[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 24258-24259]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        IN HONOR OF THE LEGACY AND LIFE OF CHARLES WHITMAN JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 28, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute and memory of 
Charles Whitman Jones, beloved husband and father, activist, scientist, 
educator and administrator, and friend and mentor to countless people, 
as his brilliant legacy is honored by Myers University of Cleveland, 
Ohio.
  Armed with intelligence, educational achievement, integrity, 
motivation and a strong work ethic, Mr. Jones overcame the challenges 
of racial discrimination with grace and dignity. His vision for himself 
and for his family reflected joy in living, achievement and service to 
others and was a vision that would not be thwarted by the oppressive 
time of racial inequity in America.
  The accomplishments of Charles Whitman Jones are many, varied and 
significant. He was named class valedictorian in high school, yet he 
was prohibited from giving the address because of his race. After high 
school, he received academic honors in both college and graduate 
school. Beyond his outstanding educational achievement, Mr. Jones was a 
superior athlete. He was awarded fourteen varsity letters during high 
school, and during college, he was a track, baseball and boxing 
champion. His outstanding baseball talent was such that he could have 
played in the Major Leagues, yet at that time, there was no possibility 
of his acceptance into a League exclusive to white players. Charles 
Whitman Jones was later inducted into the Meyers University Athletic 
Hall of Fame, and was named ``Father of the Year''--just two of the 
many awards and honors bestowed upon Mr. Jones throughout his lifetime.
  Following graduation from Ohio University, Mr. Jones was inducted 
into the United States Army. He was selected to become one of the elite 
Tuskegee Airmen, and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. Following his 
service in the Army, Mr. Jones worked as a teacher, then chemist at 
Standard Oil Company in Cleveland.
  He married his childhood sweetheart, Diane, and together they raised 
their son, Peter. His commitment to others led him to leave Standard 
Oil to join Neighbors Organized for Action in Ohio (NOAH) as its 
executive director. This non-profit agency focused on constructing and 
providing decent and affordable housing for

[[Page 24259]]

residents in the Hough area of Cleveland. Later, Mr. Jones was asked to 
join the administration at Myers University, where he served as 
Director of Admissions, Athletic Director, Director of Student 
Services, and Assistant to the President for Community Affairs.
  Throughout his lifetime, Charles Whitman Jones consistently reached 
beyond the racial barriers of the day and held strong to his dream, 
purpose and focus his wife and son, his commitment to others, and his 
professional and individual achievements. With dignity, strength and 
grace, he paved the way for others to succeed, gently leading and 
always inspiring.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of Charles Whitman Jones, as Myers University and the Cleveland 
community gather in tribute to his brilliant life and legacy. His 
energy and spirit live on through his family and friends and all those 
whose lives he touched, especially his wife, Diane; son, Peter Lawson 
Jones, daughter-in-law, Lisa Jones; and his grandchildren, Ryan, Leah 
and Evan.
  Mr. Jones led by example and his activism and service continues to 
pave the way for educational and professional opportunities for the 
young adults of our community. His integrity, warmth, wit and concern 
for others has left an indelible mark upon our entire community, and he 
will be remembered always.

                          ____________________