[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 108 (Tuesday, June 24, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E614]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING LOIS JEAN BUCKMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JONATHAN L. JACKSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 24, 2025

  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Lois 
Jean Buckman--a pioneering telecommunications executive, beloved 
community leader, and lifelong advocate for mentorship, education, and 
empowerment.
  Born on March 9, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, Ms. Buckman was the 
daughter of visionary entrepreneurs who helped anchor and uplift their 
community for over 70 years. Her parents were proprietors of local 
businesses and neighborhood properties--investments that weren't just 
about business, but about building opportunity, community, and legacy.
  At the age of 19, Lois moved to Los Angeles, California, to begin a 
new chapter. She would go on to build an extraordinary 37-year career 
at GTE, later Verizon, beginning as the first African American woman 
hired as a cashier and rising to the position of regional director, 
overseeing operations across four states. She broke barriers utilizing 
an indomitable resolve and never forgot to lift others as she climbed. 
Her boldness--including proudly wearing traditional African attire to 
celebrate Black History Month in a space unaccustomed to such pride--
left a legacy of education and empowerment in the workplace.
  Outside of corporate life, Ms. Buckman dedicated herself to community 
uplift. She served on the board of the Consortium of Information and 
Telecommunications Executives (CITE), helping to raise over 1.4 million 
dollars in scholarships for underserved students.
  As a co-founder of Sisters Involved in Linking Knowledge (SILK), she 
helped create a powerful platform for youth and women in high-risk 
environments. SILK facilitated everything from STEM workshops and 
college panels to teen leadership conferences and volunteer programs 
that cultivated self-worth and future success. She also supported 
Sisters Involved in Nurturing (SATIN), an initiative focused on life 
skills and self-image development for young women transitioning into 
adulthood.
  Ms. Buckman further served as president of The Regalettes for over 16 
years. Founded in 1958, this organization has been rooted in service to 
the greater Los Angeles community for more than six decades. Under her 
leadership, The Regalettes awarded over 850,000 dollars in 
scholarships, hosted annual toy drives, and celebrated individuals who 
dedicated their lives to service and social impact.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me to celebrate Lois Jean 
Buckman as a woman of substance, vision and action. She has opened 
doors that were never meant to be closed again. Her courage, grace, and 
commitment to lifting others reflect the highest ideals of public 
service and private leadership.

                          ____________________