Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor one of America's most prolific and self-taught artists, Mr. Thornton Dial of Bessemer, Alabama.

Today at the age of 86, Thornton Dial has lived, worked, and created art in Alabama for his entire life. From childhood, Dial was creating symbolically dense pieces of art by using castaway objects, anything he could find in his environment: pieces of wire, scrap metal, bones, tree roots. He used his environment to define his environment.

Dial's work provides a forceful and compelling narrative of the most insidious challenges and remarkable triumphs of African American history in the Deep South. His work contains layers of rich history and reflects on race and class struggles that he witnessed in the Deep South.

Dial rose to prominence in the 1990s while in his sixties through his large-scale assemblages, paintings that were made of scrap metal, pipes, very interesting visual interpretation of the history and politics that he saw around him.

Dial is described as having been one of the most amazing art biographies in art history. He is described as being a very quiet man, a listener who dressed impeccably. What he lacked in terms of formal education he more than made up for in his highly visual and historic vocabulary.

Dial's created brilliance is truly illuminating and inspiring. Dial has stayed in Alabama in the heart of the Seventh Congressional District to live and work his entire life. He was born in 1928 in Sumter County, Alabama. He was one of 12 children. And in childhood, he built his own toys because, as he said: We didn't have much.

Thornton began full-time farming at the age of 5. In his early teens, he was sent to live with his aunt in Bessemer, Alabama, where he attended Sloss Mining Camp. His peers made fun of him for his large size and for being ``country.'' His teachers told him that he would never amount to much.

I want you to know that we in the Seventh Congressional District are extremely proud of Thornton Dial because we know that he really interpreted what he saw around him in the Deep South. He interpreted it in a very creative way, and only now is he gaining such preeminence for that form of art.

Dial never really made a living as an artist. He worked for over 30 years at the Pullman Standard factory. Yes, he made boxcars for a living.

``People have fought for freedom all over the world,'' he said. ``I try to show that struggle. It is a war to be fought. We are trying to win it.''

In his time off from the Pullman factory, Dial would escape to his garage or backyard and create masterpieces out of whatever he could find. Out of fear that people would laugh at his art, he would bury his work. Later, he would dig it up and deconstruct it and reuse materials for new masterpieces.

Dial began to dedicate himself to his artwork in 1981. He founded Dial Metal Patterns, a garden furniture business, with his sons in 1983, after the Pullman Factory closed.

Dial's handmade designs were discovered by Lonnie Holley, a neighboring Black artist, in 1987. Holley brought Bill Arnett, an artist himself and a collector of African American art, from Atlanta to see Dial's work. Arnett helped him to get national attention about his art. The two finally, working together, agreed on a price for his first sculpture.

Initially, Dial offered Arnett the piece for $20, and Arnett refused the low price. He said to Mr. Dial that this piece deserves more than $20. They agreed on $200. This was the first transaction that Mr. Dial had as an artist.

Dial's work has been the subject of exhibitions across this country. At the New Museum of contemporary art and the American Folk Art Museum in New York. His work can be found in more than 15 public collections, including those of, among others, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta and the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. Many, many people now collect his art. An art form that was considered outside art now is considered world-class art. With no formal training and education, Dial's powerful artwork stands out in the world of highly degreed artists.

Dial continues to create art today, and this weekend he will be honored by his hometown of Bessemer, Alabama. He will be honored as a great American hero and a great American artist.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this great, wonderful Alabama treasure, Thornton Dial.

Mr. Speaker, this week, as we honor the living, breathing legacy of Brown vs. Board of Education, we must acknowledge our role in combatting the resurgence of segregation in our nation's public schools. I know my personal journey was paved in the shadow of this landmark decision. As of a proud product of Selma High School and its first black valedictorian, I know firsthand what is possible when provided a quality education. I graduated from Princeton, Harvard, and Oxford on the backs of so many trailblazers who went before me. I stand on the shoulders of so many who were denied access to great public schools in the name of institutionalized segregation.

So it is incredibly discouraging to know that our nation's schools today are more segregated than they were in 1968 or any time since. I am appalled that there are children growing up today in the 7th Congressional District and across this country who are less likely to be afforded a quality education than I was. As old battles become new again, we must recommit to knocking down every barrier that stands in the way of school integration.

To tackle this growing trend in our schools, we must attack residential racial segregation, as it is harder to integrate our schools while communities where children live are equally as segregated. Black and white, poor and non-poor children are more isolated from each other than any other group in the U.S. population. Housing and school policy are inextricably intertwined.

Nowhere is this resurgence more evident than in the 7th Congressional District of Alabama at Central High School in Tuscaloosa. Just a decade ago, Central High School was one of the South's signature integration success stories with a dropout rate less than half of Alabama's average. In 2000, a desegregation mandate was lifted from Tuscaloosa City Schools. And after a series of zoning changes, Central High School is now 99 percent black with a 66 percent graduation rate. And just blocks away, more affluent students are zoned for Northridge High School with an 81 percent graduation rate, higher test scores and more funding.

