[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 109 (Thursday, June 28, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E947]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR OF TAMINA CEMETERY AND COMMUNTITY PROJECT CDC

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2018

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize and 
celebrate the rich, vibrant history and perseverant spirit of the 
people of the Tamina Community in the Eighth Congressional District of 
Texas.
  Tamina's roots can be traced back to 1871, when scores of freed 
slaves came to work on the railroads. Under the guidance of educator 
R.B. Niles and businessman John Nilor, a community began to grow--
marking the beginning of what would someday be known as one of the 
oldest and most historic communities in Texas.
  Acting as a hub for railroad workers and as a home to many of the 
earliest employees of Grogan's Mill, Tamina quickly grew into a 
community largely defined by its resilience, diversity, and 
resourcefulness. As the world around it changed, the Tamina community 
adapted and thrived, all while remaining true to its values and deep 
roots.
  Today, Tamina's heritage represents a wealth of big dreams, shared 
values, and common goals. A portion of this heritage, including the 
tombs of freed slaves, Native Americans, and the community's original 
settlers, has been preserved in the Tamina Sweet Rest Cemetery for over 
a century. Unfortunately, the rains and flooding of Hurricane Harvey 
and years of drainage issues have jeopardized the future of this symbol 
of Tamina's history.
  In the spirit of comradery and resolve, which this community has 
embodied for decades, the descendants of Tamina's founders and its 
community leaders have formed the Tamina Cemetery and Community Project 
CDC. This group is committed to raising awareness and the money needed 
to fully restore and preserve the cemetery so that current and future 
residents can remember their history and the legacies of their 
forefathers.
  It is my honor to represent this remarkable community in Congress, 
and I am proud to recognize the residents and community leaders 
organizing in support of the Tamina Sweet Rest Cemetery. I know that I 
am joined by the entire Eighth Congressional District of Texas in 
recognizing their tireless efforts and thanking them for their 
continued dedication to preserving the rich heritage of the Tamina 
Community for decades to come.

                          ____________________