[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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