[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10771]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            IN LOVING MEMORY OF WILLIAM ``BILL'' ELKINS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MAXINE WATERS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 15, 2010

  Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I submit the following:

       To Eleanor and Family,
       I am sorry that I cannot be with you at the home-going 
     services of your dear husband, father, grandfather, and my 
     good friend, Bill.
       I join with the many other elected officials and community 
     leaders who mourn his loss. Bill Elkins was well known, 
     respected, and loved by the many who knew, worked with and 
     understood his undying commitment to African Americans in 
     this city.
       Bill spent the best part of his years in service to the 
     late great Mayor Tom Bradley. He served as a liaison for 
     Civil Rights Organizations, Ministers, Fraternities and 
     Sororities and elected officials representing Mayor Bradley. 
     Bill was all about equal opportunity and participation by all 
     people. He truly was responsible for keeping the community 
     informed and working closely with ministers helping them to 
     their congregation engaged and helping to solve community 
     problems.
       I could share many stories on how we spent countless hours 
     planning, strategizing, organizing and encouraging people to 
     ``Get Out the Vote''. We don't see that kind of dedication 
     anymore. But for those of us who were fortunate enough to 
     work with him we learned what it meant to be truly committed 
     to the community, he inspired us all.
       Eleanor, your sisters in BWF, the organization that you 
     helped to found, stand with at this difficult moment for you 
     and your family. You and the family can rest assured that 
     Bill did more than his share of service in this community. 
     His work is recorded in the history of this city and now it 
     is time for him to rest in peace. He will be sorely missed by 
     so many.

                          ____________________