[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19456]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO DR. ALMA MONTGOMERY BLACKMON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PARKER GRIFFITH

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 27, 2009

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Dr. 
Alma Montgomery Blackmon of Huntsville, an educator and mentor of fond 
memory to all she encountered. Dr. Blackmon passed away in June at the 
age of 87.
  Dr. Blackmon had an unrivaled blend of passion for students, 
education and music. All three of these areas played vital roles in her 
life's purpose. She was born and raised in Washington, DC, where she 
began her distinguished career as an educator. Her love for music 
blossomed as a child when she served as an organist for her church at 
age 10. Her love for music never faded, and she instilled a zeal for 
music in her students throughout her 42-year career as an instructor. 
She was a scholar, a musician and a community activist whose impact 
will not be forgotten, and she is deeply missed by all who knew her.
  Dr. Blackmon had a way with people that made personal interactions 
with her as harmonious as the music she played. Her influence will 
continue to flourish for generations to come through the love of music 
that her former students now share. On behalf of the Tennessee Valley, 
I respectfully rise in honor to pay tribute to a champion of American 
values.

                          ____________________