[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 9, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING DR. DUDLEY FLOOD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBORAH K. ROSS

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 9, 2022

  Ms. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and career 
of Dr. Dudley Flood, a recipient of North Carolina's highest civilian 
award, The North Carolina Award for Public Service, for his 
trailblazing leadership in desegregating our state's public schools.
  Born in Winton, North Carolina and a graduate of North Carolina 
Central University, Dr. Flood began his career as an educator teaching 
grade school and eventually became a principal.
  Following his teaching tenure, Dr. Flood joined the North Carolina 
Department of Public Instruction, where he made a significant impact 
during his 21 years of dedicated service.
  In the years following the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education 
decision, Dr. Flood and the late Gene Causby were tasked with 
facilitating the desegregation of schools in all 100 counties of North 
Carolina.
  In 1969, Dr. Flood and Mr. Causby began to travel across the state to 
help desegregate North Carolina school systems. Beyond the assistance 
they provided in navigating this challenging process, it was the visual 
of these two men--one black, one white--working closely together that 
made a powerful impression on teachers and students alike.
  Through his honorable work, Dr. Flood became a state hero and North 
Carolina became a model for school desegregation.
  By working to ensure that North Carolina is a place where all 
students can learn irrespective of race, Dr. Flood helped to bring 
together starkly divided communities and effectively ushered in a new 
era for public education in our state.
  Dr. Flood retired from public instruction in 1990. Since then, he has 
served as Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of 
School Administrators, taught as a visiting professor at multiple North 
Carolina colleges and universities, and continued to be an active 
community member.
  Now 90 years old, Dr. Flood has led an incredible career as a 
champion for equitable education. Today his achievements can be seen in 
schools statewide, as children of all races are able to learn and play 
together and support each other's academic success.
  As we begin celebrating Black History Month, I am honored to share 
his extraordinary legacy with this body. He enhanced the lives of 
hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians through his many 
achievements.
  The people of our state are forever grateful for the remarkable life 
and lasting legacy of Dr. Flood.

                          ____________________