[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24986]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



   TRIBUTE TO ANNETTE M. RAINWATER, DEDICATED ACTIVIST AND COMMUNITY 
                               ORGANIZER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 11, 2001

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a woman who has given 
her life to the pursuit of justice and equality.
  Annette M. Rainwater is one of Detroit's most committed activists. 
She came of age at a time when our country and our democracy were at a 
crossroads. When Dr. King called on Americans to join together to stand 
up for their rights, to register voters, to fulfill the promise of 
democracy, she answered that call. She answered it with passion, 
intelligence, and faith that we could shape a better future. Not only 
did Annette get involved, she stayed involved. Over the years, she has 
held leadership positions with such organizations as the Southern 
Christian Leadership Council, the NAACP, the Student Nonviolent 
Coordinating Committee, and the National Political Congress of Black 
Women, just to name a few. But in all of these roles, her capacity to 
inspire others and her determination shone through.
  Annette also worked tirelessly in her community. As a precinct 
delegate, she knocked on countless doors and recruited many volunteers. 
When it came time to get out the vote, Annette was always ready to 
help. She has offered her skills as an organizer as well, through her 
roles as a Board member of the Fifteenth Democratic District 
Congressional Organization and Democratic Party State Central member. 
She has also been a dedicated public servant, serving as the chief of 
staff for Councilman Clyde Cleveland.
  Although Annette is retiring, she will leave a legacy of activists 
and public servants to continue her work. She has been a mentor to 
many, including Llenda Jackson-Leslie, Vice President of the National 
Women's Political Caucus, Judge Greg Mathis, and Wayne County 
Commissioner Jewel Ware. These leaders and others will help keep the 
stories of the civil rights struggle alive--and help make sure that we 
move forward, and never forgot where we've been.
  To paraphrase Dr. Martin Luther King, the measure of a person is not 
where she stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where she 
stands at times of challenge and controversy. During one of the most 
difficult times in our history, Annette Rainwater stood for justice, 
equality, and a future that would allow all Americans the opportunity 
to reach our fullest potential.
  Detroit is a better place because Annette Rainwater calls it home. 
She has earned our thanks for her half-century of selfless dedication 
to creating a more just city, state and nation.

                          ____________________