[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 23 (Friday, February 4, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E111-E112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




JAMES L. ``WINKY'' CAMPHOR: HUMBLE HOMETOWN HERO, CHAMPION FOR CHILDREN 
                          AND FOR COPPIN STATE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KWEISI MFUME

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 4, 2022

  Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, it has often been said ``Education is the 
Key'' that unlocks the future for people seeking a better life. The 
person I rise for today could really be considered the ``Locksmith'' 
for Baltimore's kids. From teaching at public schools to educating 
juvenile detainees, his compassion for others motivated him to give 
freely the keys to set minds free for higher endeavors. A life-long 
educator and philanthropist of modest means, he gave of himself to the 
Baltimore Community, its schools as well as to Coppin State University. 
He was the epitome of the humble hometown hero. I am honored to stand 
today for the recently departed James Leroy ``Winky'' Camphor, age 94.
  After teaching for 43 years in the Baltimore City Schools, in his 
love for youth and the underserved, he assumed the role as 
Superintendent at the Cheltenham School for Boys. He was ever devoted 
to unlocking doors for at risk children and those within the juvenile 
justice system. In all his unselfish endeavors, he never sought 
accolades. As one whose salaries were always modest, his charitable 
gift of $200,000 to his beloved alma mater, Coppin State, was an 
incredible gift. Imagine the number of students who have been helped 
and will be helped with books, meals, and transit costs. He was a man 
of noble stature, a man of an unquenchable thirst to empower others, 
and a man who gave unselfishly of his talents, his finances, his 
inspiration, and never sought recognition nor praise.
  This from a family man of modest means who according to the Baltimore 
Evening Sun ``scrimped and saved'' over his whole career in education. 
He loved Coppin State so much he married the former Florine ``Peaches'' 
Harrison, a city public school educator who graduated from Coppin in 
1958, whom he met at a meeting of Coppin's alumni association. And 
together they grew their philanthropy.
  Additionally, he holds the record for scoring 50 points in a 
basketball game at Coppin State, a record, which has never been broken.
  As a champion for children and all the causes he held near and dear 
to his heart, he received numerous awards. The prestigious listing 
includes organizations and affiliations such as: the National 
Association for Equal Opportunity in High Education Distinguished 
Alumni Award, State of Maryland Faithful Citizen Award, Children's 
Cancer Center Volunteer Award, Heart of Love Award, the Harlow Fullwood 
Award, the National Association for Sickle Cell Outstanding Member 
Award, Maryland Department of Mental Health and Hygiene Service Award, 
City of Baltimore Citizen's Award, National Federation of the Blind 
Service Award and the list goes on.
  James Leroy Camphor, son of James Camphor and Emma Camphor, was born 
in Baltimore and grew up near Hollins Market in Southwest Baltimore. 
Raised by a single mother, he reflected the value of hard honest work 
in his childhood job of shining shoes. The beginnings may have been 
humble, but they did not define nor stymie him. He rose to become a 
champion for children and the underserved and a philanthropist for 
Coppin State University. He gave freely of that which

[[Page E112]]

were his. It is my honor to stand today, Madam Speaker, in recognition 
of James Leroy ``Winky'' Camphor and the memory of a man who shared the 
keys of education, charity, compassion, humility and strong moral 
values--a true Baltimore hometown hero.

                          ____________________