[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 84 (Monday, June 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING REVEREND MARVIN DOZIER

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 13, 2011

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of his 
retirement from the Southampton School Board, I rise to commend the 
Reverend Marvin Dozier for a life spent in service to others.
  As a board member and past president of the board, Reverend Dozier 
devoted eleven-and-a-half years to the children and families of our 
community. Never concerned with recognition or accolades, he made the 
students his first priority. He was the first African-American to serve 
as president of the school board, and he worked tirelessly, with 
dignity and wisdom, to encourage collaboration and forge a common 
understanding among those with different backgrounds.
  Reverend Dozier's community activism began when he was a student at 
Southampton High School during the 1960s. He worked with several 
teachers to organize diversity training workshops for students, 
advocated for the hiring of black teachers and served as a voice for 
the minority in student government. Although he considered himself an 
activist, his goal was never to be divisive, but to work to bring 
people together.
  In 1980, Reverend Dozier was ordained a minister by the First Baptist 
Church of Southampton and is now pastor of the Unity Baptist Church of 
Mattituck. He also served as chair of the Southold Town Anti-Bias Task 
Force. Among many other contributions, Reverend Dozer is Director of 
the Southampton Youth Association, an organization that coordinates 
sports programs and summer camps for the school district and seeks to 
build character through sports. He has insisted that SYA remain true to 
its mission to give every child an opportunity whether or not the 
family has money or resources to pay for it.
  Furthermore, Reverend Dozier serves as the voice for those who cannot 
stand up for themselves, making sure they have a chance to participate 
and become involved. A man who always seems to have a smile and a warm 
welcome for everyone he encounters, Reverend Dozier makes sure his work 
is guided by his desire to put the children of the community first--not 
himself, not his own children, but all the children.
  Additionally, Reverend Dozier has held positions of leadership with 
great responsibility and dedication, always striving to raise social 
consciousness and create awareness. His purpose has never been to 
blame, but to hold people accountable for their actions.
  Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure on behalf of New York's first 
congressional district to thank Reverend Martin Dozier for making our 
community a better place and to wish him well as he continues a life of 
service and contribution.

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