass 
College, Maryland's only independent institution of higher learning 
specifically focused on educating African Americans.
  Like Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass, for whom the college is 
named, Dr. Simmons has devoted his life to helping others obtain the 
education and skills necessary to succeed both professionally and 
personally. Through his efforts, Sojourner-Douglass College has helped 
thousands of working adults become confident, self-reliant community 
leaders and decision-makers.
  Dr. Simmons served in the U.S. Marine Corps and graduated from 
Antioch College. After graduating from college, he dedicated his life 
to empowering African Americans through education. In 1972, he 
established the Homestead-Montebello Center of Antioch College with 
just 13 students in donated space in east Baltimore. In 1980, the 
school was accredited under a new name, Sojourner-Douglass College. 
Today, it serves more than 2,000 students in locations throughout 
Maryland, as well as in Nassau, Bahamas.
  Because of Dr. Simmons' vision, many more African American adults 
have obtained the skills necessary to improve not only their own lives, 
but the communities in which they live.
  I urge my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me 
in celebrating the achievements of Charles W. Simmons, Ph.D. His vision 
and commitment to the education and self-determination of African 
Americans is an inspiration to all who want to ensure that others have 
the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

                          ____________________