[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 7 (Wednesday, January 11, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E51]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





    RECOGNIZING PAUL BOOTH ON A LIFETIME OF PROGRESSIVE ACHIEVEMENT

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 11, 2017

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize my friend Paul 
Booth for his lifetime of contributions to the progressive movement as 
an activist, organizer, mentor and leader. Throughout a remarkable 
career spanning more than half a century, his commitment to giving 
voice to the voiceless has been tenacious and unflagging.
  Born in 1943, Paul was raised in Washington, D.C. where he was imbued 
by his parents--a psychiatric social worker and a Social Security 
architect in the Roosevelt administration--with a public service ethic. 
While attending Swarthmore College, Paul also became an early leader, 
and eventually National Secretary, of Students for a Democratic 
Society, one of the most influential youth activism organizations in 
the nation's history. He was instrumental in crafting the Port Huron 
Statement, the clarion call of the student movement. In 1965, he 
organized the first march on Washington protesting the Vietnam War and 
the first sit-in at the Chase Manhattan Bank, bringing to light the 
bank's affiliation with the pro-apartheid regime in South Africa.
  As a young man, Paul brought his dogged activism to the labor 
movement, serving as a researcher at the Adlai Stevenson Institute and, 
beginning in 1966, as Research Director for the United Packinghouse 
Workers of America. Through Citizens Action Program, a major 
progressive organizing force in Chicago where I first got to know him, 
Paul co-chaired the first Metropolitan Alinsky Organization.
  It was in 1974 that Paul began his more than 40-year association with 
the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees 
(AFSCME). His innumerable contributions over the years--his strong 
leadership, organizing skills and strategic acumen--have made AFSCME a 
union powerhouse and fundamentally improved the lives of millions of 
working people.
  Paul helped organize and found AFSCME Council 31 in Illinois. As its 
Assistant Director, Paul's many accomplishments included securing the 
first union contract for 40,000 state workers and 7,000 city of Chicago 
employees. He also negotiated historic pay-equity provisions for city 
workers. And as an ally of Mayor Harold Washington, Paul helped defeat 
the old patronage machine and build a diverse, multi-racial union.
  In 1988, Paul brought his experience and expertise to AFSCME 
headquarters in Washington. There, as Director of Field Services, he 
laid the groundwork for the formation of AFSCME--United Nurses of 
America and AFSCME--Corrections United. As Assistant to President 
Gerald McEntee and Executive Assistant to President Lee Saunders, Paul 
helped shape the strategic goals of the union, as well as the labor 
movement as a whole. As he retires from AFSCME effective February 28, 
he leaves behind a rich legacy and a lasting record of achievement.
  Paul met his partner in life and work, Heather, 50 years ago at a 
University of Chicago anti-war sit-in that she helped organize. Always 
ardent in his pursuit of a goal, he proposed to her three days later. 
Together, they've channeled their shared interests into The Midwest 
Academy, a training institute committed to advancing the struggle for 
social, economic and racial justice. Paul continues to mentor the next 
generation of activists and fight for workers' rights through his 
leadership in numerous projects and organizations, including Jobs with 
Justice and Restaurant Opportunities Centers United.
  Paul has passed along his passion for social justice to his sons, 
Gene and Dan. They, along with his daughters-in-law and five 
grandchildren, are a source of unending happiness and pride. For Paul, 
I know that more time with all of them will be the best part of 
retirement.
  On a personal note, I want to express my gratitude to Paul for being 
an inspiration, teacher and, above all, a dear friend to me over the 
last many decades.
  For his devotion to family, progressive leadership and ceaseless 
advocacy for the dignity of all, I'm pleased to recognize Paul Booth 
and wish him the very best in life's next chapter.

                          ____________________