[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 98 (Wednesday, July 10, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1039]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING 64 AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MAKERS AT THE DEDICATION OF 
THE ``CHARLES HOUSTON MURAL AND HALL OF FAME'' IN ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 
                            ON JUNE 22, 2013

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 10, 2013

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 64 African 
American history makers in Alexandria, Virginia on their induction into 
the Charles Houston Mural and Hall of Fame.
  To walk through the streets of Alexandria is to walk through the 
annals of African American history in America from slavery to the Civil 
War to the Civil Rights era. The brick passageways chronicle the vast 
array of history makers and symbolic structures honored with the 
unveiling and dedication of the Charles Houston Ad Hoc Committee's 
``Charles Houston Mural and Hall of Fame'' photographic exhibit.
  ``As an Alexandria History Maker, your legacy of service had added to 
the vitality and spirit of this community,'' the Committee wrote in 
honoring the contributions 64 inductees made to the historic city's 
African American heritage and culture.
  It has been over 60 years since civil rights attorney Charles H. 
Houston passed away, but the good works recognized at this dedication 
show that the strength of his legacy has endured. Just like Mr. 
Houston, the honorees have played a major role in the City and have 
served as an integral part of the civic life of Alexandria and its 
citizens for generations.
  The dedication ceremony was attended by 800 familiar Alexandria 
faces. Among the honorees present were Mr. Ferdinand Day, the first 
African American School Board Chairman for the state of Virginia, 
Police Chief Earl Cook, Mr. Eugene Thompson, former Director of the 
Alexandria Black History Museum, author Marie Bradby, journalist Judy 
Belk, athletic director and basketball coach James ``Jimmy'' Lewis, 
Minister Charles Hall, and community activist Dorothy Turner. Other 
honorees include athlete Earl Lloyd, John Naismith NBA Hall of Fame, 
educator Harry Burke, Dr. Thea James, Gen. Leo Austin Brooks Sr., and 
attorney Samuel Tucker who led what is believed to be the first public 
sit-in in the Nation, the 1939 protest of the Alexandria Library's ban 
on African Americans.
  Historic structures on the mural include: Beulah Baptist Church, the 
Franklin & Arm filed Slave Office & Pen, the Freedman's Cemetery, 
Seminary School, Fort Ward, the Odd Fellows Hall, Alexandria Home 
Bakery, the Capital Theater, Out Cross Canal, Colored Rosemont, the 
Carver Nursery/American Legion, the Johnson Pool, the Robert Robinson 
Library and the Departmental Progressive Club.
  The photographic mural will be permanently located at the Parker-Gray 
Way, the Wythe Street entrance to the Charles Houston Recreation 
Center. It establishes the African American footprint in the city and 
celebrates neighborhoods, schools, churches and businesses vital to 
Alexandria's African American community. The intent of the Hall of Fame 
is to honor and memorialize the achievements of African American 
history makers in Alexandria; document the contributions of 
Alexandria's African American community to the city's history; and 
foster appreciation for diversity of the African American experience in 
the City of Alexandria.
  Besides the City of Alexandria's sponsorship, the project committee 
consulted with George Mason University faculty and received support 
from Hoop Academy International, Simpson Development, and the historic 
Alfred Street Baptist Church, among others.
  Mr. Speaker, these 64 individuals honored by the Charles Houston 
Mural and Hall of Fame are a testament to the human spirit, an example 
for resilience and defiance in the face of hardship, and an inspiration 
given what they achieved in their lifetimes. Thank you.

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