[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 11]
[House]
[Pages 15085-15086]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             WOMEN'S ISSUES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Franks of Arizona). Under a previous 
order of the House, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Ballance) is 
recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BALLANCE. Mr. Speaker, we have had wonderful debate in these 
halls, both this evening and during the week, on issues of great 
significance to the people of this country. I am here today to speak to 
the determination and grace of women in transcending the hurdles they 
face on a daily basis as they lead others along the paths they have 
carved out for future generations.
  While it is true, Mr. Speaker, that we stand here tonight 
highlighting the many obstacles faced by women on a daily basis, I 
would like to take these next few minutes to focus on the strength and 
dedication exemplified by so many women in my rural district in eastern 
North Carolina, the First Congressional District.
  The First District transcends hurdles and lead others along the paths 
they carved out, these women, for our future generation. The women of 
eastern North Carolina are many things. They are mothers and wives and 
sisters and daughters. They are doctors and lawyers, teachers, cooks, 
business owners and preachers. Most of all, these women are leaders.
  Tonight, I am proud to share with my colleagues stories of women who 
lead with distinction every day in areas of education, the political 
arena, housing, and economic development among others.
  I can think of no better example to begin with regarding the success 
for women in leadership than my predecessor in these halls, the 
honorable Eva Clayton, the first woman to be elected from North 
Carolina and one of only three to ever join the North Carolina 
congressional delegation.
  For 10 years, the First Congressional District made history with the 
gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Clayton) at the helm, leading the 
way on so many issues, among them minority farming, agriculture, 
housing, education and community and economic development, and her 
passion, hunger.
  Congresswoman Clayton carved out a path upon which I am proud to 
follow.
  Women in eastern North Carolina are leading the way in areas of 
housing, but while the ownership rates are increasing, women still lag 
considerably behind the general population in homeownership.
  One woman in Wilson, North Carolina, is helping entire communities 
realize the dream of homeownership. Her name is Fannie Corbett. She 
served for more than 31 years with the Wilson Community Improvement 
Association, being a founding member in 1968. Ms. Corbett and her 
colleagues have spent the last 3 decades moving from improving existing 
housing to initiating the building of more than 200 houses for families 
in the Wilson community, including playgrounds, arts, crafts, computer 
classes, Bible studies and exercise programs.
  Women around the country are building quality, affordable housing as 
they try to help their neighbors, friends and themselves improve their 
lives. For 31 years, Ms. Corbett, who will retire at the end of this 
month, led the way.
  Helping ensure the children of North Carolina receive quality 
education

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they deserve is Dr. Shirley Carraway, from Kinston, North Carolina. A 
lifelong education professional, Dr. Carraway served for many years in 
the Pitt County school system, one of the largest systems in my 
district.
  As assistant school superintendent for Pitt County, Dr. Carraway's 
dedication to educating the young minds of our district saw her 
recently voted as head school superintendent for another North Carolina 
county.
  On a national level, women lag behind men in earning doctoral 
professional degrees and are underrepresented in math and science. Dr. 
Carraway is leading the way to break down these barriers and open the 
doors of education for all children.
  North Carolina ranks number 31 in the Nation for women in managerial 
and professional occupations and 32 in women-owned businesses.

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