[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 106 (Monday, June 24, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE IN CELEBRATION OF THE 60TH REUNION OF THE 1959 CLASS OF BURKE 
                              HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 24, 2019

  Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 1959 class of 
Burke High School of Charleston, South Carolina as they celebrate their 
60th class reunion. On June 29th and 30th, classmates and friends will 
travel to ``the Holy City'' from all around the world to take part in 
this significant celebration.
  Burke High School, located on the west side of the Charleston 
peninsula, was the city's oldest and largest public high school serving 
African American students prior to the desegregation of public schools 
in Charleston. Founded in 1894 as the Charleston Industrial Institute, 
the original name and history of the school reflect the racial 
divisions and popular perceptions both students and teachers had to 
overcome in pursuit of State supported public education.
  I personally remember some of these struggles. My wife, Emily and I 
shared college experiences with many of them and were a part of the 
Charleston community during the 1960s and 1970s; she as a librarian at 
Simonton school and Burke and I as a social studies and history teacher 
at Simonton and Charles A. Brown High School on the east side of the 
Charleston peninsula.
  During the Civil Rights activities of the 1960s, many students from 
Burke became local activists in pursuit of social justice in 
Charleston. The class of 1959, along with many of their schoolmates, 
took part in many local demonstrations and sit-ins. Many of them became 
active statewide as well.
  The class of 1959 left a lasting impression and everlasting legacy on 
Burke High School students and citizens of the city of Charleston. They 
led by precept and example. They also gave back to the community by 
donating college scholarships to young graduates. Many of them are 
still actively providing leadership in communities throughout the 
country.
  As they gather this year to celebrate their 60th reunion, I want to 
commend the class of 1959 for their continued dedication to their alma 
mater. The shared experiences amongst this class have served as an 
inspiration to residents of Charleston, their families, and the 
thousands of Burke students who have followed them. Having been a part 
of some of their activities, I know that all of their experiences have 
not been pleasant, but I think they would consider all of them to be 
blessings and they have been blessings to many.
  Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to represent this fine 
institution and many of its graduates in this august body. I ask you 
and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 1959 class of Burke 
High School on their 60th class reunion and wishing them continued good 
health and great prosperity in the days ahead.

                          ____________________