[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 10 (Thursday, January 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM ``BILL'' FERGUSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 18, 2007

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I rise in sadness over the 
passing of William ``Bill'' Ferguson, who suffered a fatal car accident 
in Miami-Dade County last week. He was a wonderful person, highly 
educated, and highly motivated and his passing is a great loss for our 
community.
  His family and friends will memorialize him at a ``going home'' 
celebration to be held this Friday, January 19, 2007 at the historic 
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Overtown. Mr. Ferguson was a 
brilliant attorney and counselor, and he was a consummate community 
activist.
  Bill Ferguson's work with Ms. Georgia Ayers's Alternative Program has 
helped hundreds of men and women become responsible citizens of our 
community. His work gave hope and courage to countless folks who had 
been marginalized by their experiences with crime and prison. Some may 
have given up on them, but Mr. Ferguson's knowledge of the law and his 
commitment to working with all individuals irrespective of past 
transgressions made all the difference in countless lives. At work, he 
was a real marvel to witness.
  He was born in November 6, 1946, to James Ferguson and Pauline 
Holland Ferguson. Having served his country with integrity in the U.S. 
Navy, he obtained his bachelor's degree in political science at Indiana 
State University in 1978. He went on to get his law degree from Texas 
Southern University's Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 1982 in 
Houston, TX. Not satisfied with his master's degree in law, he pursued 
another master's degree in counseling from Indiana State University, 
his alma mater.
  He moved to Miami in 1985 where he met Ms. Georgia Ayers, who 
introduced him to her innovative and award-winning Alternative Program. 
In his role as ``house attorney'' and psychologist-counselor, he went 
above and beyond the call of duty to reach out to needy clients. The 
collective testimony of praise and gratitude from people in our 
community is testimony to the utmost respect that people had for Bill 
Ferguson.
  His character and his dedication to helping the less fortunate 
members of our community defined his leadership. His word was his bond 
to those who dealt with him--not only in moments of triumphal 
exuberance in helping many a wayward youth, but also in his quest to 
transform their lives by the simple rules of good conduct and 
responsible citizenship.
  As we honor William ``Bill'' Ferguson, I will fondly remember this 
good man. Our pride in sharing his friendship is only exceeded by our 
deep gratitude for all that he has given to our community.

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