[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 16491-16492]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                  TRIBUTE TO MR. JAMES LEONARD FARMER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 16, 1999

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today, to pay tribute to and 
to celebrate the

[[Page 16492]]

life and legacy of James Leonard Farmer who passed away on Friday, July 
9, 1999, at the age of 79. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy 
and regards to Brother Farmer's family and extended community.
  James Leonard Farmer served our nation as the founder and national 
chairman of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) established in 1942. 
CORE is the third oldest and one of the ``Big Four'' civil rights 
organizations in America. A strong advocate and civil rights leader, 
Jim Farmer transformed America by fighting racial prejudice in the 
1960's and continuously throughout his lifetime. As the founder of 
CORE, Mr. Farmer paved the way for the later civil rights movement by 
organizing the first ``Sit-ins'' and ``Freedom Rides'' throughout the 
South.
  A devoted Christian, Jim Farmer had a strong and unwavering 
commitment to the cause of Christ. He always recognized the importance 
of overcoming social injustice, which stood as his life-long pursuit. 
His dedication to justice earned him national recognition as he was 
awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998.
  Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to join with all Americans in 
recognizing the achievements and life of James Leonard Farmer. I am 
truly honored to pay tribute to Farmer's distinguished life and am 
privileged to enter these words into the Congressional Record.

                          ____________________