[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 48 (Thursday, April 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                PAYING TRIBUTE TO DR. WILLIAM H. BAILEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 26, 2006

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. William H. Bailey 
for his outstanding career in music and business, but more importantly 
for his contributions to the Civil Rights movement. On May 2nd of this 
year Dr. Bailey will be recognized at the formal dedication of William 
H. Bailey Middle School, which is named in his honor.
  Dr. Bailey was born Feb. 14, 1927, in Detroit, where his father 
worked in an auto factory. When his father lost his job during the 
Depression, the family moved to Cleveland, where Dr. Bailey grew up and 
learned to sing in church choirs. He finished high school at 16, and 
his musical talent combined with his high grades won him a voice 
scholarship to Morehouse University in Atlanta. While working his way 
through college by performing in local night clubs, Benny Goodman and 
John Hammond recruited him to sing with Count Basie. He then toured the 
``Chitlin' Circuit,'' performing in black communities of big cities. He 
had three hit records: ``Danny Boy,'' ``The Worst Blues I Ever Had,'' 
and ``Blue and Sentimental.''
  In 1950, Basie broke up his big band and Dr. Bailey became a student 
at the School of Radio and Television in New York City, receiving a 
scholarship from American Broadcasting Company. After he wasn't hired 
as on-air talent he tried for technical jobs, also without luck. Then, 
he heard about the Moulin Rouge in Las Vegas. Although Las Vegas was 
highly segregated, the Moulin Rouge Casino and Hotel was open to all. 
Dr. Bailey co-produced a show with black entertainers that became a 
hit, drawing a hip, interracial crowd. But when he started this job, he 
had to use the service entrance to reach the TV studio. He complained 
and the management decided to change their racist policy. Following his 
news casting career, Dr. Bailey developed a reputation for starting new 
ventures.
  In 1957, he joined KTNV--Channel 13, where he hosted a variety show, 
and developed Las Vegas' first dance program for teens. In 1961 he also 
hosted current events talk shows. From 1965 to 1971 Dr. Bailey began 
working as a newscaster. In 1958, Dr. Bailey began working for 
gubernatorial candidate Grant Sawyer. The Legislature of 1961 
established a commission to find out whether discrimination existed. 
Gov. Sawyer realized a great asset that he had and appointed Dr. Bailey 
as Chairman of the new commission. In this position he set up a 
dealers' school using loaned gambling tables and space from Al 
Benedict, a Stardust executive. At Dr. Bailey's suggestion, Benedict 
recruited managers from other casinos as teachers. Bailey also set up 
training programs in radio and television jobs, and other fields. More 
than 1,000 jobs were opened to minorities in 2 years because of his 
efforts.
  In 1964 Dr. Bailey opened a club at Miller and Lexington avenues in 
West Las Vegas, named ``Sugar Hill.'' In 1965, Bailey bought the riot-
damaged West Owens Shopping Center and converted it to the Pan-Afro 
Auditorium, which featured great bands, including Sonny Charles and Ray 
Charles. Bailey also established the Nevada Economic Development Co., 
which helped minority businesses get $300 million in government grants 
over 19 years. This success led to a job in Washington as Associate 
Director of the Minority Business Development Agency. Later, President 
Bush made him Deputy Director, overseeing MBDA's $66 million budget.
  Proud as he is of the civil rights laws he helped pass, Dr. Bailey 
believes that today, learning the ropes of business, professions, and 
technology will do the most to improve the lives of minorities. He 
believes that ``education is the light that blinds ignorance'' and is a 
strong advocate for parent participation in schools, a curriculum that 
includes fine arts, and preparing all students for college.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Dr. William H. Bailey on the 
floor of the House. 1 commend him for his contributions to this country 
and thank him for his continued service to young students in southern 
Nevada.

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