[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 38 (Tuesday, March 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E469-E470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS AND MILESTONES OF ODESSA BROWN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DIANE E. WATSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 6, 2007

  Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker. it is an honor and privilege that I rise 
today to recognize Odessa Juanita Brown for her achievements and 
milestones as she celebrated her 85th birthday on March 1, 2007. I have 
known Odessa for most of my life. She and her husband Frank, and their 
children lived on Cimarron Street, in Los Angeles, and my family lived 
around the corner--that date's back to the late-1950s. Our families 
have remained in contact since then.
  Odessa Brown has remained a committed community servant, participant 
in civic and fraternal groups, and an active church member over that 
50-year period. She has been a member of Trinity Baptist Church for 61 
years; a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Chapter Alpha Gamma 
Omega of Los Angeles, California, the same Chapter of which I am a 
member, for 25 years; and a volunteer at the election polls for the 
last 20 years. Odessa has been Worthy Matron of Skylight Chapter 51 of 
the Eastern Star and was a member of the NAACP . Today she is taking 
computer technology classes at Santa Monica Emeritus College. Not 
enough of a role model, yet? Well, Odessa has maintained an exercise 
routine of walking a mile almost every day for more than two decades--
including hills, by the way.
  Odessa Brown's leadership skills, her commitment to service, and her 
creative talents have been a true lifetime blessing to her family and 
community. She served as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader of her 
daughters' troops. She used her artistry to design and sew her 
daughters' beautiful handmade dresses when they were small. Everyone 
knew the three Brown girls because of their uniquely crafted dresses.
  Odessa's culinary talents are also memorable, and family, friends, 
visitors have craved her cooking from coast to coast. She has 
creatively hosted small and large family dinners and barbeques, and 
cooked for neighborhood block parties and festivals. Her ``monkey 
bread,'' oh, yes, that monkey bread--is the most desired food at all 
family gatherings.
  Odessa is a dedicated and devout Christian, and her church continues 
to be important part of her life. She and her husband, Frank, joined 
Trinity Baptist Church in 1946, the year they were married. She has 
been an active member since. Their five children--Marion, Gwen, 
Kathleen, Frank, and Reginald--grew up in Trinity. Her grandson, James, 
attends Trinity, and her other grandchildren, who live outside Los 
Angeles--Cameron, Brian, Rachel, Charesse, Kahlil, Imani, and Camara--
have visited. Odessa's great grandchildren, Cameron and Ciera, are 
expected to one day be the fourth generation to worship at Trinity. 
Odessa is a Deaconess and is a longtime member of the Gospel Choir, 
which was directed by the late Inez Caston. Odessa regularly and 
lovingly still participates in church projects.

  Odessa was born in Lewisville, Arkansas, on March 1, 1922, and Frank 
was born in Stamps, Arkansas. They joined the church not long after 
they had moved to Los Angeles. They were part of the great war-era 
migration of African Americans from the south to the north and west.
  Odessa was the fifth child of Annie and Joe Brown. She had three 
brothers--Joseph, Clarence (deceased), and Cleant, and three sisters, 
Mary (deceased), Bernice (deceased), and Margie. The church was an 
important part of their community and Odessa was baptized at Galilee 
Baptist Church in Lewisville at 11 years of age.
  From a young child, Odessa was extremely creative, artistic, and 
talented, whether she was in the kitchen helping her mother bake or 
designing and sewing outfits for her dolls. She started cooking at the 
age of seven and her teacher was her sister, Mary. When her parents 
attended church, they would return to a fantastic meal. Her parents 
were surprised to find out that she was the genius behind the great 
family meals. Her mother taught her how to sew and she quickly picked 
up the skill. She always helped her Mom around the house.
  Odessa's parents were extremely resourceful. The Brown family 
understood the value of land ownership. Annie Brown's family was 
considered middle class, and they owned land. She inherited river land 
from her parents, which is still owned by the Brown Family, and she and 
her husband, Joe, purchased land together, as well. Joe was a hard 
working, proud farmer who raised his seven kids with the proceeds from 
the land. He grew corn, cotton, truck patches (watermelon), and raised 
animals (chickens, hogs and cows). He marketed his own products and 
sold direct to consumers. He also showcased his animals at conventions 
and fairs.
  He was a chef and cooked at clubhouses, and was known for another 
unique skill--making ice cream. He sold his produce and ice cream at 
church conventions, and his fondness for making ice cream was passed 
down to Odessa, who developed homemade ice cream as a specialty. Annie 
also was an entrepreneur and learned how to use a pressure

[[Page E470]]

cooker to process vegetables and fruit. This, of course, was a rarity 
in that period. With this unique talent, the community could have food 
stored during the winter months. Annie became the expert who trained 
others in the community on the benefits of using the pressure cooker to 
preserve foods.
  In 1942, many things changed in the lives of the Brown family, as it 
did for most families in the country. The three Brown brothers, Joseph, 
Clarence, and Cleant joined the Army to serve their country during 
World War II. Joe Brown, now had a challenge. He too desired to serve 
his country and left for California to work in the Navy Shipyard in 
northern California. Odessa and her sister left Lewisville for 
California. For a short time, Odessa worked at a Ford Plant in northern 
California. Frank, having finished his tour of duty in the U.S. Army, 
decided to settle in Los Angeles. Odessa and Frank married, and began 
building a family. They soon settled as one of the first African 
American families in Leimert Park.

  Years later, after her eldest children left home for college, Odessa 
decided it was time to pursue her dream. She registered for college and 
earned her bachelors of arts degree from California State University at 
Dominquez Hills. Odessa then taught as a substitute teacher in the Los 
Angeles Unified School System.
  Her quest to learn continues, as she has mastered the newest 
technologies. She now uses the computer and sends e-mail messages to 
her family. She continues to exercise her creative design skills by 
knitting and crocheting, and shares knitted scarves and crocheted 
blankets with family and friends.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Odessa Juanita Brown as 
she celebrates her 85th birthday. She is truly an inspiration and a 
community treasure. I wish her many more years of health and 
prosperity.

                          ____________________