[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E195-E196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         PASSING OF MRS. FRANCES BROCK STARMS FEBRUARY 9, 2012

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 15, 2012

  Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and 
work of Mrs. Frances Brock Starms, a compassionate leader, educator, 
writer and advocate for children who passed away on February 9, 2012, 
at the age of 97.
  She was considered a treasure by our community and an active member 
of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Epsilon Kappa Omega Chapter), 
Links Inc. (Milwaukee Chapter), Town & Country Garden Club, Jack and 
Jill of America Inc., Delta Kappa Gamma Honor Society, Milwaukee Urban 
League, and a lifetime member of the N.A.A.C.P.
  Frances Starms was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, and she 
graduated with honors from Spelman College. She continued her education 
at Atlanta University, receiving a Master of Arts Degree in Early 
Childhood Education.
  Her postgraduate work included scholarly research at the University 
of Southern California and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In 
2004, she was recognized by UWM with an honorary doctorate in Public 
Service.
  In 1948, Frances Starms moved to Wisconsin and continued her career 
as an educator with Milwaukee Public Schools, MPS. During her teaching 
career, she became the first African American to be appointed as 
director of the Head Start Program.
  Mrs. Starms was one of few living Milwaukeeans after whom a Milwaukee 
Public School had been named; in fact, three schools now claim her as 
namesake: Starms Early Childhood Center, Starms Monumental Baptist 
Early Childhood Center, and Starms Discovery Learning Center.
  Mrs. Starms was a prolific writer and received numerous awards and 
citations for her work. She was published in numerous local and 
national publications and was best known for her poems which focused on 
the richness and enduring strength of the African American Heritage. 
Her book entitled ``Love is Best'' expressed the beauty and texture of 
this heritage.
  Her poetry was described as coming straight from the ``heart'' and 
reflected the elegance and authenticity of her own experience, reaching 
out to children and adults alike. For her commitment to our children 
and for her many efforts and gifts, Mrs. Starms was awarded with the 
1979 Award for Meritorious Service from the UW-Milwaukee School of 
Education; 1983 Special Citation from Governor Tony Earl for her 
inclusion in the Smithsonian Institute/Wisconsin Humanities Committee 
exhibit ``Black Women Achievement Against the Odds''; the 1984 Sarah 
Scott Administrative Leadership Award from the Metropolitan Milwaukee 
Alliance of Black School Educators for her leadership and commitment to 
improving educational opportunities for children; 1989 G.A.E.P. Award 
from Delta Sigma Gamma Society International Sigma State for the 
publication of her poetry; and was the recipient of St. Marks's Anvil 
Award for service to the church and the community. Mrs. Starms

[[Page E196]]

was an active member of St. Mark A.M.E. Church in Milwaukee for more 
than 62 years.
  Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Frances Brock Starms' passion for education, 
writing and her church have served the people of the Wisconsin Fourth 
Congressional District well, and we need only to look at the buildings 
that bear her name or read her poems to be reminded of her legacy. For 
these reasons I am honored to pay tribute to Mrs. Frances Brock Starms, 
who dedicated her life toward educating and improving the lives of 
children.
  Today, I thank her and her family for their immeasurable 
contributions, mourn her loss and I salute her legacy.

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