[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 206 (Thursday, December 14, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    REMEMBERING HARVEY JAMES MUNFORD

 Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the 
life of Harvey James Munford, an exemplary Nevadan that served his 
State as an educator and coach for 36 years and as an elected State 
assemblyman for over a decade. Mr. Munford peacefully passed away at 
the age of 83 on October 26, 2023, at his Las Vegas, NV, home.
  Mr. Munford led a remarkable life with many professional and personal 
achievements. As the first African American to attend Montana State 
University Billings, Mr. Munford showed exceptional courage while 
paving the way for other African Americans to follow in his footsteps. 
Mr. Munford attended college on a basketball scholarship, but he never 
neglected his studies and earned a bachelor's degree in biology and 
physical education. He went on to earn a master's degree in political 
science and guidance and counseling, also at MSU Billings. In 1994, Mr. 
Munford was honored with an induction into the MSU Billings Athletic 
Hall of Fame.
  Mr. Munford's athletic talent extended far beyond college, as he 
played professional basketball for the Los Angeles Lakers and was 
drafted for professional football by the Los Angeles Rams. However, Mr. 
Munford's passion for education caused him to relocate to Las Vegas, 
where he served as an educator for the Clark County School District, 
College of Southern Nevada, and University of Nevada, Las Vegas. During 
his decades-long career in the Clark County School District, Mr. 
Munford had the opportunity to accompany over 200 students to 
Washington, DC, to explore the Nation's Capital and experience 
firsthand how the Federal Government works.
  After officially retiring as an educator, Mr. Munford became a public 
servant and was an elected State assemblyman for Clark County District 
6, where he served from 2004 to 2016. During his time as a legislator, 
Mr. Munford was a passionate civil rights and education advocate. He 
helped pass numerous bills, including multicultural education and the 
passage of Juneteenth as an official holiday in the State of Nevada. It 
is evident Mr. Munford's work in the State assembly was guided by his 
desire to have a positive lasting impact on the lives of all Nevadans.
  Beyond Mr. Munford's extensive professional achievements, he was a 
dedicated family man. Mr. Munford was married to his wife Viviana for 
29 years and had five children and stepchildren, in addition to 12 
grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Mr. Munford was also a talented 
organist and equine trainer, and he enjoyed watching old Western 
movies, historical documentaries, and sports.
  Mr. Munford was a husband, father, grandfather, educator, civil 
servant, civil rights activist, athlete, and Nevadan. Mr. Munford left 
a positive lasting impact on the lives of many Nevadans, and I ask my 
colleagues to join me in remembering Mr. Munford for his significant 
impact in the State. I celebrate Mr. Munford's legacy, and I extend my 
deepest condolences to his family and friends.

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