[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25396]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  REDEDICATION CEREMONY FOR RUTGERS-NEWARK'S HILL HALL, HONORING AND 
                    COMMEMORATING BESSIE NELMS HILL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 19, 2004

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues here in the House of 
Representatives to join me as I rise to acknowledge the rededication 
ceremony of Rutgers-Newark's Hill Hall. Originally dedicated in 1972, 
Hill Hall was named in honor of Bessie Nelms Hill.
  Bessie Nelms Hill had an accomplished and distinguished career as an 
educator and community leader. She was also the first African-American 
to serve on the Rutgers Board of Governors. Her dedicated service 
spanned a six year period from 1965-1971. Ms. Hill's appointment to the 
Board followed an illustrious career as an English teacher, Department 
Chair and Guidance Counselor in Trenton, New Jersey for 40 years. She 
has been credited with inspiring and helping thousands of students 
including former New York City Mayor, David Dinkins.
  Bessie Hill worked tirelessly as an activist helping to promote 
equality and preserving the rights of African-Americans throughout New 
Jersey and the nation as a whole. She once served as state secretary 
for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 
(NAACP). Ms. Hill was also one of the founders of the Montgomery Branch 
YWCA and the Carver Center YWCA both in Trenton.
  The tradition of excellence continues in the Nelms Hill family as, 
Ms. Anzella K. Nelms, a niece, is the deputy superintendent of the 
Newark Public Schools. Her tireless efforts to promote education on the 
elementary level are to be commended as well.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues agree that the rededication of 
Hill Hall ceremony which will include the unveiling of Bessie Nelms 
Hill's portrait will inspire the current generation of Rutgers-Newark's 
students. It will also serve to keep her memory alive for generations 
to come. I am pleased that Rutgers-Newark chose to remember Bessie 
Nelms Hill with this ceremony on October 20, 2004.

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