[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 130 (Friday, October 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2045]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E2045]]


                  MAUDELLE SHIREK POST OFFICE BUILDING

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 27, 2005

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor to recognize an unsung hero 
and political legend in the East Bay area, Ms. Maudelle Shirek.
  The legislation we are considering here today, H.R. 438, would name 
the post office building at 2000 Allston Way in Berkeley after Maudelle 
Shirek.
  It would have been impossible for the House to consider this bill 
without the timely help of my colleagues, the Chairman and Ranking 
Member of the House Government Reform Committee, Congressmen Tom Davis 
and Henry Waxman. I thank the gentlemen for their assistance.
  I would also like to thank Majority Leader Tom DeLay, Democratic 
Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer for their help in 
bringing this bill to the floor.
  Mr. Speaker, this special tribute is long overdue. In fact, in June 
2003, the Berkeley City Council passed a resolution recommending the 
post office naming. I am pleased that we will finally honor Maudelle 
Shirek today.
  Maudelle Shirek was Berkeley's 94-year-old former vice mayor. Until 
last fall, Maudelle was one of California's longest-serving elected 
officials.
  As one of my political heroes, she continues to fight for equality 
and social justice for all. She not only helped me get involved in 
politics but also inspired my predecessor, Congressman Ronald V. 
Dellums, to run for Congress. Her understanding of the importance in 
investing in people has won the solid support of voters in her district 
and admirers around the world as an international leader for peace and 
justice.
  A granddaughter of slaves, Maudelle left her rural Arkansas home and 
came to California in the middle of World War II. Before long she was 
campaigning for fair housing and other civil rights for African 
Americans. She helped found two Berkeley senior centers, and until her 
health started to slow her down, she helped deliver meals to shut-in 
seniors; or if it was a Tuesday, did all the shopping for lunches at 
the New Light Senior Center, which she founded nearly 30 years ago.
  Mr. Speaker, Maudelle Shirek entered elected politics in 1983 after 
being forced to retire from a senior center simply for having reached 
the age of 72. Soon after her election to Berkeley City Council, she 
helped end the discriminatory policy of mandatory retirement in 
Berkeley city agencies.
  Maudelle refuses to accept arbitrary limitations. It is one of the 
things we all respect about her. Maudelle remains one of the best 
examples of how one person can make a difference.
  Ms. Maudelle Shirek is a fearless and inspirational woman who for 
over 60 years has tirelessly fought to make this world a fair and just 
place. She has spoken for the voiceless and has been a staunch defender 
of our basic civil rights.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in supporting 
this resolution, H.R. 438.
  The world would be a better place if we had more Maudelles.

                          ____________________