[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15263-15264]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      IN TRIBUTE TO SHIRLEY CAESAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EVA M. CLAYTON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, three years ago, many of the communities 
in my Eastern North Carolina District were devastated and nearly 
destroyed by a succession of hurricanes and floods that swept through. 
Lives were shaken or lost, and the hopes of many nearly dashed. 
Particularly hard hit was historic Princeville, North Carolina--settled 
and incorporated by former slaves. When you live in a rural area it is 
sometimes easy to feel alone. One of the early sources of inspiration 
and hope to my constituents was a very special lady whose clarion voice 
and spirituality powerfully invoke the universal language of music--
Shirley Caesar.
  Shirley Caesar's mesmerizing musical talents have enthralled and 
uplifted millions of Americans over a career spanning more than thirty 
years. She is the winner of ten Grammys and numerous other awards for 
her heartfelt renditions of gospel, soul, and rhythm and blues music. 
Her music is part and parcel of her role as Pastor of Shirley Caesar 
Outreach Ministries, and a substantial portion of her concert and 
recording proceeds support her ministerial activities. Hers is an 
incredible example of triumph over adversity, exceeding others' 
expectations, finding her voice and her calling--helping the needy in 
her own community and anywhere help was needed.
  In the immediate aftermath of the hurricanes and floods that almost 
washed Princeville away, Shirley Caesar came to our community and 
gladdened the hearts of saddened souls in need of uplift, hope and 
revival, singing such stirring songs as ``You're Next in Line for a 
Miracle.'' Her efforts supported the rejuvenation of Princeville and 
other Eastern North Carolina communities rocked by the rains and ruin. 
She not only speaks to what is right and

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good, she sings it. Princeville will always be grateful for her 
``amazing grace.''

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