[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 60 (Thursday, April 23, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E578-E579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF ALICE TREGAY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 2015

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Alice 
Tregay.
  Alice Tregay was not only a dear friend of mine; she was a role model 
and mentor to many over five decades. She poured her heart and soul 
into promoting social justice: advocating on behalf of poor people in 
Chicago, registering literally tens of thousands of voters over the 
years, managing high-profile political campaigns and more.
  She began her activism in 1964 when she joined the protest against 
Chicago Public Schools Superintendent Ben Willis and his infamous 
``Willis Wagons'', which perpetuated segregation and an inferior 
learning environment. In the end, not only were the wagons shut down, 
but Superintendent was also removed from his post. Alice also fought 
alongside well-known figures like Al Raby and Dick Gregory in this 
winning battle.
  Alice marched with Dr. Martin Luther King for open housing in 
Chicago, and when Dr. King's Operation Breadbasket began operations in 
Chicago, Alice worked hand in hand with Rev. Jesse Jackson to put the 
organization together. She started the Political Education Division at 
Operation Breadbasket, training thousands of students over a five year 
period. Alice was an integral part of that organization, now called the 
Rainbow Push Coalition, each day since then.
  She also served as an essential staff member of many campaigns 
including Congressman Abner Mikva, Jesse Jackson Sr., Congressman Jesse 
Jackson Jr., Mayor Harold Washington, and President Jimmy Carter.

[[Page E579]]

  The best words to describe Alice are ``tireless'' and ``persistent.'' 
Alice impacted so many lives as an organizer, educator, and change-
maker. She gave a voice to those who are too frequently ignored. She 
provided the tools to engage and equip generations of activists, 
including me. I owe much to my precious friend, Alice Tregay. My 
heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with her family. She will be sorely 
missed.

                          ____________________