[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 174 (Friday, November 1, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1392-E1393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING REVEREND WILLIE F. WILSON

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 1, 2019

  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in honoring one of our nation's foremost 
liberation theologians, the Reverend Willie F. Wilson, Pastor of the 
Union Temple Baptist, in our nation's capital. Reverend Wilson has 
devoted his life and ministry to uplifting, enhancing and empowering 
the lives of the downtrodden and to fighting for the dignity, justice 
and liberation of all people.
  Over the years, thousands have responded to the power of Reverend 
Wilson's preaching and exhortation to ``unchain your mind'' through 
examining and reclaiming Jesus Christ, the truth of African-American 
history and learning to love ourselves as well as others. As a result, 
Union Temple's membership has grown from the initial 25 faithful 
members to more than 8,000.
  Reverend Wilson has served the Union Temple Baptist Church and the 
District of Columbia community faithfully for 46 years. His impact on 
the church is immeasurable. As he passes the torch of leadership to his 
daughter, Reverend Dr. Anika Wilson Brown, we welcome her and thank 
Reverend Wilson for his steadfast work.
  Reverend Wilson, born in Newport News, Virginia, received a 
bachelor's degree in journalism from Ohio University. He became a D.C. 
resident in 1969 and received a master's degree from Howard University 
School of Divinity.
  Under his leadership, the Union Temple Baptist Church achieved an 
array of firsts, including the first substance abuse ministry based in 
a D.C. church; the first African-American church-led Rites of Passage 
program to support adolescents in transitioning from childhood to 
adulthood; the introduction of Kwanzaa Celebration as part of faith 
ministry; the first ordination of women into Baptist ministry 
regionally; and the promotion of interfaith worship between Christians 
and Orthodox Muslims. The church invested millions of dollars in the 
development of affordable housing, home ownership and financial 
literacy programs, as well as in youth development and health promotion 
activities.
  Social service programs have flourished at the Union Temple Baptist 
Church, including the Akoma project, which provides case management to 
individuals living with HIV/AIDS; the AYA Program, a D.C. Department of 
Human Services-funded program providing counseling, job development and 
placement services to assist people moving from welfare to work; and 
the Village Keepers Homeless Outreach Ministry, which provides shelter 
for homeless individuals in D.C.--to name only a few.
  The Union Temple Baptist Church has erected a home in Ghana, West 
Africa for its Rites of Passage programs. The church has donated over 
one million dollars in medical supplies to the hospital in Asankrangwa 
and sponsors an adopt-a-child educational program. Ordained a Wolof 
Priest in Gambia, Reverend Wilson's ministry and practice are African-
centric, focusing on the African influence on Christianity. His most 
recent book, Birth of the Bible, is a commentary on ``African spiritual 
traditions borrowed, stolen, misappropriated and modified to produce 
the book that we know today as the Bible.''
  Reverend Wilson's work has not gone unnoticed. In 2018, Reverend 
Wilson was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Civil Rights Movement 
in Selma, Alabama. He was recognized in 1986 by USA Today ``as one of 
the 10 most valuable people in America.'' In 1995, he was asked to join 
the historic Million Man March as a national organizer, and, in 1997, 
he received the Presidential Service Award from President Bill Clinton.
  Reverend Wilson is the father of four children and is married to 
Reverend Mary Lewis Wilson. He has served on the board of trustees of 
the University of the District of Columbia. Reverend Wilson has 
dedicated his life to a creative, innovative ministry to uplift 
humanity. He has a deep abiding love for all people and is a passionate 
voice for truth, justice and equality for the citizens of D.C. and 
everywhere.
  Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
honoring Reverend Willie F. Wilson for his dedication to freedom and 
justice for all, and to the well-being and faith of District of 
Columbia residents. We recognize him for the profound impact his vision 
and his work has had on others.

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