[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 66 (Thursday, May 10, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN MEMORY OF DR. ZEB F. POINDEXTER, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2012

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor the memory 
of a trailblazer, Dr. Zeb Ferdinand Poindexter, Jr. With exceptional 
distinction, Dr. Poindexter served his community and acted as a role 
model for young people from diverse backgrounds.
  Dr. Poindexter was born in Forth Worth, TX on April 5, 1929. He 
excelled in school, graduating from Wiley College with a B.S. in 1949 
and then Texas Southern University with an M.S. in Endocrinology in 
1952. Dr. Poindexter, upon completion of his Master of Science, served 
our great nation as a Second Lieutenant and later Captain in the United 
States Air Force. Later, he and the University of Texas (UT) took a 
bold and historically meaningful step forward when he was accepted into 
University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. He became the first 
African American to receive a doctoral degree from the school in 1956.
  Dr. Poindexter's graduation from and association with the University 
of Texas (UT) literally changed the image of UT. His indelible example 
can continue to impact future generations of UT graduates, should UT 
take another bold and historically meaningful step forward by naming 
the School of Dentistry in his honor. It would symbolize his commitment 
to UT, and memorialize UT's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
  After receiving his degree from UT, Dr. Poindexter opened the first 
dental clinic in south Houston. The clinic still stands as a landmark 
to his achievement in the Sunnyside neighborhood. After establishing 
his practice, he went on to form the Zeb F. Poindexter, Jr. Chapter of 
the Student National Dental Association, and become the first black 
member of both the University of Texas Dental School faculty and the 
Houston District Dental Society.
  Dr. Poindexter's leadership and community service have been 
consistently recognized by his colleagues. Amongst other honors, Dr. 
Poindexter became the president of the Gulf State Dental Association, 
life member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, board 
member of the Urban League, and received the University of Texas 
Outstanding Alumnus Award in 1990.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, Dr. Poindexter will be dearly missed by his 
wife of 58 years, Ruby Poindexter, son, Dr. Zeb F. Poindexter, III, and 
daughters, Merlene Russell and Eleanor Patricia Dixon. He is also 
survived by his sisters, Revodia Johnson, Vandetta King, his brother, 
James Poindexter, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-
grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He will be remembered in 
the city of Houston as a dedicated public servant and principled 
leader.

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