[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 85 (Friday, June 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E866]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO ALFONSO ``AL'' STUDESVILLE, JR. AND HIS WIFE, JANET 
                              STUDESVILLE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK POCAN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 2013

  Mr. POCAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay 
tribute to two very special community leaders in Madison, Wisconsin.
  Alfonso ``Al'' Studesville, Jr., and his wife, Janet Studesville, 
were killed in a tragic automobile accident on June 4th. The space they 
left behind will be incredibly difficult to fill.
  Al devoted himself to community service and activism. He was larger 
than life--with a deep voice, rich laugh, and kind personality, Al 
touched the lives of many.
  Born on January 9, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri, Al made his life-
long home in Madison, Wisconsin. A graduate of UW Madison, Al worked at 
Madison Light and Power (now known as Alliant Energy) for 18 years. He 
and Jan owned and operated a studio, Just Nails, and a training school, 
Just Nails Training Center, in Fitchburg, WI. After leaving Madison 
Light and Power, Al became a Student Services Career Counselor for 
Madison College, specializing as the Black Student Union Advisor and 
Minority Recruiter. Al also taught at Madison East High School for nine 
years.
  Changing lives was a priority for Al. A member of the Jr. NAACP at 
the age of 12, Al participated in civil rights demonstrations through 
Dr. King's Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He continued his 
devotion to the African American community throughout his life. From 
leading what would become known as the Boys and Girls Club of Dane 
County to his involvement in local agencies such as the Charles 
Hamilton Houston Institute and the Urban League of Greater Madison, Al 
leaves behind a legacy of minority outreach and community involvement 
that cannot be overstated.
  One of his crowning achievements was his critical role in founding 
the Madison chapter of 100 Black Men of America in 1984. Through 100 
Black Men of Madison, Al helped establish an organization that area 
youth--especially young black men--could look to for leadership and 
guidance. By providing opportunities for health and wellness education, 
access to economic development programs, and involved mentorship, Al 
and the other members of 100 Black Men of Madison touched the lives of 
countless young men in our communities. Madison owes Al a debt of 
gratitude for starting this organization. His involvement proves that 
activism, dedication and compassion can have deep impacts in our 
community.
  It was the combination of his inexhaustible drive to help others and 
his kindness, approachability and modesty that made him such an 
effective leader. It is one thing to lead by example alone, and quite 
another to take one's own life lessons and apply them directly to those 
in need.
  Leader, mentor, confidant, father, husband; Al was all these things 
and more. He gave to our community, and though he never asked for 
anything in return, I suspect seeing the impact of his work on the 
lives of others served as just fulfillment.
  Jan was no less involved in the community than Al. She ran their nail 
salon and training school that they owned jointly. She also worked as 
vice president for Women in Focus, a group that mentors minority 
students to increase literacy. The program provides $2,000 scholarships 
to 13 students annually.
  One of Al's favorite phrases was, ``I will match energy with 
energy.'' And while the tragic loss of these two community activists is 
still fresh in the minds of those who knew them best, it is important 
to remember that Al's and Jan's energy is still here. Every person 
whose life they touched was enriched by that energy. And those 
recipients will in turn pay it forward to others. The duty falls to us 
now to pick up their mantle of advocacy, outreach, and kindness, and 
give our collective energy to those who need it most.
  As a community, we will match your energy, Al and Jan. We have your 
memories and life's work to guide us along the way.

                          ____________________