Jim Clyburn

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Delon Hampton who is soon to be inaugurated President of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). His installation as president of this fine organization is historic in that Dr. Hampton will be the first African- American ever to serve in that capacity. As Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, I applaud this outstanding achievement. It is not surprising that Dr. Hampton would be honored with such distinction. Currently he is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of his own consulting engineering, design, and construction and program management services firm, Delon Hampton & Associates, Chartered (DHA). This successful venture has been in operation for 26 years and is one of the top 360 design firms in America. Dr. Hampton has also lent his talents to academic pursuits. He was actively involved in university teaching and research for approximately 25 years and has published over 40 papers in professional and technical journals. In addition to his active role with the ASCE, Dr. Hampton has also been involved as an Associate Member of the Board of Governors of the American Public Transit Association (APTA). His other involvements include serving on the Board of Directors for the Greater Washington Board of Trade, as a Director for the Center for National Policy, and as a Malcolm Baldrige Award Overseer for the U.S. Department of Commerce. Dr. Hampton's honors include being a Councillor of the National Academy of Engineering, receiving Honorary Doctorate degrees from Purdue University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology, being selected a Distinguished Engineering Alumnus and Old Master by Purdue University, being a recipient of the Civil Engineering Alumni Association's Distinguished Alumnus Award of the University of Illinois, and being a recipient of the Edmund Friedman Professional Recognition Award and the James Laurie Prize both given by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to this outstanding civic leader and businessman. Dr. Hampton's historic selection as the first African-American president of the American Society of Engineers is a reflection of his impeccable credentials and a testament to the successes that can be achieved by minorities when they are empowered with education and opportunity. The example of excellence he exemplifies deserves the highest commendation.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, let me thank my friend from Maryland for yielding me this time. I want to also thank the leadership of this body for scheduling this resolution for debate, and the chairman and ranking member of this subcommittee for bringing this to the floor with their support. Mr. Speaker, the 105 HBCUs located in our Nation are monuments and testimony to the farsightedness and creative genius of those who have great faith and confidence in the promise of this great Nation. I shudder to think of where I would be today had it not been for Morris College in Sumter, my hometown. My mother and father both attended that school. I and one of my brothers attended South Carolina State in Orangeburg. Another brother and sister-in-law are products of Claflin College in Orangeburg. One of my daughters attended Benedict in Columbia and many other relatives and friends are alumni of Allen in Columbia and Voorhees in Denmark. All six of these historically black colleges and universities are located in the congressional district that I am proud to represent here in this body. I believe in these institutions, and consider them to be national treasures. In fact, Mr. Speaker, last year these institutions were collectively placed on the list of our Nation's most endangered historic sites by the National Trust of Historic Preservation. That action was a great testimony, as great a testimony as can be given, to what we ought to be doing in this body to preserve and protect these schools and their campuses. Mr. Speaker, I hope this resolution is the beginning of renewed interest in and support for these great institutions.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bishop Andrew Charles Jackson who for over 36 years, tirelessly served his community and congregation as a spiritual leader and model citizen. Bishop Jackson was born in Columbia, South Carolina, to Malcolm and Charlotte Jackson. He was educated in the public schools of Richland County, and Columbia Bible College. He married Jennie Lumpkin. They had 5 children, and currently have 7 grandchildren. Early in his life, Bishop Jackson was baptized and immediately began strengthening his ties to the church. He served as a Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, Youth Leader, and Deacon at the Bible Way Church of Hampton Street. He was called to the ministry in 1963 and installed as a pastor in 1964. In January, 1966 the Church building burned and he and the congregation held services in homes and a school on Atlas Road. In October, 1967 Bishop Jackson, ``Mother'' Elizabeth Simmons and 11 members established a new church on Bluff Road in Columbia, South Carolina. In 1969, Bishop Jackson dedicated a new 350 seat sanctuary on Atlas Road and established a Nursery School. He was also ordained and Elder in 1969 and appointed a District Elder in 1970. He continued his building program on Atlas Road, adding a youth center and dining hall in 1971. He established a radio broadcast the following year. In May of 1972, Bishop Jackson was appointed Diocesan Bishop of South Carolina, Eastern North Carolina and Prince Frederick, Maryland, and served in this capacity for many years. It was during this time that he established the Bible Way Social Action Foundation (BSAF) to serve needy community members. In 1980, he was appointed as Liaison Bishop for