[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 4] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 5804-5805] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING SOJOURNER TRUTH AWARDEES ______ HON. DALE E. KILDEE of michigan in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 4, 2001 Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Pontiac, Michigan branch of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., who on April 7, will hold their annual Sojourner Truth Scholarship and Awards ceremony and present awards to 12 deserving recipients. The Sojourner Truth Awards are given each year by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. as a reminder of the endless effort which freedom demands of those who would be free and to recall the fact that slavery comes in many forms: enveloping the spirit as well as the body. In this regard, the Club annually acknowledges those members of the community who have shown to represent these ideals with dignity and distinction. One such award is the Club's Frederick Douglas Award, which this year will be given to Rev. Douglas P. Jones of Welcome Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac, MI. In addition to his duties as head of the congregation of two thousand, Pastor Jones is one of the area's most influential and respected citizens. He is the founder of the Greater Pontiac Community Coalition, former Director of the Pontiac Area Urban League, and has been at the forefront of such projects as the Youth in Government and Business Program, and the Woodward Dream Cruise, among many others. The next award is Black Woman Achiever Award, presented to those women making significant strides in their professions. This year, there are four such people. The first is a colleague of mine, Oakland County Commissioner Brenda Causey-Mitchell of Pontiac. Prior to serving on the County Commission, she served for many years as a Trustee and ultimately President of the Pontiac School Board. She has also been a well-respected member of the city's executive staff. For many years she has worked diligently toward the improvement of our community. Another such [[Page 5805]] trailblazer is Pontiac Police Captain Pamela Chambers. Captain Chambers is a true trailblazer: In 1989, she became the Department's first Black female Sergeant, and as such, she is the first to achieve the rank of Captain. By focusing on community policing, she has helped foster a stronger relationship between the city and the police. The third award goes to Makeda Newby. It is fitting that Ms. Newby was born the same year American astronauts landed on the moon; at a very early age, she decided that her goal in life was to fly airplanes. While at Tuskegee University, she studied and flew with Chief Alfred Anderson, one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. She graduated from Tuskegee with both a Bachelor's Degree and a private pilot license. She went on to the J. Paul Getty Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, OK, where she became a certified instructor, and the school's first Black female instructor. Last year she was hired by International Freight Leasing, where she will pilot planes filled with automobile parts throughout the United States and Mexico. The fourth honoree is Ms. Margarita Garcia-Boylston. Ms. Boylston decided in 1987 to begin a business with Mary Kay Cosmetics. As she built this business, she worked a full-time job, raised two teenaged girls, graduated with honors from Oakland Community College and Cleary College. As a Mary Kay representative, Ms. Boylston has received many prizes and rewards for her success. Recently she was promoted to the position of Elite Sales Director, and became Senior Sales Director just three months later. The Club's Community Service Award goes to two individuals, Cheryl Scott and Malkia Geni Maisha. Ms. Scott, known as Shari to her friends, cares very much about giving back to her community. She has tutored academically challenged students throughout Pontiac, and has been an advocate for the Michigan Animal Adoption Network and the recently founded Michigan Animal Protection Agency, where she serves as a Board member. Ms. Maisha works part-time with the Michigan Metro Girl Scout Council in the Pontiac School District, helping teach a curriculum that involves self-esteem, diversity, citizenship, and many other qualities that will help these young ladies grow to be well-rounded members of society. Ms. Maisha also serves as an Executive Board member of the North Oakland NAACP, and is Secretary for the Metropolitan Minority Chamber of Commerce. Shira Washington, a senior at Pontiac Central High School, will receive this year's Clara Hatchett Musical Scholarship. With a 3.94 GPA, Ms. Washington is a member of the National Honor Society Softball Team, Drama Club, and is President of the A Capella Choir. She has been recognized throughout her high school career for her superior singing ability as well as her literary skills, and this year, where she has had her writings published on several occasions. The Ombudswoman Award is given to the group's most active member, and this year, that person is Irma Johnson. An elementary school teacher in the Pontiac School District, Ms. Johnson has been a part of the Club for more than 20 years. In addition, she is very active in the community and in her church, where she serves as a member of several ministries and is Sunday School Superintendent. She strives to be aware of all activities and changes, while actively pursuing a Master's Degree in Reading and Language Arts. Another colleague of mine, Mr. Richard Williams, is being honored with this year's Bridge Builder Award, for his tremendous work in improving communication and interaction between Pontiac and the county administration. As Director of Community and Minority Affairs, reporting directly to the County Executive, Mr. Williams has proven himself invaluable as an advocate for the city. He has worked with numerous groups designed to improve our schools and develop more affordable housing. As an ordained minister, Richard has also been a vital part of the Oakland County Ministerial Alliance. An award of special recognition is being given to Ms. Tommaleta Hughes. Originally from Detroit, Ms. Hughes joined the Pontiac School District as a teacher, after graduating from Tuskegee University in 1969. She taught elementary school for 15 years, sometimes serving as Head Teacher, operating as building administrator when the Principal was not in attendance. In 1984, she became Principal of Whitmer Human Resources Center, which two years later was recognized as one of the 26 most improved schools in the state. She moved on the School District's administrative level, where she became Director of Personnel and then Assistant Superintendent of Personnel and Employee Relations, the position she held until her retirement in June of last year. Wanting to remain a strong advocate for children, she ran for and currently holds a position as a member of the Pontiac School Board. Ms. Hughes is a true community activist. She has worked on several local government boards, and has been a member of the Pontiac Optimists Club and Kiwanis. She is also a Life Member of the North Oakland NAACP. Last, but certainly not least, the Sojourner Truth Award itself this year will go to Mrs. Sarah Frances Grady. A Michigan native, Mrs. Grady is a retired computer assembly worker from Rochester, MI who selflessly devotes much of her time volunteering in the Pontiac community. A recipient of the Michigan Association for Leadership Development's Outstanding Volunteer Award, she has served at St. Elizabeth Home for 42 years, helping bathe and feed clients, and also worked at the Pontiac Mini Police Station for several years. For 500 nights, she participated in a march against drugs in the city. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club's 35 year commitment to community service, and their mission to seek answers toward critical issues in the areas of health, education, employment, and economic development. These awardees have exemplified the highest of qualities, and I ask my colleagues in the 107th Congress to please join me in congratulating them all. ____________________