Today, nearly one in three black students in Tuscaloosa attends a school that looks as if our schools had never been integrated. And black children in the South attend majority-black schools at levels unseen in forty years.

In addition, students across the 7th District are disproportionately injured by racially discriminatory property tax restrictions that impede the ability to raise state and local revenues adequately to fund public education. This separation of our children across school districts, municipal boundaries and property tax lines is immoral and is a threat to the ideals of equality that underscore our democracy.

The trends are clear, as judges across the south have lifted federal desegregation court orders, school districts have retracted the progress made by Brown v. Board of Education, moving back towards the debilitating state of segregation: Less than a third of schools serving high concentrations of minority students offer calculus, black students who spend 5 years in desegregated schools earn 25 percent more than those who don't. African American and latino students are taught by a teacher with 3 years of experience or less almost twice as often as their peers and the odds that any given teacher will have significant experience, full licensure or a master's degree all declines as a school's black population increases.

We cannot ignore the residential isolation of our nation's most disadvantaged children and the opportunity gaps they endure as a result. Integrated schools and communities enable low-income students to enjoy the same AP courses as their middle-class peers, and better access to quality teachers and adequate resources.

And to achieve school integration, we will need to make more concerted efforts to integrate our neighborhoods by prioritizing affordable housing in communities with good schools. How we address zoning policies and demographic changes will determine our future.

Today, we cannot honestly expect our low-income, minority children to succeed in life when they are zoned for schools that are sub-standard, under-resourced and underfunded. These educational and housing inequities have a devastating impact on our students and our communities, and ultimately, our nation's ability to compete globally.

As we enjoy the benefits of Brown vs. Board of Education, we must work together to ensure that no one growing up in America is denied a quality education because of the school they are zoned to attend, the color of their skin or the amount of money they have. It is our job to do no less!

So sixty years after Brown v. Board of Education, we must honor the legacies of Vivian Moore, James Hood, Ruby Bridges and James Meredith by launching an assault on modern-day constructions of segregation in our schools and communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of veteran newscaster Norman Lumpkin, who passed away on Tuesday, May 6. While we mourn the passing of this pioneer, I am comforted in knowing that his legacy will live on through the barriers he broke for Black journalists in the State of Alabama.

I join with his family, friends, and former colleagues in remembering Norman Lumpkin for his numerous contributions to the industry.

Norman launched his longstanding media career by working for radio stations in Montgomery, Alabama, and Indianapolis, Indiana. However, Norman would rise to prominence when he was hired in 1969 by WSFA in Montgomery, Alabama. He was the station's first Black reporter and also the first Black reporter hired in the Montgomery media market.

Historian Richard Bailey defined Norman's prolific career in 3 words: ``forceful, thorough, and believable.'' Bailey further noted that Norman personified Black broadcasting. He coined the phrase, ``If you don't want to hear it on this station, don't let it happen.'' The phrase represented not only his thirst for truth but his commitment to accurate reporting.

Norman was guided by these principles when he was assigned to cover the reelection bid of then-segregationist Governor George Wallace in 1970. During the race, Norman admitted that fellow reporters would give him misinformation to embarrass him in efforts to discredit his journalistic integrity.

But this passionate advocate for truth was not deterred. In fact, Governor Wallace personally made sure that Norman was kept abreast of new developments and campaign events. Through his extraordinary coverage of Governor Wallace, Norman not only earned credibility but a lasting respect from those in the industry.

His perseverance proved that he was poised to become one of the best investigative journalists in the State of Alabama.

Norman Lumpkin also made history off-camera. He was the first Black president of the Alabama AP Broadcasters Association and was inducted into the National Academy of Television and Arts' prestigious Silver Circle in 2007.

He eventually left WSFA in 1999 and became news director at Montgomery's ABC affiliate before serving as public relations director for the Alabama Highway Department, where he eventually retired.

Today, I honor Norman Lumpkin for serving as an impeccable role model and source of inspiration for generations of Black journalists who now follow in his footsteps. Those that had the pleasure of watching him were indeed inspired by his mere presence. He was to many a perfect illustration of what was possible in his field. As he courageously broke barriers, he gave African Americans a voice in a State that was still struggling for racial equality.

On behalf of a grateful Nation and State, we salute this American hero and Alabama treasure. Saying thanks to Norman Lumpkin somehow seems woefully inadequate, but on behalf of the countless journalists and media professionals that you have inspired, we honor your legacy and your place in Alabama history.