West Africa, and a school was named in his honor in West Africa in 1988. While sharing his faith around the world, he continued serving his home church and in 1981 they built a 1,000 seat sanctuary. From 1983-1988, Bishop Jackson assisted Bishop Chester Byrd with the Florida Diocese and was appointed Bishop of the Florida Diocese in addition to South Carolina, and was later appointed as Director of Finance for Bible Way Church World Wide. Still remaining in the Columbia area, Bishop Jackson helped to establish a state of the art Family Life Center in May of 1995, and he was consecrated as Co-Vice Presiding Bishop of Bible Way Church in July of 1995. He retired from full time pastorate in November of 1996, after over 33 years in the ministry, and is now Pastor Emeritus of the Atlas Road Bible Way. Throughout his ministry, Bishop Jackson has received numerous honors and recognitions. Of particular note was his 1997 induction into the South Carolina Black Hall of Fame. Mr. Speaker, we seldom meet people who give so tirelessly of their time and resources as Bishop Andrew Charles Jackson. Please join me in paying tribute to this wonderful South Carolinian, devoted Christian, and personal friend.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Members of the Congressional Black Caucus to join the chorus of millions around the Nation and the world to express our heartfelt sorrow over the passing of civil rights pioneer James L. Farmer. James Farmer was founder of the Congress of Racial Equality. He organized the famous Freedom Ride of the 1960s to challenge the Jim Crow laws of racial segregation in public transportation. During his lifetime, Farmer was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998. On a personal level, I experienced firsthand his inspiring leadership while a student of the South Carolina State University. As a member of CORE, I participated in the lunch counter sit-ins and other direct action activities organized by Mr. Farmer. These activities were the driving current for the student movement. We in the CBC and others will honor his memory by always striving to emulate his shining example. I extend our deepest condolences and our thoughts and prayers to his two daughters, Tami Lynn and Abbey Lee, and the entire Farmer family.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. I yield to the gentleman from Virginia.

Mr. CLYBURN. I thank the ranking member for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I know the gentleman from Virginia is aware of the recent media reports detailing the use of racial profiling by numerous law enforcement agencies as they patrol our Nation's highways. Indeed, one study by a nongovernmental entity found that along the I-95 corridor in Maryland, African Americans comprised only 17 percent of all drivers, yet accounted for 73 percent of all police searches. As chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, I have been directed by the Caucus to request the General Accounting Office to conduct its own comprehensive study to determine the extent and magnitude of this problem. Mr. Chairman, I call this to the gentleman's attention so that he will know that next year, I will address this issue in our hearings. These citizens are driving on roads paid for with funding in the Transportation Appropriations bill, yet are experiencing discriminatory law enforcement practices on these highways. I hope that next year we can explore whether there are avenues through the Department of Transportation to assist in eradicating this unfair practice.

Mr. CLYBURN. I thank the gentleman for his commitment to working together to find a solution to an issue about which millions of African Americans harbor intense feelings.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the recipients of the Discover Card Tribute Award scholarships. The winners were selected from over 10,000 applications nationwide. The Discover Card Tribute Award program honors outstanding high school juniors across the United States and overseas. The Tribute Award program not only recognizes the students scholastic achievement, but also their community service, leadership skills, unique talents, and goal attainment. The winners may use their scholarships for any form of post high school education, including trade schools and two year colleges. The scholarships are awarded in three categories of study: Arts and Humanities, Trade and Technical or Science, Business and Technology. Students can receive a gold (2,500), silver (1,750), bronze (1,250), and merit (1,000) Tribute Award scholarship. The winners from South Carolina are: Melanie Almonte, Goose Creek-- bronze; Shawnta Bolden, North Charleston--bronze; Reis Coggins, Fort Mill--silver; KoJillitta Griffin, Charleston--silver; Kiti Kajana, Columbia--gold; Anisa Kintz, Conway--silver; Courtney Sandifer, Barnwell--gold; Snehal Sarvate, Charleston--bronze; Krista Shirley, Gilbert--gold; and Mellisa Tanner, North Charleston--silver. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the young scholarship winners from the Palmetto State, and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these students for their current achievements, and encourage them to continue their contributions as our nation's young leaders.