[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18465]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING JACK HUNTER O'DELL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 10, 2008

  Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the life and 
contributions to the United States of Jack Hunter O'Dell, and to 
acknowledge his 85th birthday, August 11, 2008. Jack Hunter O'Dell was 
born August 11, 1923 in Detroit, MI. Like other Americans who worked 
hard during the Great Depression, Jack devoted much time and energy to 
selling newspapers as a youngster and playing a strong role in his 
extended family. At an early age Jack developed an intense curiosity 
toward the world and a love of reading.
  At the onset of World War II Jack joined the Merchant Marine, one of 
the most risky and important forces in the U.S. war effort. The 
Merchant Marine hauled supplies for U.S. troops in unarmed ships, often 
being attacked by Nazi submarines. Jack joined the National Maritime 
Union and advocated for the rights of workers on the ships and docks. 
During this time Jack developed an understanding of the struggles of 
peoples of other nations, an understanding that helped form his 
consciousness and dedication to creating peace and strengthening 
democracy.
  After the war, Jack organized tenants in the Southern States and 
later in New York City. He worked with Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. as an 
organizer in New York and throughout the South as the Director of Voter 
Education for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He wrote 
and became an editor for the dynamic and unifying magazine, Freedom 
Ways. He taught at Antioch College and has lectured and taught 
throughout the United States. He is truly the common person's 
intellectual, holding forth the proposition that intellectual activity, 
creativity and wisdom stem from all the people.
  Jack has consulted on two U.S. presidential campaigns. He has served 
Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition as the Director of 
International Affairs. In that capacity he assisted in developing ties 
of understanding, friendship and solidarity with many peoples around 
the world. His international work helped free political prisoners, it 
helped bring unification to warring factions in various nations and 
helped leaders from all walks of life in the United States understand 
the world and America's role in providing, by example, a true 
commitment to fair play and magnanimity.
  Mr. O'Dell has been a bold yet humble servant to the interests of the 
American people. He recognized the necessity for working people to have 
access to reliable and first-rate media. He became Board Chair of one 
of the most popular, independent radio networks and news services. His 
commitment to peace and a more safe and secure world expressed itself 
in years of service to peace efforts, including serving on the board of 
SANE FREEZE.
  Jack has traveled around the globe representing the best in what it 
means to be an American citizen. He has represented the United States 
as a worker, as a representative of organizations advocating equality 
and justice, and as a brother to all in struggle. His experiences, 
intense study, love of country and his warmth and humor have provided 
tens of thousands with a deeper sense of joy and optimism for the 
future of humanity. Jack understands a better world is possible. His 
life, his writings and his example provide a bright light to all of us 
attempting to bring a better world into being.
  Thank you, Jack Hunter O'Dell, for your selfless service to our 
Nation. It is an honor to know you and to have benefited by your 
talents and dedication. Best of luck to you as you continue your noble 
work helping to inspire all Americans to take the high road toward 
peace, community, and a stronger democracy.

                          ____________________