[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 54 (Monday, April 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING JOHN S. CHASE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 16, 2012

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
honor the life of Mr. John S. Chase, a renowned architect, 
entrepreneur, and father. Mr. Chase passed away at the age of 87.
  Mr. Chase was a man of many firsts. Just two days after the U.S. 
Supreme Court ruled that the University of Texas must desegregate its 
graduate and professional schools, Mr. Chase enrolled to become one of 
UT's first black students. In his passionate pursuit to become an 
architect, Mr. Chase endured hate mail and heightened discrimination, 
and had to be shadowed by federal marshals in order to ensure his 
safety.
  After graduating, Mr. Chase became the first African American 
licensed to practice architecture in the state of Texas. Unfortunately, 
his struggles with racism persisted, and white firms refused to hire 
him. Not easily discouraged, Mr. Chase overcame these obstacles by 
moving to Houston and opening his own firm. There, Mr. Chase went on to 
build homes, churches, schools, and public buildings that have left a 
lasting legacy throughout Houston.
  Mr. Chase was diverse in his skills, and in addition to his career he 
was devoted to his community. In 1980, Jimmy Carter appointed Mr. Chase 
to serve on the United States Commission on Fine Arts, where Mr. Chase 
contributed to the design and aesthetics of federal interests as the 
first African American to serve on the Commission. Mr. Chase also made 
notable contributions toward expanding the educational resources for 
the University of Texas, including his work on the Martin Luther King 
Humanities Center and the Thurgood Marshall School of Law Building.
  Mr. Speaker, I am greatly saddened to hear of Mr. Chase's passing, 
and my thoughts are with those family members who are grieving his 
loss. We must honor his bravery for facing overwhelming adversity 
during a time of such uncertainty and racial strife. While there is 
little comfort in mourning a loved one, I hope his family can take 
solace in the lasting legacy he has left behind. Mr. Chase's many 
structures will serve to remind us of his personal triumphs.

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