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Charles W. Davenport, the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of South Carolina, for his service to his lodge and community. A lifelong resident of Batesburg, South Carolina, Grand Master Davenport is the husband of the late Viola C. Anderson Davenport of Saluta, and they have three children and two grandchildren. He is a 1962 graduate of Twin City High School in Batesburg, and the DeVry Institute of Technology. He has also completed various courses in supervision and personnel management, and he is a graduate of insurance information services and the United States Air Force Security and Law Enforcement School. Grand Master Davenport is a 31-year employee of Owens-Corning Fiberglass where he is a Chemical Process Specialist. He is also a Regional Manager with Primerica Financial Services licensed in debt consolidation, signature loans, auto, homeowners, life insurance, and he is a securities broker-dealer. Grand Master Davenport was elected at the 127th Grand Lodge Session in December of 1995. He is a former Master of the Twin City Lodge #316, Commander in Chief of the C.C. Johnson Consistory #136, Potentate and Imperial Deputy of the Oasis of Cairo Temple #125. He has also previously served as Chief Deputy for Golf of the Imperial Recreation Department, Grand High Priest Prince Hall Grand Chapter Holy Royal Arch Masons of South Carolina, and General Grand High Priest of the General Conference Holy Royal Arch Masons USA and Bahamas, Inc. Grand Master Davenport is also an Honorary past Grand Master of Georgia and North Carolina. He is the Imperial Outer Guard of the A.E.A.O.N.M.S.Inc., and a member of Twin City Chapter #243 Order of Eastern Star and Ethiopia Chapter Royal Arch Masons. Grand Master Davenport is also a Sovereign Grand Inspector General Active Emeritus and a Kentucky Colonel. Grand Master Davenport is also very active in his church community, St. Mark Baptist Church of Leesville, where he is currently serving in his 9th year as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Lexington School District Three. Grand Master Davenport is a life member of the N.A.A.C.P., a Member of the Twin City Alumni Association and the Good Sam Recreational Vehicle Club. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to an individual who epitomizes the virtue of being a public servant in his community. He has made his mark on the Masonic Order, his church, and the local school district--all of which are better off because of his dedicated service.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to two of my constituents in the Sixth Congressional District of South Carolina, Rodney K. Graham and Akilah L. Hugine. These two exceptional young people have been selected to participate in the 1999 NASA Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program (SHARP) PLUS. The SHARP PLUS program is sponsored by NASA and the Quality Education for Minorities (QEM) Network. They are 2 of 300 high school students who will be participating in this summer's program. Rodney and Akilah were chosen from over 1,200 applicants representing 195 high schools in 34 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Since the 6 years the SHARP PLUS program has been in existence, it has provided almost 1,500 summer research apprenticeships to rising high school juniors and seniors interested in mathematics, science, engineering, and technology. Although Rodney and Akilah were chosen based on their exceptional math and science skills, they have not had the opportunity to apply this knowledge in a research environment. The SHARP PLUS program will give them the opportunity to work with professional research scientists and engineers in university and industry settings. They will be working on research projects and presenting papers based on their findings at the end of the program. Mr. Speaker, I commend NASA and the QEM Network for this outstanding program, and I ask you to join me in expressing my most sincere congratulations and best wishes to Rodney K. Graham and Akilah L. Hugine from South Carolina for being selected for the 1999 NASA Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 472. The proponents of H.R. 472 will tell us that post-census local review will produce a more accurate count by receiving local input. What they will not tell us is that post-census local review failed in 1980 and again in 1990 to reduce the undercount of our Nation's minorities. The 1990 census missed 8.4 million people, counted 4.4 million twice and put 13 million people in the wrong place. Minorities were the majority of those not counted by the 1990 census which missed 4 percent of all African Americans but only seven-tenths of 1 percent of non-Hispanic whites. Mr. Speaker, the undercount continues to unfairly deny full representation and equitable services to millions of minorities in America. That is why the professionals at the Census Bureau have already begun a form of pre-census local review called the local update of census addresses. The Bureau is working hand-in-hand with localities to ensure that its address list is as accurate as possible before the census begins, rather than waiting until after it is nearly completed to correct any mistakes. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to reject H.R. 472 unless the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) is adopted.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Michigan for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this resolution, not because of what it says, but because of what it fails to say and because of the procedure which brings this resolution to the floor and what that procedure says to all Americans. Mr. Speaker, we have heard Dr. King quoted here pretty often today. I would like to share with my colleagues another quote from Dr. King. Dr. King wrote, as he sat in the Birmingham city jail, that ``we are going to be made to repent in this generation, not just for the vitriolic words and deeds of bad people, but for the appalling silence of good people.'' I think that this resolution is silent over what we are here to denounce today. It is fine for us to reaffirm the obvious, but I think that the Congress must now condemn the kind of rhetoric, the kind of ideas, the kinds of thoughts that are being enunciated by the Council of Conservative Citizens. The gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts) has asked, why have we not defended him against certain similar instances. The fact of the matter is I do not remember the gentleman from Oklahoma defending me when the Council of Conservative Citizens attacked me in my last two campaigns. Probably he did not know I was attacked. Of course we did not know he was attacked either. The fact is, though, we are here with 150 cosponsors with a resolution that we have asked to be brought to this floor to give all of us an opportunity to express our views on this group of people. We have not been granted that opportunity. I do not see where this resolution in any way takes away from what we are attempting to do. So, Mr. Speaker, I believe that we should be today condemning specific expressions by a specific group, the Council of Conservative Citizens. I do not think that we can afford to ignore this kind of vile rhetoric in the climate in which we live, a climate of racial profiling, a climate of ethnic bashing, a climate of religious intolerance. It is time for us to speak up and stand up for those people that we are here to represent. Mr. Speaker, I remember the words of Martin Niemoller of Germany who once wrote: In Germany, first they came for the Jews, and I did not speak up because I was not Jewish. Then they came for the Catholics. I did not speak up, because I was Protestant. Then they came for the trade unionists and the industrialists, and I did not speak up because I was not a member of either group. Finally, they came for me. And by that time, there was no one left to speak up.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mr. Arthur Bowers, Jr. In his hometown of Florence, SC, he is very active in community affairs and has made many kind and generous contributions to the local community. He continually offers support to his neighbors, friends, and family. Mr. Bowers was born on December 2, 1918, in Ellenton, SC. He is the son of the late Arthur Bowers, Sr., and Mrs. Eldora Bowers Phinizy. He has two siblings: the late Estella Gantt and Isaiah Phinizy. On February 4, 1939, Mr. Bowers married the late Mary Cross Bowers. They had six children: Gladys, Dillie, Arthur, Jr., Loretta, Gloria, and Michael. In addition, Mr. Bowers has five grandchildren and one great- grandchild. In 1979, Mr. Bowers retired after working for the railroad for over 37 years. He has been a member of the New Ebenezer Baptist Church for over 50 years where he still serves as chairman of the Deacon Board. Mr. Bowers is a member of various community organizations. In particular, he is associated with the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the United Transportation Union, Hiram Masonic Lodge #13, and the Seaboard Fellowship Club. He also serves as organizer and chairman of the Carver and Cannon Streets Crime Watch, and chairman of the Scouting Committee at New Ebenezer Baptist Church. Mr. Bowers is a remarkable citizen and a wonderful asset to the State of South Carolina. He follows a motto that provides insight into his good character, ``If I can help somebody as I travel along life's highway, then my living shall not be in vain.''

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mrs. Ella Yon Stevenson of Norway, South Carolina. Today, I gladly join the community in celebration of her 100th birthday. Mrs. Stevenson was born in Orangeburg County in the town of Norway, South Carolina on March 17, 1899. She is the daughter of the late Glen and Henrietta G. Yon. As a child, she attended Norway Public Schools. Mrs. Stevenson joined Bushy Pond Baptist Church of Norway, South Carolina at a very early age. She enjoyed singing in the choir until her health prevented her from participating. She is strongly committed to her church and community. To this day, Mrs. Stevenson continually offers support to her neighbors, friends, and family. Mrs. Stevenson cherishes her family. She married the late George W. Stevenson. They had four sons: George Stevenson, Jr., James Stevenson, Authur Stevenson, and Levern Stevenson (all deceased), and two unique daughters, Clara Mae Stevenson Pough and Reather Bell Stevenson Pough. Mrs. Stevenson has 34 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, and 48 great-great grandchildren. She currently resides with her daughter Reather Bell in North, South Carolina. Please join me in recognizing Mrs. Ella Yon Stevenson as she celebrates her 100th birthday today.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mrs. Ella Yon Stevenson of North, SC. On Friday, March 5, I will join the community in celebration of her 100th birthday. Mrs. Stevenson was born in Orangeburg County in the town of Norway, SC on March 17, 1899. She is the daughter of the late Glen and Henrietta G. Yon. As a child, she attended Norway Public Schools. Mrs. Stevenson joined Bushy Pond Baptist Church of Norway, SC at a very early age. She enjoyed singing in the choir until her health prevented her from participating. She is strongly committed to her church and community. To this day, Mrs. Stevenson continually offers support to her neighbors, friends, and family. Mrs. Stevenson cherishes her family. She married the late George W. Stevenson. They had four sons: George Stevenson, Jr., James Stevenson, Authur Stevenson, and Levern Stevenson (all deceased), and two unique daughters, Clara Mae Stevenson Pough and Reather Bell Stevenson Pough. Mrs. Stevenson has 34 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, and 48 great-great grandchildren. She currently resides with her daughter Reather Bell in North, SC. Please join me in recognizing Mrs. Ella Yon Stevenson as she celebrates her 100th birthday.