I ask my colleagues to join me in mourning the passing of a great veteran journalist, Norman Lumpkin.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to the life and legacy of Bernice Hudson Washington, a beloved public servant remembered for her extraordinary display of compassion and kindness as a life-long addiction and home service counselor in the city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Bernice Hudson Washington passed away on Sunday, April 6 at the age of 84. While I join the Tuscaloosa community in being deeply saddened by her passing, I know her legacy is one that will live on in the lives of those she touched through her work as a counselor.

Mrs. Washington was the proud mother of a daughter, Alice Page of Northport, grandmother of Sonja Henley and Vanraybern Thames and stepmother of Betty Dickerson.

After helping her brother to overcome alcohol addiction, Mrs. Washington was drawn into a lifelong career counseling and empowering those who suffer from addiction. She began her career as an addiction counselor in 1972 when she joined the inaugural staff at Indian Rivers Community Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center.

Mrs. Washington established the Insight Center, a center that offered preventive programs for alcoholics and drug addicts, in 1974. She directed the Insight Center until her retirement in October 1994. The Insight Center was dedicated in her honor on May 29, 1993, as the Bernice Hudson Washington Insight Center.

Mrs. Washington spent 20 years as a certified addiction counselor at the Insight Center. During this time, she expanded the concept of addiction treatment by helping the families of addicts to overcome the difficulties associated with addiction.

Mrs. Washington's opened her home to recovering addicts providing them with home-cooked meals and games of checkers and dominoes on the weekends.

Mrs. Washington also served as resident commissioner for the Tuscaloosa Housing Authority and provided invaluable counseling services to first-time homeowners. The housing authority dedicated a nine-house development for new homeowners in her honor in 2012 as the Bernice Hudson Washington Estates.

At the dedication ceremony for the Bernice Hudson Washington Estates, one of the new homeowners explained his admiration for Mrs. Washington to a local reporter, ``She molded me and my mom, my thinking and the type of person that I am,'' he said. ``If God can give me just a little bit of what she did to inspire people, I'll be so grateful.''

Mrs. Washington best explained her motivation: ``It meant a whole lot to me to be able to help give some of these folks that I work with a chance to have some of the stuff that I had,'' she told a local reporter. ``Because we'd share what we had with others, we grew up doing that--sharing. So it meant a lot for me to just keep doing what my father was doing for others. That's all I know--to give.''

Mrs. Washington has been described by family members and community leaders as a true public servant with a contagious spirit who, through her actions, inspired those around her to serve others.

Mrs. Washington has made an indelible mark on the city of Tuscaloosa and the state of Alabama. Today, we pay tribute to her resolute dedication and concern for those who suffer from addiction and her extraordinary contributions to first-time homeowners.

On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama and this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Bernice Hudson Washington for her inspirational servant leadership. We are truly grateful for this extraordinary public servant.

Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 159 I missed the vote, but I would have voted ``yes.''

Stated against:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the Rev. Charles A. Lett, Jr., an Alabama native and exemplary public servant who passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2014. While we mourn the loss of this passionate man of faith, we are comforted in knowing that his lasting contributions to the state of Alabama and this nation will resonate for generations to come.

Those in my home state will remember Rev. Lett for his role as a timeless pillar in the Selma, Alabama community. As one of our most visible figures, this man of God was a constant source of wisdom and guidance to those he served. Throughout the duration of his extraordinary life, he was forever guided by his faith and his call to ministry.

Rev. Lett was born on September 25, 1914 in Florida to Charles A. Lett Sr. and Mrs. Elizabeth Lett. He was the couple's eighth child and was affectionately known as ``Little Charlie.'' He answered his call into ministry at an early age and went on to attend Selma University where he later earned a Doctorate of Divinity as he continued to grow in his faith and the word of God. He also obtained a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Divinity and a Doctor of Law at Selma University.

Rev. Lett was also a dynamic educator. He earned his teaching certificate from the Alabama State Teachers College before launching a successful career with Baldwin County schools that would span ten years. During that time, he also served as principal of Douglasville High School in Bay Minette, Alabama. He later taught at his beloved Alma Mater, Selma University and was eventually named chairman of the school's board of trustees. He was also a past member and president of the Selma City School Board.

Rev. Lett never relinquished his passion for ministry. Over the course of his influential lifetime, Rev. Lett served as pastor to churches in Baldwin, Monroe and Escambia counties before his journey led him to Green Street Baptist Church in Selma. At the time of his death, he was Pastor Emeritus of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Selma where he spent many years growing and nurturing his congregation and his lifelong ministry. His commitment to faith and service allowed him to ascend to various leadership positions. He served as president of the Southwest District State Convention for more than 48 years and was past executive secretary of the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

Beyond the walls of the church, Rev. Lett contributed greatly to his community through his work as chaplin of the Selma City Council, president of the Selma Interracial Alliance, and a lifetime member of the local chapter of the NAACP. Rev. Lett was also a member of the board of directors and vice president of Citizens Federal Bank in Birmingham, Alabama.

