[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3582]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO ROBERT ``BOB'' McGLOTTEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. WM. LACY CLAY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 22, 2016

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable 
gentleman and long-time workers' rights icon in Washington, D.C., Mr. 
Robert ``Bob'' McGlotten, who departed this world on March 12th, 2016. 
He was a labor rights trailblazer, champion for positive social change, 
beloved husband, father, and dedicated public servant. He set a 
standard of excellence in labor reform, social justice, and national 
leadership that has been equaled by few other people.
  Bob was a trailblazer who made history and changed America for the 
better. He served the American Federation of Labor-Congress of 
Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) in many capacities including as its 
Legislative Director, the first African American to serve in that high 
position, where he championed the rights of millions of working men and 
women for nearly three decades. One of his key accomplishments was to 
increase union involvement in employment programs across the country.
  His career included his exceptional service as a board member for the 
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation as well as his work as a special 
assistant to former Secretary of Labor Peter Brennan. Bob came from 
humble beginnings, but rose to become one of the nation's most powerful 
and effective union leaders. He stood shoulder-to-shoulder with my 
father, former Congressman Bill Clay, as they worked tirelessly to 
promote and protect the rights of the American worker.
  I have known him since I was a child. A grand and gracious gentleman, 
he was a visionary. My Mom and Dad, and indeed our entire family, have 
wonderful memories of him. We always regarded him as a person of great 
integrity, a gentleman and a scholar, and a man who possessed both a 
warm smile and a caring heart.
  My thoughts and prayers are with Bob's family, associates, and 
colleagues at this painful hour. He is survived by his beloved wife of 
23 years, Cheryl; his dear daughters Karen, Darlene and Roben; and his 
cherished sisters Patricia and Teresa Sparks; along with 10 
grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, 
family and friends.
  I too have a heavy heart, as I reflect on our many years of enduring 
friendship. Bob was an incredible person who touched the hearts of 
people throughout the country that he served so ably and so well.
  May God bless him with perfect peace and eternal rest and may He 
bless all who mourn him with strength, faith, and renewed dedication to 
continue his good works.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge Members of Congress to join me in honoring the 
memory of Bob McGlotten for his legacy of honor and his strong 
commitment to confront injustice and inequality wherever he found it.

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