[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 102 (Wednesday, June 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF NORMAN EARLY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 15, 2022

  Ms. DeGETTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of Denver's 
most dedicated public servants, Norman ``Norm'' Early, who passed away 
on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at the age of 76.
  Norm was born and grew up, right here, in our nation's capital. As a 
high school track star attending Calvin Coolidge Senior High in 
Washington, D.C., he was recruited to run track at American University. 
In addition to attending classes and running track as a member of the 
university's track and field team, Norm also worked as a member of the 
school's grounds crew to help pay his way through college.
  If all that wasn't enough, Norm decided to run for--and ultimately 
became--American University's first Black student body president in 
1966. And, after graduating from American University in 1967, Norm went 
on to earn his law degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-
Champaign.
  It was then, as a newly minted lawyer, that Norm decided to move to 
Denver where he immediately got to work helping some of the most 
vulnerable members of our community. Norm's passion for helping others 
knew no bounds. He served 10 years as Chief Deputy District Attorney in 
Denver, before becoming Denver's first Black District Attorney in 1983 
following his appointment by then-Governor Dick Lamm. Norm would serve 
in this post several years after winning successive elections in 1984, 
1988, and 1992.
  Throughout his career, Norm used his positions to make Denver a 
better place to live and work. During his 10-year tenure as Denver's 
District Attorney, Norm earned numerous awards for his outstanding 
efforts to help victims of crime and the work he did to help survivors 
of sexual abuse. And even as he served our community, Norm also worked 
to found the Sam Cary Bar Association and the National Black 
Prosecutors Association where he would go on to serve as its first 
president, a position he would, again, use to promote justice and 
fairness throughout the country.
  There are endless stories from those who knew Norm best about the 
work he did to make Denver a more just place--and the barriers he broke 
along the way. Even so, for those of us who considered him a friend, 
it's Norm's charm and wit that we will miss the most. He always had a 
kind smile to give and was always the first to offer a good laugh. 
Truly, I am grateful for the time I had to work with Norm and see 
firsthand his passion for public service and tireless compassion for 
survivors.
  As our community gathers to remember Norm's life, I offer my 
heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and former colleagues. I 
hope they find comfort in knowing the lasting legacy Norm leaves 
behind. The work he did to break barriers and pave the way for a new 
generation of leaders has had a real impact on our city--and it will 
never be forgotten.

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