[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN TRIBUTE TO NICK TOPPING

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2007

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the 
life and work of Nick Topping, a highly respected, social justice 
activist, music impresario and business owner. Mr. Topping died on May 
9, 2007, at the age of 89.
  Mr. Topping earned a degree in history and communications from the 
University of Wisconsin--Madison. During World War II, he was drafted 
and served in Army intelligence. When he returned, he founded a store 
named Topping and Company International House that he ran for over 50 
years. The store stocked Greek and Middle Eastern food, books, and 
records from all over the world.
  Mr. Topping was one of nine children born to Greek immigrant parents 
who ran a grocery store at South 4th Street and West National Avenue. 
Mr. Topping was born Nick Topitzes and changed his name at the age of 
18 because of the discrimination Greeks faced at that time.
  Nick Topping spent much of his lifetime working for peace and social 
justice. He marched with Father James Groppi over the 16th Street 
Viaduct during Milwaukee's civil rights struggle and took his daughters 
along on the marches with him. He belonged to the NAACP and became an 
early local protestor against the Vietnam War. Mr. Topping was also 
active in the growing south side Latino community and in the Chicano 
rights movement.
  Mr. Topping was a promoter of ethnic and folk music concerts in the 
1950s and '60s including singers such as: Miriam Makeba, from South 
Africa; Pete Seeger; Josh White; Peter, Paul & Mary; Bob Dylan; and 
Greek composer, Mikis Theodorakis, music composer for the movie Zorba 
the Greek. Nick Topping secured his place in modem Milwaukee history by 
securing the Beatles for their one and only Milwaukee concert on 
September 4, 1964. The concert quickly sold out with the most expensive 
ticket selling for $5.50.
  Nick Topping is survived by his wife of 56 years, Harriet; two 
daughters, Adele Fatemi-Topping and Alexandra Topping; a brother, 
Agamemnon (Memo); and a sister, Sandra Topitzes Brown, all of 
Milwaukee.
  Madam Speaker, Milwaukee has experienced a profound loss with the 
passing of Nick Topping. Today, I thank him and his family for their 
immeasurable achievements. I mourn his loss and I salute his legacy.

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