[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF WILBERT BLACK

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 8, 2006

  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of the life of 
Wilbert Black. It seems like Mr. Black has always been a part of my 
life--not true. I started frequenting his place of business 20 years 
ago. Back then his chair is where Darryl's chair is now.
  At that time you could not make an appointment--it was first come, 
first served. My sister Barbara would come home from Connecticut and we 
would race to be first at the salon, sometime as early as 5:00 or 6:00 
in the morning.
  He was known as ``The Curl King,'' in all of his regalia--tuxedos, 
three-piece suits, Gator shoes and his hair always in place. He kept an 
immaculate salon with tasty treats like coffee, cookies, wine, cheese 
and champagne.
  Mr. Black not only was my hairstylist, he was my friend. He was never 
too busy for me. He always made himself available, offering 
constructive criticism and encouraging words. He was my political ally. 
He had a wall in his shop dedicated to me and my accomplishments. 
Everyone knew how much he respected and adored me and how much I loved 
him.
  He loved the city of East Cleveland. From Euclid Avenue to Hayden 
Road to Noble Road, he was involved in every political campaign for 
candidates and issues. He worked the polls and did whatever it took to 
ensure that the people of East Cleveland exercised their right to vote.
  Once President Bill Clinton came to Cleveland and Mr. Black agreed to 
drive a van as part of the President's caravan. He enjoyed it so much 
and talked about it constantly. My only regret was that the photo taken 
by the official photographer never reached Mr. Black though I tried my 
darndest to get it.
  Sometimes getting my hair done was an all day experience! People used 
to say, ``. . . what do you do all day, or what does Mr. Black do to 
your hair that takes all day?'' Well let me take you through the day. 
You arrived and you were greeted with a huge smile and a big hug. He 
would ask about my family and then we would discuss current events in 
the city, the country and around the world. Then he would seat me in 
the main chair. There he would check my hair for any new growth and its 
condition. Then he would ask, ``. . . when was your last service,'' ``. 
. . what are we going to do today,'' or ``. . . do you want to do 
something different?'' Then it was on to the sink for a vigorous 
washing and conditioning. Then he would have me sit under the dryer for 
about 20 minutes. Then it was back to the main chair for styling.
  I was so looking forward to my visit to Mr. Black's salon on November 
8th the day after the election. I was scheduled for a trim, wash and 
condition. But more importantly I was looking forward to our 
discussions of the elections. Mr. Black wanted the Democrats to be in 
the majority in the House and Senate as much as I did. He wanted 
Strickland to beat Blackwell, wanted gaming in Ohio, wanted the minimum 
wage increased, wanted our children to have a better education, wanted 
business, particularly in black communities to thrive, and wanted the 
best for his city, the city of East Cleveland.
  I can just hear him saying, ``Miss Jones, Miss Jones, what about 
these Democrats . . . Miss Jones, Miss Jones I am so glad Rumsfeld is 
gone . . . Miss Jones, President Bush is in trouble now!'' His 
television was always on CNN, and I can remember vividly having 
spirited political conversations in his salon with him and Mrs. Black, 
and Darryl.
  The Black Family was a strong one. Often when I arrived at the salon 
they would show me their pictures from their numerous trips across the 
country. I especially remember the ones from the fights in Atlantic 
City and Las Vegas. We did attend one fight together in Atlantic City. 
That photo now hangs on my wall of fame in the salon.
  I always wanted to travel with him, but I was afraid that my wardrobe 
could not compete with Mr. Black's impeccable sense of style. When the 
expression ``sharp as a tack'' was coined, they must have been talking 
about Mr. Black. He was always immaculately dressed--suit, shirts, 
shoes, tie, cuff links, all meticulously selected. Each hair on his 
head would be in place. He was often known to do hair in his tuxedo! He 
took great pride in his appearance and I always admired that.
  I had the privilege of nominating Mr. Black for the Congressional 
Black Caucus Foundation's Unsung Heroes award. I remember him being so 
proud receiving his award. We had a wonderful time that day. He is 
truly an unsung hero. With more than 30 years in business, he is an 
institution, an icon, a beacon on the comer of Noble Road.
  He was a wonderful husband. He and Odessa were a model of success in 
marriage, friendship, business and parenting. Nothing was more fun that 
to hear them go back and forth with each other. They were a couple who 
loved each, their profession and their children and grandchildren. His 
sons Darryl and Petey could not have had a better role model. He set 
the example for his sons and shared his knowledge with them.
  We at Bethany Baptist Church were happy when the Black family joined 
our church, but no more happy than his sister Charlotte Blue one of our 
longtime members.
  When Mr. Black found out he had cancer he got ready to fight. He 
handled his illness with such dignity. He kept going and going. I 
recall I tried to cancel my last appointment but he would not let me. 
He insisted that he would do my hair. He took his time and I refused to 
rush him. I wanted more than anything to just say ``Rest, Mr. Black,'' 
but he would not hear it. He was going to finish no matter what.
  Mr. Black, I am sure you are in heaven with the rest of your family, 
probably doing hair in your salon. I can imagine the immaculate 
decorations, the flowers, the seating, the stations, the cheerful 
greeting, and the broad smile. Rest well, my friend, my ally, my hero 
extraordinaire.

                          ____________________