[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 143 (Tuesday, October 6, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING FEMALE CIVIC LEADERS OF WATERLOO

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                          HON. BRUCE L. BRALEY

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 6, 2009

  Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor eight 
influential women of Waterloo, Ruth Anderson, BJ Furgerson, Joy Lowe, 
Lou Porter, Dorothy Sallis, Dorothy Turner, Anna Weems and Willie Mae 
Wright. These women define what it means to be a champion for equal 
rights.
  Over the past five decades, these women have helped shape the lives 
of all residents of Waterloo through their efforts to ensure that 
equality is attained and maintained. Through their work, the city of 
Waterloo has become an example of moving beyond what divides the 
community and instead focusing on what strengthens it.
  These women have made remarkable strides in bringing forth equality. 
They were instrumental in bringing Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 
to their community, establishing and maintaining Iowa's longest running 
African American radio station, serving in city and county government, 
working tirelessly to improve the lives of children, and ensuring that 
the rights of all citizens of Waterloo are honored. Through their work 
more people are now invested in their communities and giving back to 
their neighbors.
  These women have dedicated their lives to bringing about the sort of 
change that we now recognize as fundamental to a full and vibrant 
society. They are a constant reminder of how far we have come and that 
we should all strive for fairness in our work and provide opportunities 
for all. I am proud to represent these women in Congress and wish them 
well in their future endeavors.

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