[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1912]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO ODELL BARRY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 15, 2006

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize a 
Coloradan who has made a substantial impact on our State while serving 
as a role model for achievement in the African-American community. I am 
proud to acknowledge the accomplishments of Mr. Odell Barry and to 
congratulate him on his recent election to the Ford-Warren Library's 
``Blacks in Colorado'' Hall of Fame. It is a well-bestowed honor, and 
befitting the life and works of a wonderful man.
  Originally from Ohio, Odell Barry began his Colorado experience in a 
way that ensures the admiration and affection of many of our 
residents--as a Denver Bronco. Playing in 1964 and 1965, he still holds 
a place in the Broncos' record books with the second-most kickoff 
return yards in a season. Mr. Barry's athletic accomplishments are the 
envy of many, and I am sure he will not mind my saying that I am old 
enough to recall them.
  After his retirement from professional football, Odell involved 
himself heavily in the civic affairs of Northglenn, CO, a community in 
my district. He built a successful business with his wife, Glenda, and 
raised his family. These years were a preamble to his historic 1980 
election as the first African-American mayor of Northglenn and the 
second African-American mayor of a major metropolitan city--after Mayor 
Penfield Tate of Boulder--in Colorado. As mayor of Northglenn, Odell 
Barry helped to steer the city through major commercial and economic 
growth at a difficult time in the history of Colorado's economy. His 
open and warm-hearted style won many admirers and he was particularly 
committed to improving recreational opportunities for young people. He 
was instrumental in advocating transportation improvements, including 
construction of the new Denver International Airport.
  Odell was the first African-American citizen to become a charter 
member of Rotary International, the first African-American citizen to 
become president of the Colorado Civil Defense Association, the chair 
of the Colorado Economic Development Commission, and a crucial advocate 
for building, and bringing a professional baseball team, the Colorado 
Rockies, to Colorado.
  I have no doubt that Odell and Glenda will continue to accomplish 
great things, serving as role models for Americans of all ages and 
colors. In recognition of his latest achievement and for his already 
secure place in Colorado history, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing Odell Barry and congratulating him on becoming the newest 
addition to the Ford-Warren Library's esteemed ``Blacks in Colorado'' 
Hall of Fame.

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