[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




WAVERLY DAVIS AND RION WALKER WIN BLACK HISTORY MONTH ESSAY COMPETITION

  (Ms. STRICKLAND asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Ms. STRICKLAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the student 
winners of my first annual Black History Month Essay Competition: 
Waverly Davis from Reeves Middle School in Olympia, Washington, and 
Rion Walker from Curtis Senior High School in University Place.
  I created this program to help students share the stories of Black 
leaders who have influenced Washington State, especially in the times 
we are in today.
  Waverly highlighted Dorothy Hollingsworth, the first Black woman 
elected to the Seattle School Board in 1975, who went on to serve on 
the Washington State Board of Education. Hollingsworth's commitment to 
civil rights and equality laid the foundation for all Washington 
students.
  From Waverly's essay: ``Her story has made me feel hope that things 
aren't always as set in stone as they seem.''
  Rion wrote about Quincy Jones, producer, composer, and musician, who 
started his journey in Seattle and broke racial barriers across the 
music and film industries.
  From Rion's essay: ``Talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does 
not, and addressing this gap is a civic responsibility.''
  I thank our judges and all the students who participated. These 
essays remind us that Black history is Washington State history and 
American history.
  Happy Black History Month.

                          ____________________