[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 137 (Friday, August 17, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                          HONORING ANNIE AVERY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 17, 2018

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Annie 
Avery, the newly crowned Ms. Alabama Nursing Home 2018. Ms. Avery was 
the only African American among the top 10 finalists in the 35th annual 
pageant held at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham on Monday, July 30, 2018. 
She has lived at East Glen Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation for 6 
months and has already established herself as a valuable leader at the 
facility.
  Born in New Orleans, Ms. Avery was a longtime resident of ``The Big 
Easy,'' graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in New 
Orleans. Later, she married James Avery, Jr. and together, the couple 
raised two sons. She is the grandmother of nine grandchildren, 29 
great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
  In New Orleans, Ms. Avery served as a historic preservationist, 
community organizer, and motivational speaker.
  Ms. Avery's passion for activism started at a young age. As a young 
woman, she courageously marched with Dr. King during the Civil Rights 
Movement in an effort to secure equal voting rights for all Americans. 
Her passion for equality and justice carried her through countless 
missions in life and led her on numerous adventures.
  Some of her most cherished memories from her many adventures include 
a walk through Nelson Mandela's prison cell during her visit to South 
Africa. She says that this moment affected her deeply because of ``the 
spirit [she] felt knowing he served 27 years in those walls and his 
carvings on the walls.'' Additionally, Ms. Avery says that her visit to 
a church in Savannah, Georgia that was built by slaves had a 
significant impact on her. When asked what the purpose of the holes on 
the church floor were, she stated that she ``felt a body movement'' 
because the holes were for the slaves' breathing as they hid from slave 
holders. Inspired by these experiences, Ms. Avery formed `Ladies in 
Red,' an organization that recognizes women and the obstacles they have 
overcome in their lives.
  Ms. Avery served as the Director of the African American Heritage 
Preservation Council of the Preservation Resource Center in New 
Orleans, which was founded on the idea that African Americans needed to 
be stewards of their history. She also worked with the First Time 
Homebuyer's Association, served as chairwoman of the Crescent City 
Peace Alliance, and as assistant director of the Comeback Alliance, an 
organization designed to purchase and renovate historic buildings. For 
all of her hard work and dedication, Ms. Avery was recognized as the 
2002 Woman of the Year in New Orleans.
  Following Hurricane Katrina, Ms. Avery moved from New Orleans to 
Denver, Colorado. After a year and a half in Denver, she relocated to 
Birmingham to be near her son, Calvin, following his retirement. She 
has said that she likes Alabama, because she enjoys the local jazz and 
blues music and historic houses. She says it reminds her of her time in 
New Orleans.
  Today, Ms. Avery continues to be an inspiration to both the workers 
and the other residents at East Glen, going so far as to establish a 
``Ladies in Red'' group at the nursing facility. Ms. Avery says she 
hopes to establish as many groups as she can in nursing homes 
throughout Alabama, saying it brings her joy to make everyone feel 
welcome in her home.
  Additionally, Ms. Avery is a member of the community prayer line and 
is the Secretary of Resident Council at East Glen. The staff at East 
Glenn admire how Ms. Avery never allows her physical impairments to 
affect her personality or keep her from serving as an inspiration to 
all at the facility.
  I am honored to congratulate Ms. Avery on being crowned Ms. Alabama 
Nursing Home 2018. Because of her impact at East Glen, her significant 
contributions to the community, and the respect and praise she receives 
from those close to her, I know that she is most deserving of this 
remarkable and respected recognition.
  For her exemplary accomplishments, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
paying tribute to the life and legacy of Annie Avery, an extraordinary 
resident of East Glen in Birmingham, Alabama

                          ____________________