[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 125 (Tuesday, September 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2194]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING LONG-TIME COMMUNITY ACTIVIST & ADULT EDUCATION ADVOCATE MR. 
                             HOWARD RANSOM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JUDY CHU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 8, 2009

  Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great loss to our 
community, Mr. Howard Ransom Jr., who passed on the morning of July 26, 
2009, at the young age of 55. My heart goes out to his wife, Linda; 
father; brother, Phillip Ransom; sister, Sheila Ransom; a niece; three 
stepchildren; his grandson, and the rest of his family.
  Ransom was an extraordinary citizen, an activist for at-risk youth 
and disadvantaged adults in the South Los Angeles community for more 
than 30 years. His volunteerism spans several organizations including 
the Brotherhood Crusade, Young Foundation and the United Way.
  Born on April 4, 1954, in Chicago to Howard Ransom Sr. and Ollie B. 
(Cooper) Ransom, Howard Jr. was reared in Oakland. He graduated from 
Oakland High School and went on to receive bachelor degrees in Theatre 
Art and African American studies at California State University, 
Hayward.
  As an instructor with the Los Angeles Unified School District for 
over two decades, Ransom was a tenured ``master teacher'' at the Maxine 
Waters Employment Preparation Center in Watts, where he succeeded in 
preparing at-risk youth and educating adults in human development and 
skill enhancement curriculums. He was noted nationwide for his success 
in preparing students for GED testing.
  In 1992, Ransom co-designed a civil service training program that 
focused on postal employment for the residents of Watts. More than 800 
men and women (many on welfare) enrolled in the program during its 
first year, with 68 percent completing the class and passing the exam 
with scores in the top percentile.
  Ransom received numerous recognitions for his accomplishments, such 
as ``Educator of the Year'' Award from the Young Center for Academic 
and Cultural Enrichment, and was chosen as a ``Living History Maker'' 
by Turning Point Magazine.
  I urge all my House colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Howard 
Ransom for his remarkable service and contribution to our community. He 
has made a true impact on the lives of many youth and adults, and will 
be truly missed.

                          ____________________