[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 26 (Monday, February 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND DR. YVONNE SCRUGGS-LEFTWICH

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                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 25, 2013

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Black 
History Month and to honor and highlight the distinguished career of 
Dr. Yvonne Scruggs-Leftwich. Dr. Scruggs-Leftwich's contributions to 
civil rights, education, and public service have left an indelible mark 
on our country.
  Dr. Scruggs-Leftwich has dedicated the majority of her life to public 
service. Born in Niagra Falls, New York, she completed her elementary 
and high school education in Buffalo, New York. After high school, she 
earned her Bachelor's Degree, with honored distinction, in Political 
Science from North Carolina Central University. She went on to earn a 
master's degree in Public Administration from the Hubert H. Humphrey 
School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. Finally, Dr. 
Scruggs-Leftwich earned her Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning from 
the University of Pennsylvania. She was also the first African-American 
to be awarded a prestigious Fulbright Fellowship, which she used to 
study political science at both the Free University in Berlin, Germany, 
and the Deutsche Hoch Schule fur Politik. Her impressive educational 
background has earned her teaching positions at some of the country's 
most revered universities, including Howard University, the University 
of Pennsylvania, and the George Washington University.
  Her commitment to public service has been evident as well. Dr. 
Scruggs-Leftwich has served as Deputy Mayor of Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania. She was also New York State Housing Commissioner under 
Governor Mario Cuomo and has served as the Executive Director of 
President Carter's Urban and Regional Policy Group. Here, she worked to 
issue America's first formal National Urban Policy, a significant 
accomplishment. Additionally, as the Executive Director and Chief 
Operating Officer of the Black Leadership Forum, Inc., Dr. Scruggs-
Leftwich worked tirelessly to facilitate dialogue between the leaders 
of the African-American community while also working to design 
opportunities for collaboration across racial lines.
  As residents of St. Petersburg, Florida, Dr. Scruggs-Leftwich and her 
husband, Reverend Edward Leftwich, have launched the Quantum 
Opportunities after-school program through the Center for Community and 
Economic Justice. This program works to help at-risk teens become 
community leaders through tutoring, internship opportunities and 
training in civic leadership skills. Her unwavering dedication to 
encouraging a commitment to education and community service with at-
risk teens has contributed in countless ways to the Tampa Bay area.
  Her impressive volunteer endeavors continue to make Dr. Scruggs-
Leftwich's dedication to community service clear. She currently serves 
as Vice Chair of the Milton S. Eisenhower Foundation's Board of 
Trustees, Executive Director of the Center for Community and Economic 
Justice, and is Member at Large of the Black Leadership Forum.
  The Tampa Bay Community is proud to recognize Dr. Yvonne Scruggs-
Leftwich for her outstanding career and significant contributions to 
the fields of education, public policy, and civil and community 
activism. Her dedication to advancing the rights of others through both 
public and community service makes her an inspirational leader. I ask 
that you and all Americans recognize such a remarkable citizen for her 
dedication to our community and our nation.

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