[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 98 (Tuesday, July 19, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF THE HONORABLE JUDGE JEAN MURRELL CAPERS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 19, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Judge Jean Murrell Capers for her significant and groundbreaking 
accomplishments in the legal profession, and for serving as an 
inspiration and role model for minority women and men in Cleveland, 
Ohio, and far beyond.
  Judge Caper's unwavering integrity, strong work ethic and the belief 
in the nobility of service to others were gently woven into her psyche, 
brought to life by the example and teachings of her parents, Edward and 
Dolly Murrell. Judge Caper grew up on Cleveland's eastside. She 
excelled academically as well as athletically at Central High School. 
She was a citywide tennis champion and basketball star, and was awarded 
a scholarship to Western Reserve University, where she graduated with a 
degree in education. As a young adult, Judge Capers became involved in 
the civil rights movement, and was an active NAACP volunteer. She 
lobbied local, state and federal legislature on many issues, including 
civil rights. She was also a significant leader in many local and 
national campaigns, including that of President Harry Truman, who was 
vocal in his opposition to racial segregation, and later, with 
Cleveland Mayor Carl B. Stokes.
  Judge Capers enrolled in Cleveland Law School at a time when women, 
especially minority women, were discouraged from doing so. Focused and 
determined, she attended night classes and graduated with her law 
degree in 1945. She was elected to the Cleveland City Council in 1949, 
and held that office for the next 10 years. She remains active in 
politics, and even ran for Mayor of Cleveland in the seventies. In 
1977, she was appointed by then Governor James Rhodes to a judgeship 
with the Cleveland Municipal Court; she was reelected and retired from 
the bench in 1985. She continued her law practice until just recently, 
reflecting a life-long vocation of professional excellence that focused 
on social and legal justice.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Judge Jean Murrell Capers, for her 60 year commitment to improving 
our legal system, carrying out our laws of justice, and inspiring and 
empowering others to attain their educational and professional dreams. 
Judge Jean Murrell Caper's professional excellence and accomplishment 
as a distinguished attorney and judge serves as a beacon of light and 
possibility for women, and for people of all backgrounds. Her 
impressive journey from the basketball court at Central High to Council 
Chambers at City Hall to the Municipal Court Bench, to the picket lines 
and rallies, has cut a path built on tenacity, integrity, dreams and 
hope--and she will continue to inspire us all.

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