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to a pillar in my hometown, Mr. Mack Willie Rhodes of Sumter, South Carolina. An African-American great great-grandfather, Mr. Rhodes has been a champion in his community for many years. He is continually offering his assistance to neighbors, friends and family in many capacities. Mr. Rhodes is the oldest member of Melina Presbyterian Church, where he has worshiped since 1915. Mr. Rhodes is an Elder in his church and was a Sunday School Superintendent for many years. He also taught Sunday school at the Goodwill Presbyterian Church and has been a member of Masonic Lodge Golden Gate No. 73 since 1948. Mr. Rhodes was born in Sardinia, South Carolina, on February 25, 1898 to Robert and Olivia Williams Rhodes. Mr. Rhodes is the second oldest of 15 children. Family, good values, and good living are Mr. Rhodes' most cherished possessions. At an early age Mr. Rhodes married Annie Elizabeth Hammett Rhodes (deceased). They had 14 children: Calvin Oliver Rhodes, John Tillman Rhodes, Adranna Olivia Cooper, Susanna H. Hannibal, Annie Elizabeth Muldrow, Hattie Jane Burgess, Mack Willie Rhodes, Sam J. Rhodes, Daisy B. Sims, Willie Rhodes, Albert Rhodes, Viola Rhodes Montgomery, MacArthur Rhodes, and Paul Rhodes. Mr. Rhodes later married Mrs. Carrie Smith Rhodes (deceased), who brought two children to their union: Maggie and Johnny Smith. He is affectionately known as ``Papa'' by his 7 children (9 deceased), 41 grandchildren (5 deceased), 41 great- grandchildren (2 deceased) and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Mr. Rhodes' favorite pastime is reading the Bible, newspapers and magazines. He also enjoys watching baseball, the news, and news related programs on television. He still takes time to visit the sick in his community to offer any assistance he may be able to provide. His favorite Bible scripture is the 23rd Chapter of Psalms. Mr. Rhodes also lives by a motto, ``Treat others as you would have them treat you.'' Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing Mr. Mack Willie Rhodes a prosperous and happy 101st birthday. He is truly a living example of the American spirit.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Mrs. Gertrude S. Paris. Mrs. Paris was born in Rochester, New York, on February 27, 1899, to Charles and Elizabeth Steul. In November 1938 she married Earl A. Paris (deceased). They had two children, John Walter Paris and Beverly Paris Dox. Mrs. Paris has seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren who affectionately address her as ``Gramma.'' Mrs. Paris has led an extremely active life. She maintained her home in Rochester until her early 90's, mowing her own lawn and tending her garden. She was a founding member of the Rochester Garden Club, and an avid bridge player. Her favorite pastime was ``a pound of chocolate and a good book.'' Mrs. Paris became a constituent of mine at the age of 94 when she moved to Columbia, SC, to be closer to her family. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, February 27, 1999 Ms. Gertrude A. Paris will celebrate her 100th birthday. Please join me in wishing her the happiest of birthdays and Godspeed.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, let me begin by associating myself with the statement made earlier today by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson). Mr. Speaker, my decision to vote against the resolution to impeach President Clinton is grounded in the words of the Constitution itself. According to the Constitution, a President is to be impeached for treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. Nowhere in the Constitution does it say any or all crimes and misdemeanors. In November, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) specifically asked a panel of historians and constitutional scholars appearing before the committee, ``Does the phrase `bribery, treason and other high crimes and misdemeanors' cover all felonies?'' These scholars unanimously answered with a resounding no. It follows from their answers and from the very words of the Constitution, Mr. Speaker, that a President can be guilty of a felony and still not be impeachable. So the real question then is, what felonies fall under the phrase, ``high crimes and misdemeanors''? I do not know. And as of today, none of us in this body knows. But we do know one thing. When this question came before the House in 1973 during the impeachment proceedings against President Richard Nixon, the answer was that lying under oath is not one of them. The Committee on the Judiciary concluded by a better than 2-to-1 bipartisan vote the charges against President Nixon for lying on his income taxes to the tune of $500,000 were not impeachable. It follows, then, that if we obey the dictates of the Constitution, if we accept the testimony of experts, and if we follow the precedent of this body, we must vote against impeachment. A vote for impeachment flies in the face of history, ignores constitutional standards, and significantly lowers the bar for future impeachment proceedings.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. On the occasion of its 1998 South Carolina District Conference which will be held in Orangeburg, S.C. beginning October 22nd. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. It is a service fraternity which employs its members to discount evil, destroy all prejudices, and preserve the sanctity of the home, the personification of virtue, and the chastity of women. This year's conference, being held in my district, is designed to promote the empowerment of youth through education, appreciative concepts of self, a strong sense of duty, discipline, and love for all mankind. Mr. Willie Jefferson serves as the District Director and Mr. J. Anthony Moorer and Mr. Henry L. Robinson are the co-chairmen of the 1998 conference. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the South Carolina chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for their accomplishments. And I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing them great success with next week's 1998 South Carolina District Conference.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Reid Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Sumter, South Carolina. The Reid Chapel A.M.E. Church was organized as a Mission in the spring of 1952. The original founders of the church were: Rosa Bell Guess, Carlos Guess, Julia Banding, Evons Banding, Hester Jenkins, David Jenkins, Robin Cabbagestalk, Herbert Isaac Sr., Alice Gaines and Willie Gaines. After meeting every Sunday for approximately two years, Mr. and Mrs. Guess approached the Presiding Elder of the Sumter District, the late Rev. Marcellus F. Robinson and then pastor of Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church in Sumter, former Bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District the Rt. Rev. Frederick Calhoun James, who took their wishes to purchase property for a church to the late Bishop Frank Madison Reid, Sr. Bishop Reid agreed and shortly thereafter purchased the land and had a ground breaking ceremony. Within a year, the church was built and the dedicatory service was held in October 1955. The first stewards were Rosa Guess, Julia Banding and Robina Cabbagestalk and Hester Jenkins. The first trustees were Carlos Guess, Evons Banding, David Jenkins and Gus Allen. The first superintendent of the Sunday School was Gus Allen. The first church sextons were the Guess and Blanding children. Rosa Guess served as the church secretary. Thelma Guess and James Linton were the musicians and Choir directors. The first Sunday School teachers were Marguerite Guess, LeAnn Jenkins, and Annie Lee Green. The first pastor to be assigned to the church was the late Rev. Ben L. Burroughs of Kingstree, S.C. During the first revival services held at the church, nineteen youths came to Christ. Vacation Bible School was held during the summer. The first teachers were Marjorie Robinson, E. Mitz Pringle, Ruth Robinson, Deloris Ham and a few others. Softball and basketball games were sponsored by Reid Chapel, and sewing classes were conducted by Rosa Guess and the late Hallie B. Hampton. All Sunday School books and the other materials were donated by Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church. The piano, which is still being used, was given to the church by the late Elder Robinson. Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church family under the leadership of Rev. F.C. James donated the first set of pews and hymnals. During the 1970's, the church's attendance declined to less than five, and it became impossible to maintain a full time pastor. The church doors were closed. In the 1980s, Reid Chapel's doors were reopened. And in 1987, the Annual Conference connected Reid Chapel and St. Michael to form a circuit under the pastorate of Rev. Vermell Humes. After Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the mission closed again. At the 1991 Annual Conference, Bishop F.C. James appointed Rev. Eliza E. Black to pastor the closed mission. This new ``Venture of Faith'' began on September 19, 1991. The doors of Reid Chapel opened at 8:30 AM. Arriving with the new pastor was her faithful and supporting spouse Theodore, her youngest daughter Antonia Black, two of her grandsons Michael and Renard Black, and a niece Amanda Johnson. By ten o'clock, twenty odd adults and children had come to welcome the new pastor and to share the first morning service ever in the 39 year old history of the mission. When the invitation to membership was extended, Reid Chapel received its first member, Willie M. Martin. In the Spring of 1994, Reid Chapel purchased a house adjacent to the church's property. Isaac Wims, a member of the community and supporter of Reid Chapel, completely renovated the two bedroom home as a special gift to the church. This property became Reid Chapel's Resource Center. Ground was broken for the Educational Building. It took the congregation only two years to complete the 2560 square foot edifice. The worship service was moved from the small original block sanctuary to the multipurpose room to the new Educational Building in November, 1995. Church records reveal that there were times that more than 100 worshipers packed into the pews of that little chapel. Many conversions, baptisms, weddings and funerals are logged in the church files. It took less than one conference year to complete the work on the sanctuary. Officially, Pastor Black was the contractor on record and provided the administrative functions. Her son Randolph Black, a Trustee of the church, a highly skilled brick mason and contractor, directed the work. He also laid many of the blocks himself. The building committee consisted of the faithful Stewards (Henry Murray, Rebecca Hall, Kenneth Black, Rosa Guess, and Marguerite Jones) and Trustees (Randolph Black, Debra Bradley, Almeta Murray, Margie Bradley, Christopher Hall, Rachael Madison, Elizabeth Mack, Besena Bradley and Collette Bradley). It was Randolph Black who received the vision and the plan to build the sanctuary furniture. Matthew Jones and Billy Olden assisted in executing the vision. These men literally built the chancellor rail, communion table, offering table and the flower stands. Margie Bradley assisted Billy Older in finishing the furniture. Most of the wood was donated by Debra Bradley. The decorative work was donated by Williams Furniture Company, Inc. Henry Murray continued to be the dutiful steward and helper. While the community has called this church Reid Chapel, the founding fathers legally identified the church as ``The Walnut Hill Community AME Church'' which remained the official name of the church until December 1997. At that time, proper documents were drawn up and presented to the Rev. Robert L. McCants, Presiding Elder of the Sumter District and the Rt. Rev. John Hurst Adams, the Presiding Bishop of the Seventh Episcopal district of the African AME Church to legally claim the known name, and the ``legal'' name Walnut Hill Community AME Church was officially removed from all documents. Today the Reid Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church stands ready to serve all of the citizens of the Walnut Hill Community, and the City and County of Sumter. I appreciate my colleagues joining me in honoring this great church and its outstanding leaders.