[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E482-E483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  COMMEMORATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2006

  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Women's 
History Month.
  Since 1987, the month of March has been designated to give special 
prominence to the women who have made lasting contributions to our 
society.
  Over the last two centuries, the achievements made by women have been 
nothing short of phenomenal.
  During this month, we have an opportunity to recognize Rosa Parks for 
revolutionizing a successful movement that forced racial integration in 
America through her refusal to give up her seat to a white man on a 
public bus.
  Additionally, we must acknowledge Coretta Scott King, the first Lady 
of the Civil Rights movement and widower of the incomparable Rev. Dr. 
Martin Luther King Jr., who transformed her grief into an aspiration to 
eradicate social injustice and achieve equality for all.
  We must also remember Hattie McDaniel, whose dynamic career as an 
acclaimed singer and actress on film, television, and radio led her to 
become the first African-American to win the Best Supporting Actress 
Academy Award in 1940. This great achievement also resulted in her 
becoming the 29th image to appear on the Black Heritage commemorative 
stamp series in January 2006.
  Mr. Speaker, what makes these icons so extraordinary is that many of 
their actions, and sacrifices have not only added to the richness and 
depth of American history, but made the present better for the world.
  Yet, even as we remember the famous women who have made history by 
traveling in space, like Mae Jemison and Sally K. Ride, or curing 
disease, like Marie Curie and Mary Eliza Mahoney or leading revolutions 
like Sojourner Truth or Alice Paul, we should also be mindful of those 
who have devoted their lives to the people of their communities, never 
seeking the spotlight of history.

[[Page E483]]

  Maryland Delegate Lena K. Lee, a master legislator, teacher, union 
leader, and a lawyer blazed a trail of distinguished public service and 
is one such extraordinary woman.
  In 1967, Delegate Lena K. Lee began a 15-year term as the first 
African American female lawyer in the Maryland House of Delegates. 
During her tenure, she dedicated her energy and talents towards 
eradicating social inequalities and advocating for women's rights. Her 
life exemplified excellence and I am proud to say that The Lena K. Lee 
Post Office bill was signed into law on March 20, 2006 and a postal 
office in my district has officially been renamed after her.
  In addition, several days ago, when I learned that Weptanomah Carter, 
the daughter, wife and mother of prominent ministers from my district, 
had died, I was reminded, once again, of just how much one determined 
woman can accomplish.
  The spotlight of public acclaim did not fall upon Weptanomah Carter, 
but her achievements--as teacher, theologian, author and community-
builder will forever forge a place in our hearts.
  Throughout her marriage to Dr. Harold A. Carter, Sr., a friend and 
teacher of mine, the Carters worked together, and became a powerful 
team. In 1965, they brought an uplifting Gospel to the people of 
Baltimore--a message both spiritual and social that spoke to the hearts 
of people in our community.
  Under their care, New Shiloh Baptist Church would grow into the 
5,000-member choir for God that it has become today--a House of God 
that also is a social powerhouse for the betterment of its community.
  Trained as an educator, she was also the driving force that created 
the Carter Children's Center. There, young people born into a 
neighborhood that others too often overlook, could receive food and 
clothing for their bodies, tutoring for their minds and a kind word 
that would uplift their souls. This manifestation of Mrs. Carter's love 
for the children in my District was her most compelling testament.
  The church was at the center of Weptanomah Carter's life and she 
valued the importance of rebuilding individuals--one soul at a time. 
Yet, through four decades of service to the congregation and community 
she loved alongside her husband, she never ceased being her own woman.
  This, I think, is why she and all of the other historic women are 
such compelling role models for the young women of today. Their lives 
teach all of us an important lesson--that we can achieve heights well 
beyond our initial expectations when we have the courage and 
determination to follow our true calling in life.
  This is how--through service to others--that these inspiring women 
earned their own, honored place in history.
  For their calling became a chronicle of devotion--to God, to their 
families and to America. I thank them and all of America's women, 
especially my dear Mother, who are the backbone of our nation and 
create their own untold histories every day.

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