[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 54 (Tuesday, March 25, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E248]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING PHYLLIS WHEATLEY COMMUNITY CENTER'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ILHAN OMAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 25, 2025

  Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Phyllis 
Wheatley Community Center on its 100th anniversary. For a century, this 
incredible institution has been a beacon of hope, opportunity, and 
resilience for the people of North Minneapolis.
  Since its founding in 1924, the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center has 
stood as a testament to the power of community-driven progress. It has 
uplifted generations through education, social services, and advocacy--
ensuring that families, children, and individuals have access to the 
resources they need to thrive. This legacy of empowerment, equity, and 
inclusion is deeply woven into the fabric of our shared history and 
continues to serve as an inspiration for us all.
  The center, originally created during the Jim Crow era as a 
settlement house, began as a lifeline for Black women studying at the 
University of Minnesota who were barred from living in university 
dorms. Over time, it evolved to serve the community in many other ways, 
offering social services, recreational activities, and a cultural 
gathering space for the growing Black population in North Minneapolis.
  Throughout the decades, the center has weathered challenges with 
determination, adapted to evolving community needs, and remained 
steadfast in its commitment to justice and opportunity for all. It is a 
pillar of strength and a cornerstone of progress for our community.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to celebrate the Phyllis Wheatly 
Community Center for its 100 years of service and to recognize the 
leadership, staff, volunteers, and supporters who have contributed to 
its legacy. The center's ability to provide sanctuary, build community, 
and uplift generations is a true testament to the resilience and spirit 
of the people it serves. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center on its remarkable 
achievement, and 100th anniversary.

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