[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 118 (Friday, July 31, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. A.D. PINKNEY, FORMER PRESIDENT OF 
                         THE INDIANAPOLIS NAACP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 31, 2009

  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the life and legacy of Dr. A.D. Pinkney, former president of the 
Indianapolis National Association for the Advancement of Colored 
People. He passed away this month, at the age of 85.
  Dr. Pinkney was an iconic civil rights leader who brought visionary 
changes that forever altered the racial landscape of Indianapolis, 
Indiana. Under his leadership, the NAACP brought two landmark cases 
before federal courts, which were instrumental in forcing the city to 
desegregate. The first ruling forced black students from the 
Indianapolis Public Schools area to be bused to township system 
schools. The second ruling by federal courts forced suburban townships 
to expand public housing options for people of color.
  Through great courage and dedication, Dr. Pinkney opened the doors 
for our generation to come forward and serve our community as proud and 
honorable citizens. He was instrumental in breaking down ethnic and 
racial barriers, so that people of color may live a prosperous life of 
liberty and equality.
  His passing is a great loss to the Indianapolis area community. I ask 
my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. A.D. Pinkney for his service.

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