[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 3 (Friday, January 7, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E41]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF REV. DR. NELSON ``FUZZY'' THOMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 7, 2011

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, today I have the great pleasure of 
recognizing the remarkable achievements of Reverend Doctor Nelson 
``Fuzzy'' Thompson. Rev. Thompson is a minister, community activist, 
humanitarian, and resident of the Fifth District of Missouri, which I 
proudly represent.
  Rev. Thompson graduated from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, 
Missouri, with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and received a 
Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry at St. Paul School of 
Theology.
  ``Fuzzy,'' as he is affectionately known, has represented the Fifth 
District of Missouri in an exemplary manner locally and nationally. In 
service to our community, Fuzzy was an original Board Member of Black 
Adoption Program and a member of the Executive Committee of the Kansas 
Children's Service League, showing a commitment to our community's 
youth. During my term as Mayor, he also served as member and chair of 
the Human Rights Commission. ``Fuzzy'' now serves as President of the 
Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Kansas City.
  Politically, Rev. Thompson served as a Regional Coordinator for Rev. 
Jesse Jackson's Presidential Campaign in 1984 and Missouri State 
Coordinator for Rev. Jackson's 1988 presidential campaign. Furthermore, 
he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention from 1984-2000.
  Reverend Thompson has also represented our nation on an international 
platform. At the request of Bishop Desmond Tutu, President Nelson 
Mandela, and the South African Council of Churches, he was one of 22 
U.S. ministers that traveled to South Africa on a fact-finding 
educational exchange. Reverend Thompson traveled to South Africa a 
second time as an official observer for the first election held in 
South Africa granting the right to vote to all races. He called the 
experience humbling, as he watched people line up for blocks in order 
to exercise their right to vote for the first time. He was also one of 
three U.S. ministers to conduct Easter services for hostages being held 
in Tehran, Iran.
  As well as a strong advocate for human rights around the globe, he is 
just as strong an advocate for civil rights and economic rights within 
our community. When South Africa was a nation which practiced 
apartheid, Dr. Thompson helped organize a protest against a Frank 
Sinatra concert. The purpose was to draw attention to American 
celebrities who performed in racially exclusive venues. He has 
organized pickets in opposition to monies from the local school 
district awarded to contractors who had failed to include minority 
contractors.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in expressing our appreciation to 
Reverend Dr. Nelson ``Fuzzy'' Thompson for serving the State of 
Missouri and our nation. He is a true role model to the citizens of our 
country and his successes serve as a stepping stone for many others 
eager to serve. I offer this small token of appreciation to an 
exceptional civil servant for all of the work he has done, taking 
strength from the many lives he has touched throughout our community.

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