[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 54 (Friday, March 24, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN MEMORY OF ALEX FRANKLIN PERRYMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RASHIDA TLAIB

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 24, 2023

  Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Alex Franklin 
Perryman, Sr., a long-time resident, labor and community leader in 
Detroit, Michigan as we mourn his recent passing.
  Mr. Perryman was born on January 4, 1924, in Whitehall, Alabama to 
the late Jonas Perryman and Melissa Thomas Perryman. He was the 
youngest of 10 children. Mr. Perryman attended school in Tyler, Alabama 
and later Carver High School in Gadsden, Alabama.
  At the age of 18, Mr. Perryman moved to Detroit, Michigan to work for 
the Chrysler Corporation and fell in love with the city he called his 
home until his passing.
  Mr. Perryman met the love of his life, Geneva Wilson in 1944 and they 
married in 1945. They had been married for a remarkable 77 years when 
she preceded him in death. Mr. and Mrs. Perryman raised five children 
on Burlingame Street in Detroit--Lavonia, Linda, Alex, Jr., Ronald, 
along with Nehemiah and Linda--both who preceded him in death.
  A trailblazer, devoted community member and labor union leader, Mr. 
Perryman was a skilled laborer and United Auto Workers (UAW) activist 
at Chrysler Corporation for over 50 years. He was the first African-
American Vice President of UAW Local 140. As a union leader, Mr. 
Perryman was steadfast in operating in the intersection of civil rights 
and workers' rights. He coordinated several local and national outreach 
and civil rights activities on behalf of the UAW.
  In the community, Mr. Perryman was an active member of the NAACP and 
believed deeply in the civic participation and voting. He served as a 
poll worker for 15 years, ensuring that his neighbors had access to the 
ballot box.
  Mr. Perryman loved baseball and his life of service extended into 
this adoration for sports. He spent many years working with the 
Westside Cubs and St. Cecilia sports teams. He also worked several 
years at Comerica Park where the Detroit Tigers play.
  Mr. Perryman leaves behind a beautiful family to mourn his life. His 
daughters, Lavonia and Patricia; son, Alex Franklin, Jr., and sister-
in-law, Mamie Louise Wilson. He also leaves 11 precious grandchildren. 
Please join me in recognizing Alex Franklin Perryman, Sr.'s numerous 
contributions to our community as we honor his memory.

                          ____________________