[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 22 (Monday, February 3, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MR. RONALD EDWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ILHAN OMAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 3, 2020

  Ms. OMAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of a 
prominent Civil Rights activist, leader and advocate Ronald Edwards. He 
truly loved Minneapolis and is deeply appreciated and treasured by the 
people of Minneapolis.
  Born in Kansas City, Missouri, during the Jim Crow segregation era, 
Mr. Edwards had early experiences of racial inequality growing up in 
the south. Mr. Edwards moved to the Twin Cities with his father, who 
worked on the railroad. Mr. Edwards always fought against racial 
inequality and injustices not only for the Black community but for 
everyone. During his lifetime, Mr. Edwards was the longest-serving 
chair of the Minneapolis Urban League, was prominent leader for the 
Minneapolis NAACP, led the Minneapolis Civil Rights Commission, and 
also sat on numerous civic boards and panels. For the past ten years, 
Mr. Edwards co-hosted a radio program where he used his platform to 
hold people in power and in the community accountable.
  Mr. Edwards was deeply dedicated to his family, friends, and 
community. He fought passionately for the Minneapolis community and 
used his tight connections within our neighborhoods to help those in 
need. I ask that we remember the spirit and passion for equality and 
justice that Ronald Edwards helped shape in the city of Minneapolis.

                          ____________________