[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 152 (Wednesday, October 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    HONORING THE LIFE OF EMMA BATES

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 12, 2011

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and 
honor the memory of Emma Bates from Riviera Beach, Florida. Mrs. Bates 
passed away on October 9, 2011, following a year-long battle with 
stomach cancer. Previously, she had beaten both breast and colon 
cancer, attesting to the strength and perseverance that drove Mrs. 
Bates throughout her life.
  Mrs. Bates moved from her native Baxley, Georgia to the Glades area 
in Florida as a child. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in West 
Palm Beach. After graduation, she enrolled in several business 
management courses at what is now known as Palm Beach State College and 
later found an interest in cosmetology. It was not long until she 
opened her own hair salon, the Intimate Salon of Beauty in Riviera 
Beach. Mrs. Bates was believed to have been the first licensed African-
American beautician in Palm Beach County.
  She was known by many in the community as an activist who worked 
tirelessly for what she believed was right and in the best interest of 
the Riviera Beach community. She served as the chairwoman of the 
Citizens Task Force and was a campaign manager for multiple candidates, 
including a successful campaign for City Council in 2007.
  Mrs. Bates was a woman who was truly loved by her community and 
worked hard for what she believed in. I am deeply saddened by her 
passing, which is more than a personal loss, but also a loss for the 
community that she fought for and inspired. Her selfless efforts will 
continue to be felt for many years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Mrs. 
Bates' family and friends during this most difficult time. Her memory 
will live on and she will be dearly missed.

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