[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 163 (Wednesday, October 16, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PASSING OF MS. ELIZABETH J. WESLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2019

  Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise 
today to honor Ms. Elizabeth ``Libby'' Wesley, an extraordinary 
activist and dear friend from Palm Beach County, Florida.
  Ms. Wesley was born in Defuniak Springs, Florida to William and Allie 
Mae Jackson. In 1958, she moved to Delray Beach, Florida where she 
began her 37-year career in the field of education as a classroom 
teacher, instructional television educator, and project manager of 
early childcare welfare and services with the Palm Beach County School 
District. Her steadfast commitment to quality education on the local, 
state, and national level and her expertise in the field of early 
childhood education and development was highly sought after by leading 
parent advocacy groups, businesses, and national and local legislators.
  Ms. Wesley, affectionately known as Libby, gifted her talents, time, 
and voice to the community as a prolific speaker, soloist, community 
activist, organizer, and innovator. Throughout her 61 years as a member 
of St. Paul AME, she served as the church secretary, on the trustee 
board and finance committee, and lifted the spirits of the congregation 
with her signature rendition of Amazing Grace. Libby became a member of 
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in 1954 at Florida A&M University. She 
continued the works of her beloved sisterhood first as a member of 
Delta Epsilon Zeta Chapter in West Palm Beach, and later a founding 
member of the Tri-City Chapter Omicron Delta Zeta.
  Perhaps Ms. Wesley's most impactful community legacy was her role as 
a co-founder of the Roots Cultural Festival in Delray Beach. Her 
leadership of this festival grew a weekend celebrating Black American 
excellence and African culture into a year-round youth program that 
included music, culture, education, and athletic components.
  Ms. Wesley was also the recipient of numerous prestigious awards for 
her contributions in the areas of volunteerism and leadership, 
including the Old School Square Life Achievement award, the Delray 
Beach Rotary Service Above Self award, the Sojourner Truth Living 
History award, the Jefferson Award, the JM Family Enterprises The 
Prestigious African-American Achiever's Award, the Publisher's Award 
from the Sun Sentinel, as well as the building and dedication of The 
Elizabeth ``Libby'' Jackson Wesley Plaza in Delray Beach.
  Madam Speaker, my friend Libby dedicated her life to serving our 
community. She was admired, respected, and beloved by all. I want to 
extend my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends, during this 
time of great sadness. She will be dearly missed.

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