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Earl A. Johnson for 50 years of community service. Mr. Johnson currently acts as Mayor Pro-Tempore of the Darlington City Council where he has served since 1986. Mr. Johnson was born in Darlington, South Carolina, which I am proud to represent in the U.S. House, and he has lived there all of his life. He was educated in the public schools, and graduated from Mayo High School in 1942. He later continued his education at Clemson University. After years as a brick mason in the private sector, Mr. Johnson became a masonry instructor at the Darlington Career Center from which he retired after 18 years. He helped with the development and implementation of a masonry education program at the Darlington County Prison Farm through the Darlington Adult Education program. He also taught masonry in the evening classes at Florence-Darlington Technical College for many years. Mr. Johnson is a member of the St. James United Methodist Church where he has served in many capacities. His community involvement stretches from his church to the community's schools to the NAACP and other civic organizations. He has been a member of the Pee Dee United Elk Lodge #1679 for over 50 years, and he has been a member of American Legion Post #210 for 46 of those years. Mr. Johnson is also a dedicated member of the Friendship Masonry Lodge #17, a 32nd degree Mason member of the Pee Dee Consistory #197, and a noble of the Mystic Shrine Crescent Temple #148. Throughout his career of community service, Mr. Johnson has received numerous awards. In 1993 he was named Man of the Year by his church, and he was recognized for working with the City-In-Schools Program as a mentor at Darlington Junior High. Mr. Johnson is also an accomplished musician who has played the drums with several area bands. Mr. Johnson is married to the former Hilda Grayson from Beaufort, South Carolina, and they have two children and two grandsons. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join with me and my fellow South Carolinians from the Darlington area as we pay tribute to Earl A. Johnson for over 50 years of dedicated community service. He is an excellent role model and a devoted public servant.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Eliza Briggs of Summerton, South Carolina, who died at the age of 81 on September 15 of heart failure. Ms. Briggs and her late husband Harry Briggs were among the principle petitioners in the lawsuit Briggs v. Elliott, which became the first of the five lawsuits which became collectively Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. Those cases began the process of desegregating our nation's public schools. Eliza Briggs' place in history has been often overlooked. She and her husband signed the lawsuit in 1949 that challenged fairness of Clarendon County's segregated school system. For decades following the lawsuit, the Briggs family suffered through stress and unrest due to their decision. The Briggses were fired from their jobs and forced to move to Florida to be freed of the community backlash. Later in life the Briggses returned to Clarendon county, and over time have were accorded the respect they deserved for their self-sacrifice in order to make South Carolina better. Ms. Briggs has been described by friends and family as a humble woman full of grace and charm. She was one of many unsung heroes during the Civil Rights Movement that should be celebrated and remembered for putting her country before herself. She was presented the Order of the Palmetto, the highest commendation a South Carolina citizen can receive. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me today in honoring Eliza Briggs for her great work as a Civil rights Movement trailblazer. Her hard work should be remembered and celebrated by this House. Ms. Eliza Briggs will be sorely missed.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Deborah J. Livingston of Columbia, South Carolina, as she steps down from the presidency of the Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association. Ms. Livingston has served her community well in this position, and her leadership will be missed. Deborah Livingston has been very active in the city of Columbia. She is a member of the Columbia Council of Neighborhood Presidents, the Citizens Advisory Committee, the Boards of Directors of the Historic Columbia Foundation and the YWCA of the Midlands. She also serves as treasurer of the Columbia Development Corporation. However, it has been in her role as President of the Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association that I have grown to know and respect her work. Elmwood Park is comprised of over 450 households. In May 1991, it was designated as a historic district and placed on the National register of Historic Places. In 1984 the neighborhood received the honor as a Design Preservation Area by the City of Columbia. Ms. Livingston's work was also recognized by NationsBank with a leadership Excellence in Neighborhood Development award in 1994. