[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 17, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S1668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JAMES O. POWELL

 Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the life 
and career of respected Arkansas journalist James O. Powell, who served 
as the long-time editorial page editor and columnist for the Arkansas 
Gazette newspaper. James passed away on March 10 at the age of 90. He 
is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ruth Powell, and son Lee Powell of 
Washington, DC, who I have worked with in his role as the executive 
director of the Mississippi Delta Grassroots Caucus.
  During his 30-year tenure at the Gazette, James fought to preserve 
the journalistic principles of integrity and honesty. Among his 
memorable writings, James penned a series of editorials during the 
1950s and 60s in support of the civil rights movement and opposing 
school segregation. He chronicled Arkansas politics with clarity and 
thoughtfulness, including extensive coverage of Arkansas Governors 
Winthrop Rockefeller, Dale Bumpers, and Bill Clinton.
  After retiring from the Gazette in 1987, James continued to write a 
syndicated column published in many Arkansas papers until 2000. Through 
his reporting, Arkansans learned the news of the day, along with 
insight and analysis, to help them make informed decisions about local, 
state, and national events.
  Mr. President, I honor the life and legacy of James O. Powell for his 
dedication to Arkansas and his commitment to excellence in journalism. 
His work helped educate and inspire a generation of Arkansans.

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