[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 106 (Monday, June 24, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO McARTHUR ``MAC'' WEDDLE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 24, 2019

  Ms. MOORE. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the career and 
ongoing legacy of McArthur ``Mac'' Weddle, of Northcott Neighborhood 
House, where he has served for over 42 years and 19 as the Executive 
Director. McArthur graduated from Milwaukee's North Division High 
School which is also my alma mater. Further, he earned a degree in 
education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
  As a young boy growing up in Milwaukee, Mac was pulled under water by 
a strong undercurrent in the Milwaukee River. He was rescued from this 
life-threatening disaster by a kid in the neighborhood with the 
reputation as a troublemaker. Mac believe he was saved because God had 
a special purpose for him. Mac pursued a career in youth recreation, to 
assist kids who were sometimes misguided but had the potential to do 
good. This was his passion, mission and special purpose. This would 
lead him to Northcott Neighborhood House a community organization where 
he would assist in providing recreational activities for youth, 
educational and employment training opportunities for adults and ex-
offenders, and necessities for families and senior citizens. Mac would 
stay at Northcott and would eventually serve as Executive Director and 
in other many roles in our community.
  Throughout the years, our community could always count on him to 
invest and make programs such as Juneteenth Day, Black Expo, African 
World Festival, and other events available to the community to 
celebrate our collective history. Under his guidance, he helped 
transform Milwaukee's Juneteenth celebration to one of the largest in 
the nation, and Northcott Neighborhood House to one of the leading 
organizations in Milwaukee's African American Community and the Greater 
Milwaukee Community. He is the recipient of the Black Excellence Award, 
served as Chairman of the Lee Elementary School Council, Vice President 
of the Board of Directors of the Martin Luther King Economic 
Development Corporation, board member of Wisconsin State Board of 
Psychology Regulations and Licensing, Treasurer of the Board of 
Harambee Ombudsman Program, and as a 33-degree Prince Hall Free and 
Accepted Mason.
  It is without question that he has become one of the most beloved 
community leaders, mentors, and advocates in our city. This is due in 
no small part because of his investment in the children and the many 
lives he has impacted. Mac's leadership, enthusiasm and generosity is 
unparalleled, and he is held in high-esteem throughout the community. I 
have known Mac for over 50 years and I am proud to say that Mac is my 
friend. We have so many shared memories of Milwaukee and life.
  As he transitions into a new direction in his life, I wish him the 
very best. While his retirement will undoubtedly leave a void in our 
community, I take comfort in the fact that his role in the development 
of our youth has created new emerging leaders. Madam Speaker, for these 
reasons I am pleased to honor McArthur ``Mac'' Weddle, a man, who has 
helped to make the 4th Congressional District a better place.

                          ____________________