[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 7 (Friday, January 12, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING ATHALIE RANGE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 12, 2007

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, on Monday, January 15th, Americans 
in my Congressional district of South Florida and across the nation 
will gather to celebrate the birth, the life, and most importantly, the 
dream of civil rights pioneer Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. While Dr. 
Kings' dream has yet to be fully realized, he reminds us that ``Human 
progress is neither automatic nor inevitable . . . Every step toward 
the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the 
tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. ``
  In reflecting upon the words of Martin Luther King Jr., I am reminded 
of the many members of the South Florida African-American community who 
led the struggle for equal rights, most notably the late Athalie 
Range--a civil rights advocate and dedicated civil servant.
  As the president of the Liberty City Elementary PTA in 1953, Athalie 
Range launched an unprecedented fight against the dismal conditions and 
lack of resources available to students attending local segregated 
schools. Steadfast in her conviction, Athalie went before the all-white 
school board, demanded immediate improvements--and got them.
  In 1966, Athalie became the first African-American to serve in the 
Miami Commission, where she fought to improve her community's local 
infrastructure, reduce crime and poverty, and expand local government 
services for minorities. In the 1970's Athalie continued to break 
ethnic barriers when she served as the head of the Florida Department 
of Community Affairs, and then appointed by President Jimmy Carter to 
serve on the National Railroad Passenger Corp.
  Athalie also guided the careers of many prominent members of the 
South Florida African-American community including former Congresswoman 
Carrie Meek, with whom I had the pleasuring of serving with in the 
House of Representatives.
  Athalie's passing this November was a tremendous loss to our 
community, a community she loved so much.
  During her decades-long career, Athalie brought about tremendous and 
positive change, while opening doors for our community, and leading an 
example for others throughout the Nation.
  As Americans and citizens of humanity, we owe a debt of gratitude for 
leaders such as Athalie Range and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for their 
invaluable contributions to democracy, equality, and freedom.

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