[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1687]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO ELMER HAMILTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAVID SCOTT

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2005

  Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. 
Elmer Hamilton, a civil-rights activist, a crusader for labor rights, a 
loving husband, and a caring father and grandfather. On August 20, 
2005, Elmer will retire from a 45-year career in community and public 
relations and the organized labor movement.
  Mr. Hamilton's life of service began in 1953 when he enlisted in the 
Navy, eventually serving as a machinist mate. After his military 
service, Elmer's commitment to civil rights led him to work on voter 
registration drives in Alabama and Mississippi and organize against 
racial discrimination in Georgia. He also served as a special assistant 
to Southern Christian Leadership Conference leader Ralph David 
Abernathy during his congressional bid.
  Elmer's served in various community relations capacities in New York 
and South Carolina providing educational and job placement services to 
community members. At one point he served as a community organizer for 
the Brooklyn, NY, Borough President.
  After moving to Georgia, Elmer worked in public transportation as a 
bus operator for MARTA, the Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. He 
became the president of the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 732 where 
he negotiated contracts for over 3,000 transit employees from MARTA, 
Cobb County Transit, and Gwinnett County Transit. When he retires, he 
will also leave his post as a board member of the AFL-CIO representing 
the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me, Elmer's wife, Peggy, his 
six children and two grandchildren in congratulating Elmer on a 
fulfilling career. Best wishes, Elmer, and enjoy your retirement.

                          ____________________