As we honor this American hero we are reminded of the indelible mark he has left on this nation. We pay homage to his legacy by saluting his notable contributions. This trailblazer taught us that leadership through faith and service can leave a lasting impact. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life and legacy of the Rev. Charles A. Lett, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, continuing in the tradition of the ``District of Champions,'' I rise today to honor the A.H. Parker High School Thundering Herd on winning the 2014 State of Alabama title in the 5A State Basketball Championship--the first state title since 1975. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, I pay tribute to the Thundering Herd for their exemplary athleticism and teamwork as well as the outstanding leadership of Head Coach Reggie McGary and his coaching staff. We are extremely proud of these young men!

Parker's championship victory capped off an extraordinary season of 23 wins and 6 losses. Coach McGrary credited his team's success to the leadership of his assistant coach, Randal Smith. According to McGary, Smith's persistence in stressing the importance of defense was the team's key to victory. Throughout the championship game, Smith demanded that his defensive players bring their best to the court.

To earn their spot in the championship game, Parker High School dominated their opponents during the Steele City Invitational Tournament last December. The Thundering Herd faced its rival Ramsay High School to clinch the state title on March 1, 2014. During the championship game, the thundering herd played with the same skill and intensity that sustained them throughout the season. The team was celebrated for their consistent ability to defensively shutdown their opponents. Their strategy was no different when they competed for the state title as the Thundering Herd held Ramsey to just six points during the third quarter.

Although the team trailed 23-20 with 2:17 left in the first half, they would not allow their opponent to score again until the end of the third quarter. Senior Marquell Olivier led Parker with 15 points and nine rebounds while Omani Williams served as a defensive force for the team. Alontae Johnson also contributed nine points to the Thundering Herd's 56-46 victory. The win occurred on the 50th anniversary of the Thundering Herd's 1964 National Black High School Championship won at Tennessee State University.

As the daughter of a high school basketball coach, I know this decisive victory is the result of the tremendous efforts of both the players and coaching staff of A.H. Parker High School. The exemplary leadership and dedicated support from the coaching staff was a major factor in the success of the Thundering Herd. I commend Head Coach Reggie McGary and assistant coach Randal Smith and I am so proud of all they have accomplished.

On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama and this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the accomplishments of the A.H. Parker High School Boys Basketball Team for their victory in the Class 5A Alabama State Championship.

Congratulations! Go Bisons!

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the St. Jude Pirates for capturing their second-straight victory in the Class 1A Alabama State basketball Championship on February 28th. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, I congratulate the Pirates for the tremendous athleticism, determination and energy they displayed throughout their season under the resolute leadership of Head Coach Earl Taylor and his coaching staff.

With their victory over Parrish, the St. Jude Pirates won their eighth Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) state basketball championship and tenth in school history. The Pirates finished their season with 24 wins and 5 losses. Throughout the season, the Pirates faced some of the state's biggest and best teams which helped to prepare them to perform at the regional and championship levels.

While Parrish scored the championship game's debut shot, the Pirates responded with incredible energy leading by 21 points at halftime. The Pirates' suffocating defense left the opponent scoreless for more than six minutes. The Pirates held Parrish to 37 points overall, tallied 8 steals, retrieved 21 defensive rebounds and blocked four shots. Tournament MVP Jacob Winston finished the game with 21 points, 9 of which came from behind the 3-point arc. Winston grabbed 10 rebounds and Senior Andrew Rogers scored 18 points while LaDarius Brinson scored 10. Overall, the Pirates were 15-of-16 at the foul line.

Winning the state championship reflects the combined efforts of the coaches, players and supporters. I would like to commend the team, Coach Earl Taylor and his coaching staff. Members of the team include: Darian Adams, LaDarius Brinson, Tommy Burton, Keondre Davis, Taylor McCurdy, Andrew Rogers, Roderic Scott, and Jacob Winston.

At the conclusion of the game MVP Player Jacob Winston told reporters, ``We try to be a defensive-minded team, but all the dunks and stuff is just a result of that,'' he said. ``Coach Taylor's always taught us to play hard whatever's going on. The dunks and 3s come from defense.''

St. Jude's has collected AHSAA state championships in 5 different decades with titles in 1973, 1977, 1985, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2013 and 2014. The team also won two state championships as members of the AIAA before 1968. As the daughter of a high school basketball coach, I know the Pirates' success is the result of the combined efforts of not only the players and the coaching staff, but also the support of the St. Jude faculty and staff and the entire community.

I am honored to represent such a talented group of young men, their dedicated coaching staff and proud community. As I declare the 7th Congressional District as the ``District of Champions,'' the St. Jude Pirates represents one of our very best. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama and this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the accomplishments of the St. Jude Pirates for their victory in the 1A Alabama State Championship.

Congratulations! Go Pirates!

