[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 164 (Monday, December 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING LONG-TIME COMMUNITY LEADER AND ACTIVIST MS. SHIRLEY ROBERTS

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. JUDY CHU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 13, 2010

  Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great loss to our 
community, Ms. Shirley Roberts, who passed away on December 7, 2010, at 
the age of 79. My heart goes out to her son, Chuck Henry; the many dear 
and loving friends that she embraced as her family; and all the people 
whose lives she touched and helped make better.
  Born in Los Angeles, Shirley was an extraordinary citizen, a champion 
of progressive causes, and a vibrant mainstay in Democratic politics. 
She attended Fairfax High School and graduated from UCLA with a degree 
in business administration. Shirley's love of politics and human rights 
ran deep in her family. Her parents, Bernard and Esther, were dedicated 
to causes to improve conditions for the working poor. By 1944, Shirley 
would follow their example by co-chairing the American Youth for 
[Franklin D.] Roosevelt organization for Los Angeles County.
  Shirley later went on to support Mayor Tom Bradley of Los Angeles. An 
early advocate for better health care services for all Los Angeles 
residents, she served on the Mayor's staff and initiated outreach 
support programs for better nutrition, transportation, long-term care, 
and escort programs for seniors.
  In addition, Shirley was a community activist in her home of West 
Hollywood. When rent prices increased sharply in the early 1980s, 
Shirley joined other West Hollywood residents to support the city's 
incorporation to better serve its diverse residents. The effort 
succeeded, and the city has since been a leader in providing social 
services to the people who call it home. In subsequent years, she would 
serve on the West Hollywood Human Services Commission and the West 
Hollywood Election Reform Task Force.
  Shirley was also a tireless and tenacious force aiding numerous 
local, state, and national campaigns of Southern California's 
progressive political stars, including former Congresswoman and U.S. 
Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Congressman Henry Waxman, Senator 
Sheila Kuehl, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and City Controller Wendy 
Greuel.
  Shirley was generous with her friendship, guidance, and wisdom in the 
lives she touched. Her activism, leadership, and commitment to those 
who were most vulnerable will be deeply missed. I urge all my House 
colleagues to join me in honoring our community hero, Shirley Roberts, 
for her remarkable service and contributions to the City of Angels and 
to our country.

                          ____________________