[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 58 (Tuesday, May 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF VALERIE POPE-LUDLAM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2011

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask Congress to pay tribute to 
a respected member of the Westside community and civil rights activist, 
Valerie Pope-Ludlam. Valerie passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2011.
  Valerie moved to California from Michigan in 1962. For the following 
decades Valerie Pope-Ludlam served the community as an outspoken leader 
and advocate. She began working at Patton State Hospital and continued 
until 1964 when she started Welfare Rights. The organization advocated 
for both the rights and educational opportunities for women on welfare.
  The following year she started the League of Mothers with Frances 
Grice and Bonnie Johnson. The three women fought for the rights of 
African Americans in the educational system and the workplace. They 
spearheaded a legal battle against the San Bernardino Unified School 
District to end the de facto segregation in the Westside.
  In 1969 Valerie founded the Westside Community Development 
Corporation (CDC). The CDC trained hundreds of young adults in 
construction, allowing the organization to rehabilitate houses and sell 
them to families who would otherwise not be able to afford the down 
payment. Close friend and niece, Frances Grice, reflects, ``She has 
done so many wonderful things. . .The Governor used to call her `the 
Sun Lady.' '' Long before green jobs became popular, Valerie built the 
first Westside solar energy conservation project. The project cost $2 
million and gained national recognition from Ebony Magazine for its 
success in providing green energy to low income homes.
  Valerie will always hold the honor of becoming the first African 
American female 6th ward council person. Other council members describe 
her as a sounding board and a valued mentor. She will leave a lasting 
impact on both the individuals she touched and the community at large. 
Professionally, Valerie was known for confidence and tenacity. On a 
more personal note, she was a loving mother and grandmother. She always 
put her family at the forefront throughout her public service.
  Valerie leaves with cherished memories three children: Marshall 
Griffin, Michelle Beauregard, and George Beauregard as well as nine 
grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and one great-great-
grandchild. My thoughts and prayers, along with those of my wife, 
Barbara, and my children, Mayor Pro Tem Joe Baca Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, 
Jennifer are with Valerie's family at this time. Mr. Speaker, I ask my 
colleagues to join me today in honoring and remembering a tireless 
advocate Valerie Pope-Ludlam.

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