[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 96 (Tuesday, June 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E909]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING MS. ALICE ADRIENNE SPEARMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 16, 2015

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of 
Ms. Alice Adrienne Spearman, former School Board Member for the Oakland 
Unified School District, OUSD. Known throughout the Bay Area as a 
passionate advocate for children, Ms. Spearman has left an undeniable 
mark in our community. With her passing on May 26, 2015, we look to 
honor her extraordinary life work and the lives she touched throughout 
her career.
  Ms. Spearman, a proud Oakland native, was born on November 7, 1951. 
She graduated from Castlemont High School in 1969 and later attended 
California State University, CSU, East Bay and CSU San Jose where she 
earned an Associate's Degree. While attending CSU San Jose, Ms. 
Spearman followed in her mother's footsteps and became a proud member 
of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Incorporated.
  Upon receiving her Associates Degree, Ms. Spearman decided to pursue 
a career in health services and obtained her Registered Nursing, RN, 
License. She worked as an RN with the Department of Veterans Affairs 
for a decade before retiring in 1980.
  Ms. Spearman's love for education grew from her mother, who worked as 
a teacher and school principal. When Spearman's daughters attended her 
alma mater, Castlemont, she founded a parental patrol group to offer 
student behavioral assistance. She also hosted a television talk show 
on Soul Beat Television Network where she frequently discussed issues 
affecting students attending Oakland public schools.
  In 2004, Ms. Spearman was elected to serve the East Oakland community 
as a School Board Member for the Oakland Unified School District, where 
she served tirelessly until 2012 and in a variety of positions; 
including Board President and Vice President. It was here that she 
continued her work advocating for quality education while always 
championing the need for resources for Oakland students. Ms. Spearman 
also worked to ensure Oakland residents were given priority for 
construction jobs within the Oakland Unified School District.
  Ms. Spearman was the mother of two daughters: Kiisha Jackson and 
Leilani Spearman; and, a proud grandmother of four: Tanisha Barker, 
Jocelyn Barker, Kii'era Smith, and Jahkari Clyde Lee Smith.
  I will always remember Alice's determination, her optimism, and love 
for children. Her larger than life spirit will live forever and will 
continue to give us hope for the future. I will be forever grateful for 
her wise counsel and friendship.
  Today, California's 13th Congressional District salutes the legacy of 
Ms. Alice Adrienne Spearman. Ms. Spearman's contributions have truly 
impacted countless lives throughout the Bay Area. I join all of Ms. 
Spearman's loved ones in celebrating her incredible life and offer my 
most sincere condolences.

                          ____________________