[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING SIMEON BOOKER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 7, 2018

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of 
Simeon Booker, who passed away on December 10 at the age of 99.
  Simeon Booker was a trailblazer for African Americans in journalism, 
becoming the first black reporter at The Washington Post before 
continuing his distinguished career as the Washington Bureau Chief of 
Jet and Ebony magazines.
  Simeon's tireless dedication to uncovering the truth and seeking 
justice was pivotal to the civil rights movement. In 1955, Simeon 
traveled to Mississippi, and his story on the brutal murder of Emmett 
Till sent reverberations of shock, anger, and pain throughout the 
country. Later in the 1960s, Simeon's time with the Freedom Riders drew 
attention to the great dangers faced by civil rights activists and 
shined light on their hope and courage for change.
  Throughout his life, Simeon fought hard to bring voice to narratives 
that might otherwise have been covered over and lost, and his words 
have galvanized change.
  I have always looked to Simeon as a role model and leader in fighting 
for freedom and equality. I am deeply honored to have considered him a 
friend and to have learned from his compassion, bravery, and fierce 
love for others.
  I offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Simeon 
Booker.

                          ____________________