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Wenonah High School Lady Dragons on winning the State of Alabama title in the 5A State Basketball Championship on Saturday, March 1, 2014. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, I pay tribute to the Lady Dragons for their exemplary athleticism and teamwork as well as the outstanding leadership of Head Coach Emanuel Bell and his coaching staff. We are extremely proud of these young ladies for their stellar performance!

Wenonah's championship victory came at the end of an extraordinary season of 27 wins and 7 losses. Coach Bell's longstanding motto for his team is ``hard work pays off.'' He not only commands the best from his team, he commits his personal time year-round to molding the young ladies he leads. The 20 year veteran coach has been a driving force in producing winning teams and leading the Lady Dragons to multiple state titles. The 2013-2014 season was no different.

The Lady Dragons faced Sylacauga High School to clinch the state title on March 1, 2014. The rival squad was favored to win due to having one of the top scorers of the season but Coach Bell believed in his team. In a Birmingham News article, Coach Bell boldly expressed his confidence in the Lady Dragons. ``Everybody kept asking, `What are you going to do about that girl?' '' said Coach Bell. ``Hey, I've got eight girls. I've got 12 girls. If she can run with us, we've got a problem.''

During the championship game, the Lady Dragons forged ahead with three players who contributed double digits in scoring. The group effort would sustain the Lady Dragons as they worked to contain their opponent's scoring powerhouse.

Wenonah took the lead in the opening minute of the game and trailed briefly late in the first half. However, the Lady Dragons went into halftime with a five point lead. With 5:28 left in the game, both teams were tied at 36 before Wenonah pulled away with a 6-0 run to secure their 57-46 victory. Jameka Holmes led the Lady Dragons with 25 points, followed by Aja Cumbie with 12 points and 11 rebounds, and 10 points from Kaitlyn Rodgers. Holmes added 15-of-21 free throws and had six steals.

As the daughter of a high school basketball coach, I know this decisive victory is also the result of the tremendous efforts of both the players and coaching staff of Wenonah High School. The exemplary leadership and dedicated support from the coaching staff was a major factor in the success of the Lady Dragons. I commend Head Coach Emanuel Bell for his program of excellence.

Mr. Speaker, the Lady Dragons of Wenonah High School are another fine example of the ``champions'' we breed in Alabama's 7th Congressional district. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama and this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the accomplishments of the Wenonah High School Girls Basketball Team for their victory in the Class 5A Alabama State Championship.

Congratulations. Go Lady Dragons.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Midfield High School Patriots for their victory in the 2014 Class 3A Alabama State Basketball Championship. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, I congratulate the Patriots for the tremendous athleticism and teamwork they displayed throughout the season under the outstanding leadership of Head Coach Darrell Barber and his coaching staff. Midfield High School won its second state championship in three years with its victory over Barbour County on Saturday, March 1. These young men and their coaches pursued excellence and were driven by hard work and determination during every game of the season. The Patriots finished the season undefeated in their region and lost only 7 games overall.

As the daughter of a high school basketball coach, I know this decisive victory is the result of the tremendous efforts of both the players and coaching staff of Midfield High School. Coach Barber is known for setting high expectations for his players and assisting them in meeting those expectations. The exemplary leadership and dedicated support from the coaching staff was a major factor in the success of the Midfield Patriots.

In the championship game, the Midfield Patriots defeated Barbour County by 22 points for a final score of 62-40. The Patriots forced 11 turnovers, but only gave up the ball seven times.

In the second half, the Midfield Patriots led by as many as 25 points and never less than 13 points. During the entire fourth quarter, the Patriots never led by less than 20 points. Tournament MVP Aaron Gaines scored 22 points with four 3-pointers. Alvin Murry completed the game with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Jermaine Turner scored 11 points and made eight assists and seven rebounds.

Following the victory, Head Coach Darrell Barber thanked God, his family and the Midfield community for supporting the Patriots throughout the season. He explained how the nay-sayers gave the team motivation making them more dedicated to win. ``It gave us a little fuel,'' he told Al.com following the victory. ``As you all know myself and my guys, we play with a chip on our shoulder and we coach with a chip on our shoulder to get this program recognition.''

Winning the state championship is a proud moment these boys achieved through hard work and commitment. Members of the team include: Eric Billups, Kelvin Eatmon, Aaron Gaines, Ahmad Isaac, Derrick Morse, Jabril Muhammad, Alvin Murry, Joseph Murry, Jeremy Shields, Jermaine Turner, and Cedric Russell.

I would like to commend the Midfield coaching staff under the leadership of Head Coach Darrell Barber and the assistant coaches including Coaches Matthew Epps, Courtney Jones, and Charles Thomas and the bus driver, Mr. Rod Isaac.

On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama and this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the accomplishments of the Midfield High School Boys Basketball Team for their victory in the Class 3A Alabama State Championship. Congratulations. Go Patriots.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the Dallas County High School Hornets on winning the State of Alabama title in the class 4A State basketball championship on Saturday, March 1, 2014. On behalf of the Seventh Congressional District, I pay honor and tribute to the Hornets for their exemplary athleticism and teamwork, as well as the outstanding leadership of Head Coach Willie Moore and his coaching staff.

