[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3848]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         WOMEN'S HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 2008

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in 
honor of Women's Heritage Month to commend the accomplishments of two 
astonishing black women, Dr. Beverly Mitchell Brooks and Ms. Nellie 
Ruth Riley Lewis of Dallas, Texas.
  Born, raised and educated in south Dallas, Ms. Mitchell-Brooks 
received a master's degree in genetics from Texas Woman's University in 
Denton, Texas, becoming the first African-American to achieve the 
degree in pure science from the school. In 1990, she became the first 
woman to head the Urban League of Greater Dallas, which has set the 
path for future generations of young women. Under her leadership, the 
Urban League built its first permanent headquarters and state of the 
art technology center in the heart of Oak Cliff.
  Currently serving as president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater 
Dallas, Dr. Brooks has also served as executive director of the Greater 
Dallas Community Relations Commission, director of public affairs for 
Dallas Area Rapid Transit, and director of the Martin Luther King 
Center.
  I pay tribute to another prominent Dallas community leader, my dear 
friend who left us on March 1, 2008, Nellie Ruth Riley Lewis. 
Throughout her life, Nellie Lewis was a well-known, respected figure in 
Dallas who leaves behind a legacy of accomplishments that will be 
remembered for years to come.
  Mrs. Lewis moved to Dallas in 1977 with her late husband Dr. Lewis, 
where they were both employed with the Dallas Independent School 
District. During her 20 years with DISD, Mrs. Lewis' duties included 
serving as an instructional specialist, a curriculum coordinator and an 
area director. She also served as director of learning services, the 
administrative assistant to four superintendents and supervisor to a 
group of 10 elementary school principals.
  In 1997, Mrs. Lewis received the Charles D. Moody Founder's Award, 
presented by the National Alliance of Black School Educators. As our 
Nation experiences great technological innovation and success in the 
global market, the value of an education takes on even greater 
importance. Mrs. Lewis has exhibited the characteristics we seek in our 
educators, school administrators, and community activists.
  On behalf of the 30th Congressional District of Texas, I am honored 
to recognize and commend these two prominent women Dr. Beverly Mitchell 
Brooks and Ms. Nellie Ruth Riley Lewis of Dallas, Texas.

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