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me today in honoring Deborah J. Livingston for her great work as President of the Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association. She has been a tremendous asset to the community through her work to help rejuvenate downtown Columbia. Her leadership will be sorely missed.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. W.W. ``Hootie'' Johnson; a great American, an outstanding South Carolinian, and a good friend. Recently elected Chairman of the Augusta National Golf Club, ``Hootie'' Johnson has served his state and nation selflessly in various business, education, and civic sectors. Mr. Johnson's accomplishments in the business arena are legendary. He currently serves as Chairman of the Executive Committee of NationsBank Corporation, one of America's largest banks, and was a key player in the recent merger between NationsBank and Bank America. He was the original proponent of the merger between NCNB and Bankers Trust, and was once called the ``strategic father of NationsBank.'' Mr. Johnson is a member of the Board of Directors for Alltel Corporation, and Duke Energy Corporation. He has served as Chairman and member of The Liberty Corporation, and the South Carolina Ports Authority. He has also served on the board of the South Carolina Research Authority. A former governor of South Carolina, Robert E. McNair once said, ``I don't know anyone who has meant more to South Carolina and development than has W.W. `Hootie' Johnson.'' Mr. Johnson has also played crucial roles in community affairs in the Palmetto State. He has never been content to just lending his name to various organizations and efforts. He has always been in the arena. In the early 1970s he appointed Dr. M. Maceo Nance, Jr. to the Board of Bankers Trust, the first African American to receive such an appointment in the State of South Carolina, or in the South. He is a former member of the Boards of the Columbia Urban League and the National Urban League. Former Executive Director of the Columbia Urban League, Elliott Franks once said, ``In those times, it would have been far more convenient to pay lip service, and concentrate on building his bank. It took a certain amount of courage for him to be on the front lines.'' Mr. Johnson's service to South Carolina also extends to the education community. It was my great honor to serve on the Higher Education Blue Ribbon Committee appointed by former South Carolina Governor Richard W. Riley which was chaired by ``Hootie.'' It was in this setting that I got to witness first hand the extraordinary talents of this uncommon man. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina (USC) Business Partnership Foundation; the Hollings Cancer Center Advisory Council, Medical University of South Carolina; and Converse College. His influence was instrumental in the recent $25 million gift from Darla Moore to the USC business school. He has received an Honorary Doctor of Humanities Degree from the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston; an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of South Carolina, Columbia; and an Honorary Doctor of Humanities Degree from Lander College in Greenwood. ``Hootie'' Johnson graduated from Greenwood High School where he established an outstanding athletic career in football. He matriculated at the University of South Carolina, where he won the state's Jacobs Blocking Trophy. His favorite pastime, however, has always been golf, a game to which he was introduced at an early age and has been integral part of his life ever since. ``Hootie'' became vice president of Augusta National in 1975 and forged close friendships with the past chairman Jackson Stephens and the first chairman, Clifford Roberts. Mr. Speaker, this new honor for my friend ``Hootie'' is a rare one. In its 67 years, only five people have ever held the Chairmanship of Augusta National. I ask you, and my colleagues to join me in honoring W.W. ``Hootie'' Johnson for his outstanding contributions to South Carolina in the areas of business, civic and educational activities, and in wishing him good health and great success in his new role as Chairman of the Augusta National Golf Club.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Georgianna Singleton on the occasion of her 101st birthday. Georgianna Brewer Singleton was born on this date July 30 in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety seven. She is the daughter of the late George and Hester Brewer. Mrs. Singleton was educated in the public schools of Sumter county. She met and married the late Willie Singleton, also of Sumter. Their union was blessed with six children, five of whom are still living; Maggie, Willie, Jr., Hester, Addell, and Woodrow. One child Ezekiel is deceased. Mrs. Singleton also raised a younger brother. Mrs. Singleton is a life-long member of St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church where for many years she sang on the gospel choir, served on the stewardess board, taught Sunday school, and participated in various other groups and organizations. Mrs. Singleton has received several awards for her dedication and outstanding service to her church and community. Mrs. Singleton has always been an inspiration to her family and community. She can still thread a needle without the aid of glasses, and continues to read the Bible daily. Hebrew 11:1, ``Faith the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen,'' must be one of her favorite passages of scripture because no matter the situation, she always says, ``Leave it to the Lord and he will work it out.'' Mrs. Singleton has outlived all of her siblings, but continues to enjoy the love of family. In addition to her five living children, she has 15 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor this fine woman as she and her family celebrate her 101st birthday, and I ask that we all join in saluting her dedication to family, church, and community.