    [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 38 (Wednesday, February 26, 2025)]
    [House]
    [Pages H872-H873]
    From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

    HIGHLIGHTING NOTABLE BLACK LEADERS FROM MICHIGAN'S THIRD CONGRESSIONAL
                                    DISTRICT

      The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of
    January 3, 2025, the Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Michigan
    (Ms. Scholten) for 30 minutes.
      Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Speaker, I welcome my friends, family, and
    constituents back home in west Michigan to my Special Order hour
    honoring notable Black west Michiganders and the impact they have made
    on our wonderful community.
      Black History Month is not just about reflecting on the past. It is
    also about acknowledging the incredible individuals who have shaped our
    communities and continue to inspire future generations.
      Black history is woven into the very fabric of America, and it is our
    duty to honor it, not just in February but every single day of the
    year.
      As the Representative of Michigan's Third Congressional District, I
    am privileged to highlight some of the remarkable Black leaders,
    educators, athletes, activists, and artists who have left their mark on
    west Michigan. Their stories are ones of perseverance, excellence, and
    resilience in the face of adversity. They remind us that history is not
    just something written in textbooks, but it is alive in the people who
    have worked tirelessly to break barriers and uplift their communities.
    I want to first tell you about Lyman Parks first.
      Lyman Parks, Grand Rapids Mayor: After moving to Grand Rapids to
    serve as a pastor of the First Community AME Church in 1968, he was
    elected as the first Black commissioner in the city's history.
      Lyman Parks holds a special place in our history as the first and
    only Black mayor of Grand Rapids. His leadership throughout the 1970s
    marked a turning point for the city, proving that Black leaders could
    and should have a seat at the table in shaping the future of our
    communities.
      In 2003, Parks was awarded the GIANT Among Giants Award, an annual
    award presented by the city of Grand Rapids since 1983 to recognize
    exceptional contributions by African Americans to the greater Grand
    Rapids community.
      Rillastine Wilkins, City Council: At age 18 and with $3 in her
    pocket, Wilkins made her way to Muskegon, where she had an aunt. She
    became active in the civil rights movement and attended school board
    meetings and Muskegon Heights City Council meetings.
      Rillastine Wilkins shattered glass ceilings, becoming the first
    female city

    [[Page H873]]

    councilmember in 1974. Her husband, who went by the nickname Peaches,
    accompanied her to every single council meeting to prevent the male
    councilmembers from harassing or intimidating her.
      In 1999, she was elected as the city's first Black female mayor. Her
    leadership spanned decades, influencing local government and paving the
    way for future Black women in politics throughout west Michigan.
      Hattie Beverly, Teacher Extraordinaire: In 1899, Hattie became the
    first African-American woman to teach in Grand Rapids Public Schools, a
    feat that did not come without struggle.
      Despite her remarkable academic achievements, she faced resistance
    from those who believed a Black woman should not teach White children.
    Yet, she persevered, and we are so much better because she did.
      Though her teaching career was tragically cut short when she passed
    away at the tender age of 30, Beverly's impact resonated beyond her
    lifetime. Her legacy of determination and excellence paved the way for
    future Black educators, ensuring the doors she opened would remain open
    for others to walk through.
      Jimmy Carter, Basketball: No, not that Jimmy Carter, but still, he
    looms large in west Michigan as a basketball phenom and a name truly
    synonymous with basketball excellence in Grand Rapids.
      Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to shaping young athletes. From his
    high school days at South High School to coaching and mentoring
    multiple children and young athletes at various schools, Carter's
    influence in the sports world has been profound.
      Carter's contributions extend far beyond the court, as well, proving
    that mentorship and investing in young athletes can transform lives. He
    was recently inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame, and
    that solidifies his place in history.
      Helen Claytor, Activist: Helen Claytor's work with the Young Women's
    Christian Association extends far beyond Grand Rapids. She was the
    first Black woman to serve as president of the national YWCA board of
    directors. Under her leadership, the organization embraced the fight
    against racism, making racial justice a core tenet of its mission.
      Her work reminds us that institutions have a responsibility to be
    antiracist and that leadership must reflect the values of equity and
    justice.
      Today, her legacy stands tall in Grand Rapids, both figuratively and
    literally, with her statue near GRCC's campus.
      Dr. Patricia Pulliam, Publisher: As an educator, Dr. Pulliam worked
    tirelessly to uplift students in Grand Rapids, serving as an adviser,
    mentor, and leader in higher education.
      Beyond the classroom, she became a publisher and, later, owner of The
    Grand Rapids Times, ensuring that the stories of Black residents were
    not just heard but celebrated. She also cofounded the GIANT Awards, an
    annual ceremony recognizing Black excellence in our community.
      Her contributions continue to inspire. While the media has often
    ignored or misrepresented Black voices, thanks to leaders like Dr.
    Pulliam, those voices are amplified and preserved.
      Dr. John Butler, Boxing Champion: In 1953, Dr. Butler became the
    first Grand Rapids boxer to win a National Golden Gloves title, an
    accomplishment that cemented his legacy in the sport.
      Dr. Butler was not just a fighter in the ring. He was also a fighter
    for education and equality.
      Growing up in Mississippi, he faced the harsh realities of poverty
    and racism. His mother, determined to give her family a better future,
    moved them to Grand Rapids, where Dr. Butler found his passion for
    boxing.
      Through the mentorship of his trainer, he not only honed his athletic
    abilities but also understood the importance of education. That
    discipline led him to earn a Ph.D. from Michigan State University.
      Dr. Butler dedicated his career to the Grand Rapids school system,
    serving as a teacher and assistant principal and eventually training
    city employees in public service. He provided guidance to young Black
    students who faced adversity, making an impact far beyond the
    classroom.
      Today, his legacy is forever etched in the Grand Rapids Sports Hall
    of Fame, a testament to his dedication to both sports and education.
      Paul Collins, Artist: Paul Collins has spent his life using his
    artistic talents to tell the stories of those often overlooked.
      Born in Muskegon and raised in Grand Rapids, Collins was drawn to art
    from a young age. Despite initial discouragement, he pursued his
    passion, eventually traveling to West Africa to immerse himself in his
    cultural roots.
      Collins' work has been displayed worldwide, from exhibitions in
    Africa to murals honoring historical figures in the United States.
      He was the first Black artist to paint a sitting President when he
    painted President Gerald R. Ford.
      His contributions to the art world also include designing the Martin
    Luther King Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize Medal and the Challenger 7 space
    shuttle logo.
      As we celebrate Black History Month, let us remember that these
    stories are not just relics of the past, but they are living legacies
    that continue to shape our community.
      It is our duty to ensure that these trailblazers live on, that we
    continue the fight for equality, and that we uplift and support Black
    voices in our community.
      It is our duty to ensure that we continue to tell these stories.
      Black history is American history, and it is a history that deserves
    to be honored not just in February but every single day. These
    achievements are proof that progress is possible, but only if we remain
    committed to justice, inclusion, the power of education, and advocacy.
    I am proud to continue to carry on their legacy through this Special
    Order hour today.
      Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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