[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 115 (Tuesday, July 10, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING JULIA WEST HAMILTON LEAGUE INC.

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 10, 2018

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to The Julia West 
Hamilton League, Inc., which was formed in 1938 as an outgrowth of 10 
women who dared to dream. Mrs. Ellen V. Johns Britain believed that 
women joined together as a dedicated unit might accomplish some of the 
things that seemed impossible at the time--achievements that 
contributed to the advancement of community, education, youth and self.
  The League was named in honor of Mrs. Julia West Hamilton, who gave 
unsparingly of her time, devotion and love to the causes of humanity, 
and was herself a participating member of the League until her death. 
The League was incorporated in 1971 and first led by Mary EC Gregory. 
The current president of the League is Mary J. Thompson.
  The purpose of the League is (1) to promote benevolence, cultural and 
education interests in the community; (2) to strive to gain new 
knowledge and skills of achieving better self-understanding, learning 
to interact more sensitively and honestly with others; (3) to encourage 
young people to aim early in life for education and to develop good 
character and find a useful place in society; and (4) to establish a 
monetary award known as the Julia West Hamilton Award. This award is 
presented to a student in each of the 14 senior high schools in 
Washington, DC and a four-year Julia West Hamilton Scholarship is 
awarded to one of the award recipients every four years. To date, the 
League has provided over $1 million in student awards and scholarships.
  The League has donated approximately $175,000 to the Hospital for 
Sick Children and has supported Howard University's Sickle Cell Anemia 
Program over the past 41 years. The League has also contributed to the 
United Negro College Fund, the Cardozo and Eastern High School bands 
and the Eastern High School Choir for travel abroad. Assistance is also 
provided to needy families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas 
holidays. The League holds lifetime memberships with the National 
Council of Negro Women and the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA. In 1980, the 
Ellen V. Johns Britain Award was established in honor of the founder of 
the Julia West Hamilton League, Inc. This award is presented to a 
longstanding member of the League for outstanding and dedicated 
service.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House of Representatives join me, on the 
occasion of the 80th anniversary, in paying tribute to the gentle 
ladies of the Julia West Hamilton League, Inc. whose motto, ``The only 
gift is a portion of thyself,'' and good works are worthy to be 
praised.

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