[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 120 (Tuesday, August 10, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 IN HONOR OF MR. JAMES H. GILLIAM, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 10, 2010

  Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I recognize 
a great philanthropic Delawarean, James H. Gilliam, Sr., as he 
celebrates his 90th birthday. Jim Gilliam first came to Delaware in 
1965 and was one of the only African Americans former Governor Russell 
Peterson allowed to break the curfew laws as a peacemaker during the 
Wilmington riots following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. 
Jim went on to be a strong activist and is recognized as one of 
Delaware's finest community leaders.
  Jim Gilliam was born in Baltimore, Maryland and received a B.A. in 
sociology from Morgan State University. He continued his education at 
Howard University School of Social Work where he earned his Masters in 
1950. Jim Gilliam has had a long career of service not only to local 
communities, but to his country. He won medals of distinction, 
including the Bronze Star, serving as a captain in the United States 
Military, and at 40, he integrated the Maryland National Guard.
  Jim's leadership skills and activism had an immediate impact when he 
came to the state of Delaware. He served as president and chairman of 
the board of Delaware's Community Housing Incorporated from 1974 to 
1990, and served as a consultant on a variety of community issues. Jim 
was a two-term president of the National Association of Non-Profit 
Housing Organizations in the 1970's. Retiring in 1990, Jim's community 
activism did not end; a decade ago he founded the Metropolitan 
Wilmington Urban League. In just three years the Metropolitan 
Wilmington Urban League won the National Urban League's highest honor, 
the Whitney M. Young Award, for advancing racial equality. This is a 
testament to Jim Gilliam's hard work and dedication to the local 
community.
  Jim Gilliam has had a tremendous impact on Delawareans. His selfless 
service, positive attitude and determined work ethic have impacted 
countless people throughout our great state. I am honored to represent 
a state where individuals like Jim Gilliam reside, and I wish him a 
very happy 90th birthday.

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