Dallas County High School's basketball championship victory capped off

an impressive season of 28 wins and 4 losses. With each victory during the season, the team remained humble and grounded. In every game, these young men and the coaching staff pursued excellence and were driven by hard work, determination, and teamwork.

Throughout the season, Coach Willie Moore encouraged the team by quoting Whitney Young, Jr.:

It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have

one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.

The Hornets finished the 2013-2014 season undefeated in their region and lost only four games overall. To earn their place in the championship title game, Dallas County beat other high school teams during the tournament, including Madison County, Dora, Bibb County, and Beauregard.

On March 1, 2014, the Dallas County Hornets came to the 4A State Championship prepared for the opportunity they had earned. The championship game against J.O. Johnson High School from Huntsville, Alabama, was a nail-biter from start to finish. The Hornets never gave up, even when they were behind. At halftime, the Hornets were down by 11 points, but in the third quarter, the Hornets made a thrilling comeback.

Senior William Lee made a 3-pointer at the regulation buzzer to force the game into overtime. The 6'9" standout and UAB signee William Lee continued to show dominance during the overtime by making three crucial free throws with 5.4 seconds to play. The Hornets won a 51-48 victory, taking the Class 4A High School Boys State Championship. William Lee scored 22 points, made 13 rebounds and seven blocks.

As the daughter of a high school basketball coach, I know that this decisive victory is the result of a tremendous effort on the part of all the players and the coaching staff at Dallas County High School. Spurred on by an enthusiastic student body and encouraging faculty and families, this team proved that outstanding achievements are possible even in rural Black Belt Alabama. I couldn't be prouder of this amazing accomplishment.

The State high school basketball championship victory is truly a reflection of the hard work and steadfast determination of the entire team and coaching staff. Members of the team include Jayden Buford, Scott Cole, Raheem Phillips, Kendell Motley, Jerrod Moorer, Henry Baker, Timothy Baker, Travon Muse, Javaris Muse, B.J. Leshore, William Lee, Ladarius Furlow, and Lowell Furlow.

I would like to also acknowledge and pay tribute to the head coach, Willie Moore, and assistant coaches, Cliff Nix, Charles Thompson, Kenny Allen, Justin Moore, and Hugh Martin for their outstanding work.

On behalf of the Seventh Congressional District, the State of Alabama, and this Nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the accomplishments of the Dallas County High School basketball team for their victory in Alabama's Class 4A State Basketball Championship. We honor and pay tribute to this team, the coaches and the school for this distinguished honor, and we appreciate their contributions to the school spirit and the community pride that we have in them.

Congratulations, and go Hornets.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to declare Alabama's Seventh Congressional District to be the district of high school basketball champions.

This year, in 2014, at the State tournament held by the Alabama High School Athletic Association, teams from the Seventh Congressional District of Alabama dominated, winning four boys basketball State championship titles and one girls.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Class 1A boys basketball State champions, St. Jude Educational Institute of Montgomery, Alabama; Class 3A boys basketball State champions, Midfield High School of Midfield, Alabama; Class 4A boys basketball State champions, Dallas County High School of Plantersville, Alabama; Class 5A boys basketball State champions, Parker High School of Birmingham; Class 5A girls basketball champions, Wenonah High School of Birmingham, Alabama.

No doubt that in the Seventh Congressional District of Alabama we breed winners. I plan to provide individual remarks about each school's victory so that each school is recognized in the Congressional Record. For now, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating and honoring the State of Alabama high school basketball champions from Alabama's Seventh Congressional District, the district of high school basketball champions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of continuing the 7th district's commitment to honoring influential African Americans that were sons and daughters of Alabama. Today, it is my great privilege to pay homage to Mrs. Johnnie Carr, a heroine of the Civil Rights movement and a pioneer of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. In Alabama, this stalwart is referenced for her lifetime devotion to ensuring that America lived up to its ideals of freedom and equality for all.

This phenomenal woman was born on January 26, 1911 in Montgomery Alabama to John and Annie Daniels. She was educated at ``Miss White's Industrial School for Girls,'' a private institution devoted to educating young women of color. She went on to complete coursework in nursing before launching a public service career that would continue throughout her lifetime.

During the 1930s, Mrs. Carr found her calling as a foot soldier and started with a campaign to help raise funds for the defense of the Scottsboro Boys. This historic case involved nine black men who were falsely accused of raping two white women in 1931. During this time, she also became active in the NAACP and served as secretary and youth coordinator for the organization.

