[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 9, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. JAMYE COLEMAN WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SHONTEL M. BROWN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 9, 2022

  Ms. BROWN of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams, who passed away peacefully on 
January 19, 2022. I extend my sincerest condolences to her daughter, 
Donna, her extended family and friends, and all who knew and loved her.
  Born in Louisville in 1918, Dr. Williams made remarkable 
contributions to academia, the church, and her community across her 
inspiring 103-year life. Her trailblazing legacy is a testament not 
only to the progress of America but also to the ability of bold 
individuals--specifically brave Black women--to drive the change they 
wish to seek.
  Across her decades-long teaching career at HBCUs, including Ohio's 
own Wilberforce University, Dr. Williams made key contributions to 
rhetorical studies, a field long dominated by the study of white male 
orators. In fact, her dissertation on Thurgood Marshall's Arguments 
before the Supreme Court in the Public School Segregation controversy 
was published in 1959 by the Ohio State University, where she was 
earning her Ph.D.
  In addition to her academic career, Dr. Williams was a lifelong 
member of the A.M.E. church. While remaining active in her local 
church, Dr. Williams served as a board member of the National Council 
of Churches and later as editor of The A.M.E. Church Review, the oldest 
African American literary journal. She also helped to break glass 
ceilings by supporting Vashti McKenzie's election as the first female 
A.M.E. bishop.
  A tireless community activist, Dr. Williams moved from early 
involvement in the civil rights movement to later serving as a member 
of the NAACP's Executive Committee. In 1999, she received the 
organization's Presidential Award for her critical contributions.
  Dr. Williams' legacy of service, activism and education will live on 
through the students, colleagues and countless individuals she touched. 
Her commitment to doing her part to advance justice and equality for 
women and people of color serves as a shining example for us all.
  Today, may we honor the memory of Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams, a 
loving wife, an impactful educator, a committed community activist, and 
a lifelong church leader.

                          ____________________