[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 139 (Friday, August 25, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING MRS. EMMA L. KERN BLACK ON THE OCCASION OF HER 80TH BIRTHDAY

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 25, 2017

  Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mrs. Emma L. Kern Black on 
the occasion of her 80th birthday, which was celebrated on January 8, 
2017.
  Emma was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi to Mr. Jimmy and Manella Kern 
in 1937. Graduating as valedictorian of her high school in 1955, Emma 
went on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree from Jackson State 
College and receive her Master of Science from the University of 
Wisconsin-Madison in 1965. During her time in college, Emma became a 
member of organizations such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi 
Theta Kappa Honor Society, the Sunday School Organization and the Who's 
Who in Colleges and Universities.
  With a love for education, Emma began her career as a third grade 
teacher at Oak Park Elementary School in Laurel, Mississippi in 1959 
until 1964. Emma went on to serve in the Broward County Public School 
System as a primary early childhood education specialist until her 
retirement in 1995. During her career, Emma collaborated and led 
multiple educational projects and served on student and teacher 
evaluation teams representing the Southern Association of Schools and 
Colleges. Emma additionally was an adjunct professor at Nova University 
of Broward County.
  As an active member of First Baptist Church Piney Grove in Fort 
Lauderdale, Emma served as organizer, musician and director of the 
Junior Choir for 26 years and Sunday School teacher and musician for 
over 40 years. This dedication and devotion resulted in her being 
recognized with the ``Women in Religion'' award by the Broward County 
Chapter of Charmettes, Inc. in 2002. Emma's community activities 
involve: The Lakeside Homeowners Association; the Board of Adjustment 
for the City of Oakland; Rock Island Elementary School Improvement 
Team; the Broward County School Readiness Coalition; the Cradle Nursey 
Boards of Director; the National Association for the Advancement of 
Colored People (NAACP); the Urban League of Broward County; as well as 
being a Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Alumni Chapter 
of Fort Lauderdale; a member of the Jackson State University Alumni 
Association; and Broward County Retired Teachers Association.
  After more than 40 years of public service, Emma enjoys traveling 
domestically and internationally with her husband Dr. Malcolm Black, 
whom she met the first night of college at a freshmen gathering on 
campus.
  Mr. Speaker, I have had the great privilege of knowing Mrs. Emma Kern 
Black for many years. I am so happy to be able to honor her on the 
occasion of her 80th birthday, and wish her many more years of 
happiness and success.

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