In 1964, Mrs. Carr and her husband, Arlam Carr also broke barriers in public education in Montgomery. The couple filed a suit against the Montgomery Board of Education in effort to allow their son to attend an all white high school. The monumental court case, Carr v. Montgomery County Board of Education, is referenced as a landmark decision that led to the desegregation of public schools in Montgomery, Alabama. Despite constant death threats the Carrs remained committed to the cause and eventually won the case on June 2, 1969. As a result, their son, Arlam Jr., was one of 13 black students to integrate Sydney Lanier High School.

In addition to their contribution to the integration of public schools, Mrs. Carr and her husband would also become pillars in efforts to desegregate the Montgomery bus system. In December of 1955, shortly after Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger, the Carrs agreed to follow local buses in their personal vehicle to monitor the success of the demonstration. The couple also transported blacks that needed rides to work and provided an alternative to using the segregated bus system in Montgomery.

During the demonstration, Mrs. Carr was named president of the Montgomery Improvement Association in 1967. The organization was initially formed to oversee the bus boycotts but the entity would eventually play a huge role in ending segregation in the city of Montgomery. Mrs. Carr remained at the helm of the organization until her death in 2008. In 1984, Mrs. Carr joined ``One Montgomery'', an organization dedicated to improving race relations in Montgomery. Later in life, she became

a celebrated lecturer on her experiences during the civil rights movement.

Throughout her lifetime, Mrs. Carr's steadfast leadership broke barriers as she boldly tackled the injustices of her time. She was at the forefront of blazing trails for me and so many others. This amazing woman was dedicated to serving as a conduit for social change. Against insurmountable odds, she remained committed to her calling. Today, we honor this great woman of strength and reflect on the countless contributions she has made to the state of Alabama and this nation.

As a benefactor of Mrs. Carr's efforts, it is indeed an honor to share her story with our nation. As we reflect on all that she has given, let us commit to honoring her legacy by never forgetting her role in American history. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Johnnie Carr, an American hero.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Black History month and my commitment to honoring influential African Americans that have impacted the state of Alabama and this nation. Today, I have the pleasure of sharing the inspiring story of Dr. Ethel Harris Hall. Dr. Hall was the first African American to serve on the Alabama State Board of Education and she was also the first African American Vice President of the Board of Education. In Alabama, we remember this exemplary educator for her role in breaking barriers in education and for her lifelong commitment to excellence.

Dr. Hall was born on February 23, 1928 in Morgan County Alabama to Harry and Fannie Mae Harris. The Harris' sent their daughter to Birmingham to ensure that she received a quality education. She attended Ullman High School, A.H. Parker High School, and Councill Training School. She was valedictorian of her class and went on to attend Alabama A&M University where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1948. She also obtained masters degrees from the University of Chicago and Atlanta University. She continued her studies at the University of Alabama where she obtained a doctorate in social work in 1979.

Throughout her tenure, this stellar educator taught in various schools systems throughout the state of Alabama including Hale County Schools, Birmingham City Schools, and Jefferson County Schools. Dr. Hall also taught at the collegiate level and was the first African American faculty member at the University of Montevallo. She later taught in the school of social work at The University of Alabama where she retired in 1999.

On January 19, 1987 Dr. Hall made history when she became the first black elected to serve on the Alabama State Board of Education. During her 24 year tenure, she served six terms and became vice chair in 1994. Dr. Hall served on the State Board of Education during many tumultuous battles over issues such as funding levels for schools, teacher testing, accountability standards for schools and academic standards for students. In making these tough decisions, she always remained a woman of principle-putting Alabama's children first.

In 2010, shortly before her death, Dr. Hall published her autobiography entitled ``My Journey: A Memoir of the First African American to preside over the Alabama Board of Education.'' Dr. Hall stated that she felt It was important to share her story to inspire others to appreciate the opportunities they had been afforded. ``I wrote the book because as I worked on the state board I found so many young people who took education for granted,'' Hall said. ``They just assumed that everybody had the opportunity to go to school where they wanted to . . .'' In telling her story, she hoped to not only share her experiences as a trailblazer, but to tell others about how she saw Alabama's education system evolve through the years.

While we honor Dr. Hall for breaking barriers, we must also salute this extraordinary woman for her commitment to the students that she served. She led with grace and impeccable character that was defined by her passion for challenging students to be their very best. As a role model, she inspired her fellow educators to be servant leaders to their students and to their community. This beloved figure is also remembered for belief that all children deserved a quality education. Through her work she truly taught us to see education as the great equalizer.

During Black History month, simply saying thank you to Dr. Hall seems woefully inadequate but on behalf of a grateful nation we salute this pioneer and acknowledge her role not only in black history but American history. Her story is a perfect illustration of passionate leadership and selfless service to mankind. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Ethel Harris Hall, a phenomenal woman and a great American.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I rise today to continue my commitment to paying tribute to outstanding African-Americans who have made tremendous contributions to the political, economic and social fabric of Alabama and this nation. Today, I am honored to recognize brothers Rev. Abraham Lincoln Woods, Jr. and Bishop Calvin W. Woods, Sr. for their incredible audacity and courage during the darkest days of the Civil Rights Movement.

