[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 31 (Thursday, February 18, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             WISHING FLORENCE CLARKE A HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 18, 2021

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, it is with great distinction that I rise 
today to observe and celebrate the 80th birthday of Reverend Florence 
Dorothy Jeffries Gilliard Clarke. Florence is the epitome of an 
altruistic American. A teacher, devout pastor, and community advocate 
who has dedicated her life to enriching the lives of those within our 
eastern Connecticut community.
  Florence's life began down south in Charleston, SC on February 21, 
1941. Guided by a strong spirit and support from loved ones, Florence 
overcame the tragic loss of her parents at a young age. An astute 
student, Florence won a scholarship to attend SC State College to 
pursue a degree in Business Administration. It was during her time at 
SC State that Florence began to lend her voice to decry mass injustices 
across our nation marching alongside our colleague U.S. House 
Representative Jim Clyburn to desegregate American public schools. 
Sixty years ago, Florence and Jim and 185 others were arrested at a 
peaceful protest in front of the state house in Columbia, South 
Carolina. Despite its peaceful nature, they were convicted of breach of 
peace and locked up for three days. They appealed this injustice all 
the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and the court ruled in their favor in 
a landmark first amendment case, Edwards V. South Carolina.
  Florence remained in South Carolina after college and began her 
career as a teacher. Drawing from her life experiences, Florence was a 
beacon of wisdom for her students and taught not only with energy and 
positivity, but with care and kindness. Eventually, Florence and her 
husband, who served in the U.S. NAVY, moved to Connecticut where he was 
stationed at the Subase New London. After the untimely passing of her 
husband, Florence chose to remain in Connecticut. Shifting her career 
focus, Florence took a position with General Dynamics-Electric Boat--
contributing to building our nation's dominant fleet of submarines. 
Florence, now a true Nutmegger, stayed at Electric Boat for more than 
25 years before retiring to return to her passion of teaching. She 
joined the East Lyme, Waterford, Montville and New London school 
systems as a substitute teacher and became such a renowned figure in 
the eastern Connecticut school system that in 2002 she was selected as 
the commencement speaker for Waterford High School's graduating class.
  However, Florence's service to the community went far beyond confines 
of our schools. The church was another vessel for which she inspired 
the action of others. In 1975, guided by a deep-rooted mission to 
serve, Florence became an active member of Walls Temple A.M.E. Zion 
Church in New London. Her involvement with the church continued to grow 
and took a pivotal tum in 1997 when she became an ordained pastor and 
organized Clarke Memorial A.M.E Zion--at that time the first new 
congregation admitted in the annual conference in twenty years. Her 
journey within the ministry came full circle in 2014 when the 
congregations of Walls Temple and Clarke Memorial merged to become 
Walls Clarke Temple A.M.E. Zion. With a humble spirit, Florence 
celebrated 40 years of service in Christian ministry in 2015 and 
retired from 20 years of pastoral ministry in June 2017.
  Florence is unabated in her fight against racial oppression and 
strives to empower those within her community. I am honored to have 
marched on State Street with Florence in celebration of Dr. Martin 
Luther King, Jr, witnessed her advocacy for children through the 
establishment of National Children's Day, and stood in solidarity with 
her as we tried to reconcile the tragic acts of June 17, 2015, at 
Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Florence's legacy will 
forever be ingrained in the fabric of Eastern Connecticut--influencing 
generation after generation.
  Madam Speaker, Fellow Colleagues--I ask you to please join me in 
wishing Florence a happy 80th birthday and aid me in showing 
appreciation to this outstanding citizen. Florence, we wish you a 
joyous celebration on your special day and many more years of 
happiness.

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