[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 17]
[House]
[Page 23320]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                        DR. GEORGE SIMKINS, JR.

  (Mr. WATT of North Carolina asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WATT of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to Dr. George Simkins, Jr., a resident of my congressional district, 
who died on November 21 and is being funeralized today in Greensboro, 
North Carolina. Dr. Simkins, a former president of the Greensboro NAACP 
for 25 years, was a civil rights pioneer who helped integrate the 
Greensboro City Council and open public facilities to African 
Americans.
  Dr. Simkins was a vigilant and constant warrior for equity, equality, 
and justice. In this role, he paved the way for many of us to achieve 
successes that would otherwise have been unattainable and then stood 
shoulder to shoulder with us to continue the fight. Politically, George 
was a strong supporter, adviser and mentor. Personally, George was my 
tennis buddy and my true friend.
  Greensboro, North Carolina, and our Nation have lost a sturdy warrior 
whose important work will be remembered for years to come. I offer my 
condolences to the family of Dr. George Simkins, Jr.

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