[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E851]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF BARBARA BOYD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 2006

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute and recognition of 
Barbara Boyd, dedicated public servant, civic activist, community 
leader and devoted wife and mother, as she is being honored by the 
Community Living Hope United Methodist Church of Cleveland Heights, 
Ohio, for her unwavering focus, energy and work on behalf of improving 
the quality of life for all members of our community.
  Ms. Boyd was born and raised in Cleveland, and graduated from 
Glenville High School. With a focus on higher education, Ms. Boyd 
graduated from St. Paul's College in Virginia, then moved back home to 
Cleveland where she worked as an educator in the Cleveland Public 
Schools. She began her tenure as a public servant in 1983, when she 
became the first African American elected to Cleveland Heights City 
Council. In 1992, Ms. Boyd was elected as the first African American 
Mayor in the history of Cleveland Heights.
  Ms. Boyd's husband, Robert Boyd, and her daughter, Janine Boyd, 
continue to be the center of her life, with everything else radiating 
outward from there. With the great support of her family, she decided 
to continue her tenure of public service and run for state office. She 
was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1993 and served 
until 2000 due to term limits. During her tenure in the House, Ms. Boyd 
focused her energy and expertise on committees that encompassed the 
support and empowerment of children, youth, families and the elderly. 
She was awarded the 2000 Legislator of the Year Award, for her work on 
alcohol and drug assistance and prevention; the Black Women's History 
Award in 1992, the Alzheimer's Award in 2000 and was named the 
``Official of the Year'' by the Ohio Patrolmen Benevolent Association 
in 1989.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor of Barbara Boyd, 
as we join with the Community of Living Hope United Methodist Church in 
recognition of her professional excellence and devoted public service 
focused on uplifting our entire Cleveland community into the light of 
hope and possibility.

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