[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 14 (Thursday, January 23, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H305]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DR. NELLIE B. KING

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Kennedy) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
extraordinary life of Dr. Nellie B. King, a trailblazer, educator, 
mentor, and a dear friend whose impact on western New York will 
resonate for generations to come.
  Dr. King exemplified what it means to dedicate one's life of service, 
excellence, and empowerment, particularly to the youth of western New 
York, but to all her fellow human beings.
  Born and raised in Foxworth, Mississippi, Dr. King's journey from 
humble beginnings to becoming an educational pioneer is a testament to 
her resilience and determination.
  She earned her B.A. in social studies from Alcorn Agricultural and 
Mechanical College, a historically Black college, followed by advanced 
degrees in education from Canisius College and Buffalo State College.
  With over 35 years in education, Dr. King made history as the first 
Black superintendent of the Lackawanna City School District where she 
served for 9 transformative years.
  Her innovative programs, including the Kids in Spotlight Program, 
Lackawanna Center for Family Achievement, and the District Model Aids 
Program set a high standard for educational excellence and student 
support.
  Under her leadership, the district embraced groundbreaking 
initiatives like reduced class size for early elementary school, 
extended-day programs, and the GEAR UP Program, ensuring opportunities 
for all students to succeed.
  Dr. King's dedication to education was seen on a national scale. She 
contributed research to the President's Committee on the Arts and 
Humanities, culminating in their report, ``Gaining the Arts 
Advantage,'' which emphasized the critical role of arts in education.
  Also, her service extended far beyond the classroom. Dr. King was a 
member of the Calvary Christian Methodist Episcopal Church where her 
faith guided her work and inspired those around her.
  She was an active participant in organizations, such as the Alpha 
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Women's Missionary Council of 
the CME Church, and the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting 
Church Women, just to name a few.
  Most recently, Dr. King served as the president and founder of 
Unlimited Possibilities Overcoming Poverty Ministry, which provides 
guidance, leadership, and financial support to women from disadvantaged 
backgrounds who are enrolled in college or trade school.
  Dr. King's contributions did not go unnoticed. Her numerous accolades 
include the National Association of Counties Achievement Award, the 
Buffalo Ambassador Award, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for 
Education.
  As a State Senator, I had the privilege of honoring Dr. Nellie B. 
King as a 2019 Woman of Distinction in the New York State Senate, a 
recognition that celebrated her lifelong dedication to education and 
bettering our community.
  Dr. King's influence extended to countless students, colleagues, and 
leaders in our community. She was not only an educator, but also a role 
model, a mentor, and a friend, someone whose wisdom and compassion were 
a beacon of hope and inspiration.
  Nellie was a loving mother to Bennie Omar King, and an adoring 
grandmother to Angeliya Bernice King, both of whom proudly carry on her 
legacy.
  As we remember Dr. King, let us honor her by continuing her work, 
advocating for education, investing in our children, fostering 
innovation, and uplifting those who need it the most. Her life reminds 
us that one person's dedication can transform not just individuals, but 
entire communities.
  Dr. Nellie B. King's legacy will live on in the lives she touched and 
the progress she championed, and it will endure as a source of 
inspiration for us all. I thank Dr. King for her boundless 
contributions, her unwavering faith, and her extraordinary vision.
  We will miss her deeply. We love her, and we will carry on her 
lessons and her legacy for generations to come. May Dr. Nellie B. King 
rest in peace and power.

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