[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 20, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E396]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF DR. DOROTHY INGHRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 20, 2012

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to pay tribute to a great 
educator, pioneer, mentor, and role model, Dr. Dorothy Inghram.
  Dr. Dorothy Inghram, the first African American teacher in San 
Bernardino County, passed away March 14, 2012, at the age of one 
hundred six.
  Dr. Inghram was the youngest of 7 children, born on November 9, 1905, 
to Henry and Mary Inghram in San Bernardino, California. She started 
school in 1911 at Mt. Vernon Elementary School and graduated from San 
Bernardino High School in 1923.
  Dr. Inghram later attended San Bernardino Valley College from 1928 
until 1933, where she wrote the school's alma mater, which is still in 
use today. Dr. Inghram was the first African American student to attend 
the University of Redlands. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in 
music education in 1934.
  After graduating from college, and teaching in Texas for a few years, 
Dr. Inghram moved back to San Bernardino in 1939 to continue her 
teaching career. In 1951, Dr. Inghram was promoted to the position of 
principal of Mill School. In 1953, Dr. Inghram elevated to the position 
of the San Bernardino School District Superintendent. That made her the 
first African American school district superintendent in the State of 
California.
  Based on her childhood experiences and the strong example set by her 
parents, Dr. Inghram was an outspoken advocate for underprivileged 
children to have an equal opportunity to succeed. She stood above the 
racial prejudices of her time and served as an excellent role model for 
others to emulate. Dr. Inghram was seen as a mentor for her tireless 
work and dedication to the children of San Bernardino.
  As a community leader, Dr. Inghram encouraged others to always do 
their personal best and to work towards making a positive contribution 
to society. In recognition of her numerous contributions, the City of 
San Bernardino honored Dr. Inghram in 1977 by naming one of the city's 
libraries after her. At age 97, she was again recognized for her 
outstanding work by receiving an honorary doctorate degree from 
California State University San Bernardino.
  Dr. Inghram's siblings also left their mark on San Bernardino. Her 
brother, Howard, was the first African American physician in San 
Bernardino. Another brother, Ben, worked as a chef at one of the finest 
restaurants, the Chocolate Palace. And her sister Ruth worked as a 
nurse.
  My thoughts and prayers, along with those of my wife, Barbara, and my 
children, Rialto City Councilman Joe Baca, Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and 
Jennifer are with Dr. Inghram's family at this time. Mr. Speaker, I ask 
my colleagues to pay tribute to Dr. Dorothy Inghram.

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