In Memory of Alex Franklin Perryman

Floor Speech

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Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Alex Franklin Perryman, Sr., a long-time resident, labor and community leader in Detroit, Michigan as we mourn his recent passing.

Mr. Perryman was born on January 4, 1924, in Whitehall, Alabama to the late Jonas Perryman and Melissa Thomas Perryman. He was the youngest of 10 children. Mr. Perryman attended school in Tyler, Alabama and later Carver High School in Gadsden, Alabama.

At the age of 18, Mr. Perryman moved to Detroit, Michigan to work for the Chrysler Corporation and fell in love with the city he called his home until his passing.

Mr. Perryman met the love of his life, Geneva Wilson in 1944 and they married in 1945. They had been married for a remarkable 77 years when she preceded him in death. Mr. and Mrs. Perryman raised five children on Burlingame Street in Detroit--Lavonia, Linda, Alex, Jr., Ronald, along with Nehemiah and Linda--both who preceded him in death.

A trailblazer, devoted community member and labor union leader, Mr. Perryman was a skilled laborer and United Auto Workers (UAW) activist at Chrysler Corporation for over 50 years. He was the first African- American Vice President of UAW Local 140. As a union leader, Mr. Perryman was steadfast in operating in the intersection of civil rights and workers' rights. He coordinated several local and national outreach and civil rights activities on behalf of the UAW.

In the community, Mr. Perryman was an active member of the NAACP and believed deeply in the civic participation and voting. He served as a poll worker for 15 years, ensuring that his neighbors had access to the ballot box.

Mr. Perryman loved baseball and his life of service extended into this adoration for sports. He spent many years working with the Westside Cubs and St. Cecilia sports teams. He also worked several years at Comerica Park where the Detroit Tigers play.

Mr. Perryman leaves behind a beautiful family to mourn his life. His daughters, Lavonia and Patricia; son, Alex Franklin, Jr., and sister- in-law, Mamie Louise Wilson. He also leaves 11 precious grandchildren. Please join me in recognizing Alex Franklin Perryman, Sr.'s numerous contributions to our community as we honor his memory.

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