[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12189]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                        TRIBUTE TO BERNARD SIMS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 27, 2001

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the 
most respected citizens in my district, Bernard Sims. Bernard Sims died 
on June 3rd at the age of 97.
  Bernard was well known throughout his hometown of LaGrange, Illinois 
as a leader, counselor, and teacher. During his ninety-seven years, 
Bernard fought for equal rights for all citizens. Bernard refused to 
tolerate discrimination in any form. His promotion of mutual respect 
has forever made the city of LaGrange a better place.
  One of the most respectable traits of Bernard's character was his 
ability to get things done. He led through action. His friends 
respectfully recall when Bernard led a sit-in at the Walgreen's lunch 
counter until the establishment agreed to serve African Americans. His 
nonviolent approach and his positive attitude shaped the LaGrange civil 
rights movement. Bernard was wholly diplomatic in his actions and 
respect for him crosses all racial and ethnic lines.
  Bernard was a well-known football and baseball star at Lyons Township 
High School. He worked as an auto mechanic, a handyman, and a real 
estate entrepreneur. He was born to the first African American family 
in LaGrange and Bernard met his wife, Helen, in 1923 at a LaGrange 
diner. The couple spent a remarkable seventy five years together until 
his death. Bernard lived his ideals through membership in the Knights 
of Columbus, Toastmasters, and the NAACP. His active life and positive 
attitude helped him make a difference everywhere he went.
  Bernard was an asset to our community and will be greatly missed. My 
thoughts and prayers go out to Bernard's family and the LaGrange 
community during this time of mourning. I am certain Bernard's legacy 
will live on in the community for years to come.
  His community minded spirit holds a lesson for all of us. I encourage 
all of my colleagues to join me in remembering Bernard Sims and the 
contributions he made to his community.

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