[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9796]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                        TRIBUTE TO KAY PATTERSON

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                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 11, 2003

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a native 
South Carolinian, a close personal friend, and exemplary public figure 
in the State of South Carolina and his community, Senator Kay 
Patterson. On April 17, 2003, the Columbia Housing Authority will honor 
Senator Patterson's lifetime of achievements by placing his likeness on 
its Wall of Fame. This recognition comes on the heels of BellSouth's 
recognition of his accomplishments by honoring him on its 2003 African 
American History Calendar.
  Born in Darlington County, SC, Senator Patterson was raised by his 
grandmothers, Meta B. Patterson and Emma Joseph. After graduation from 
Lincoln High School in Sumter, South Carolina, he enrolled at Claflin 
College for two years before leaving to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps 
and rose to the rank of buck-sergeant. Upon completing his military 
service, Senator Patterson returned to South Carolina and matriculated 
at Allen University where he earned a B.A. Degree in Social Sciences. 
Several years later, he would earn a Masters Degree in Education from 
South Carolina State University.
  Like myself, he started his professional career as a middle school 
teacher. His commitment to educating our youth provided the foundation 
for Senator Patterson's illustrious career. His 14 years of service as 
an educator at W.A. Perry Middle School, C.A. Johnson High School and 
Benedict College and 16 years as a UniServ Representative for the South 
Carolina Education Association are testimony of his willingness and 
tenaciousness on behalf of students and teachers.
  Senator Patterson began his successful odyssey toward high 
achievement as a politician in 1974, when he was elected to the South 
Carolina House of Representatives. He would serve in the House until 
1985, when he was elected to his current position in the South Carolina 
Senate. Renowned as a fiery and inspirational orator, Patterson has 
been a dynamic force in promoting change in his native state. He 
represents the constituents in Richland County Senate District 19 on 
the Senate's Banking & Insurance, Corrections & Penology, Education, 
Finance & Transportation Committees. In addition, Senator Patterson 
currently serves as Chairman of the Richland County Legislative 
Delegation.
  Among Senator Patterson's numerous civic activities are membership in 
the North Columbia Civic Club and life membership in the NAACP, and I 
am proud to claim him as my brother in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, 
Inc., to which he became a member while enrolled at Claflin.
  Senator Patterson was elected by the South Carolina House Education 
Committee to serve on the University of South Carolina's Board of 
Trustees in 1983. He was elected Chairman of the South Carolina 
Legislative Black Caucus in 1990, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of 
Laws degree from South Carolina State University in 2000. And on a 
personal note is Chair of Friends of Jim Clyburn, my political 
organization.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have been asked to deliver the Keynote 
address at Kay's induction ceremony and ask you and my colleagues to 
join me in applauding Senator Patterson for a lifetime of lofty 
achievements. My most sincere congratulations go out to him for his 
endless accomplishments, and loyal and dedicated friendship.

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