[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 30 (Monday, February 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E250]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF UNA MULZAC

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 27, 2012

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to 
honor the life of Una Mulzac, a small business owner and political 
activist from my district. Una was a civil rights leader and an active 
educator in her community.
  Born in Baltimore on April 19, 1923, Una inherited a fighting spirit 
from her father, Hugh Mulzac, who became the first African American to 
command a ship in the United States merchant marines. In 1961, Hugh's 
political beliefs were investigated by the House Committee on Un-
American Activities.
  After graduating from Girls High School in Brooklyn, Una worked as a 
secretary at Random House and developed a strong passion for 
publishing. She combined a love of books with a commitment to political 
activism, and moved to Guyana in 1963 to open a bookstore and to help 
with the revolution. While in her store one day, Una was severely 
wounded when a package containing a bomb exploded, killing a colleague.
  Una eventually returned to New York, and in 1967 opened Liberation 
Bookstore in Harlem to promote causes aimed at ending South African 
apartheid. Her establishment quickly became a Harlem landmark, and 
provided the community with a vast collection of literature. For four 
decades, Una was an inspiration to the people of Harlem and her 
bookstore became the destination for generations of people interested 
in race. On one side of the door to her bookstore, a sign stated, ``If 
you don't know, learn.'' On the other side: ``If you know, teach.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in paying 
tribute to the life of this very honorable woman. She is the definition 
of a true Harlemite, and her presence will be missed in my district.

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