Rev. Abraham Lincoln Woods, Jr. and Bishop Calvin W. Woods, Sr. were both born in Birmingham, Alabama to Maggie Rosa Lee Wallace Woods, a homemaker, and Rev. Abraham Lincoln Woods Sr., a plant worker and Baptist minister.

In the spring of 1963, Rev. Abraham Woods led Birmingham's first demonstration at a whites-only lunch counter in downtown Birmingham. In the days and weeks following the first sit-in, Rev. Abraham Woods was arrested along with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights leaders for confronting Bull Conner. Rev. Abraham Woods had become friends with Dr. King while they were students at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia and later joined him on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for his ``I Have a Dream'' speech in 1963.

Rev. Abraham Woods received a bachelor's degree in theology from Birmingham Baptist College, a bachelor's in sociology from Miles College in Birmingham and a master's in American history from the University of Alabama. He co-founded the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights in 1956 with Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth and served as the director for the Miles College Voter Registration Project.

Thirty-four years after the bombing of Birmingham's 16th Street Baptist Church, Rev. Abraham Woods played a pivotal role in urging the federal government to re-investigate the bombing. The new investigation led to the conviction of two Klansmen. ``Even the Klan, as bad as they are,'' he told the New York Times in a 1997 interview, ``you didn't think they would go as far as to bomb a church on Sunday with little children in Sunday school.''

While president of the Birmingham chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), Rev. Abraham Woods led protests which were instrumental in integrating country clubs and golf courses in Alabama and across the nation. The P.G.A. had chosen a Birmingham country club as the site for its 1990 Championship. The protests that followed impelled major corporations to withdraw advertising from the tournament which led to the integration of the club.

Rev. Abraham Woods is also remembered as an exemplary educator. He was the first African American to teach American history at the University of Alabama. In 2002, Rev. Abraham Woods retired from Miles College after forty years on its faculty. Upon his retirement, Miles College conferred upon him the Doctorate of Humane Letters. He went on to retire as president of the Birmingham chapter of the SCLC in 2006. He served as pastor of St. Joseph's Baptist Church in Birmingham for thirty-seven years until his death on November 7, 2008 at the age of 80.

Rev. Abraham Woods had an incredible impact on the state of Alabama and this nation in his pursuit of justice. He taught all of us the importance of loving God and living for others.

In 2006, Bishop Calvin Woods succeeded his older brother as president of the Birmingham SCLC and became president of the New Era Baptist State Convention a year later.

Bishop Calvin Wallace Woods, Sr. was born on September 13, 1933 in Birmingham, Alabama. At the age of twelve, he entered Parker High School where he developed a talent for shoe repair and tailoring and a gift for public speaking.

Bishop Calvin Woods graduated from Parker High School in 1950 and went on to earn a B.S. degree in social science and B.D., B.R.E., M.B.S and D.D. degrees from the Universal Baptist Institute, the Universal Baptist Seminary and Birmingham-Easonian Baptist Bible College.

In 1960, Bishop Calvin Woods became pastor of East End Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. During the 1960's, he was a resolute advocate for the boycott of Birmingham's segregated city bus system. He was sentenced to prison for six months and fined for his leadership in the Birmingham Bus Boycotts. Despite this setback, Bishop Calvin Woods continued his steadfast commitment to the Movement. In 1963, he was arrested and beaten by Birmingham's police for participating in public protests. Again, his dedication to fighting segregation and intolerance in the Deep South did not waver. Bishop Calvin Woods was heavily involved in the 1965 protest of Birmingham's voter registration procedures. He served as the strategy chairman for the protest of the shootings of five black protestors at a Birmingham supermarket.

Today, Bishop Calvin Woods continues to be a guiding light for the city of Birmingham and the state of Alabama. He remains an outspoken advocate for justice speaking out most recently against the verdict in the Trayvon Martin case and the Supreme Court's decision striking down Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act. I am inspired by the words he spoke at a memorial service and wreath laying ceremony in 2012 for the 6 Birmingham youth killed on September 15, 1963. ``In a sense we've crossed a stream,'' he said, ``but still there are mighty oceans of adversity that lie ahead.''

As a direct benefactor of their life's work and sacrifices, it is my honor to recognize the contributions of brothers Rev. Abraham Lincoln Woods, Jr. and Bishop Calvin W. Woods on the floor of the United States House of Representatives. Their contributions have inspired generations. On behalf of a grateful state and nation, we acknowledge these trailblazers and their influence on the progress we have made. The City of Birmingham, the State of Alabama and this entire nation have benefited from their sacrifices and tenacious pursuit of justice. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Rev. Abraham Lincoln Woods, Jr. and Bishop Calvin W. Woods.