Highlighting Notable Black Leaders From Michigan's Third Congressional District

Floor Speech

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Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Speaker, I welcome my friends, family, and constituents back home in west Michigan to my Special Order hour honoring notable Black west Michiganders and the impact they have made on our wonderful community.

Black History Month is not just about reflecting on the past. It is also about acknowledging the incredible individuals who have shaped our communities and continue to inspire future generations.

Black history is woven into the very fabric of America, and it is our duty to honor it, not just in February but every single day of the year.

As the Representative of Michigan's Third Congressional District, I am privileged to highlight some of the remarkable Black leaders, educators, athletes, activists, and artists who have left their mark on west Michigan. Their stories are ones of perseverance, excellence, and resilience in the face of adversity. They remind us that history is not just something written in textbooks, but it is alive in the people who have worked tirelessly to break barriers and uplift their communities. I want to first tell you about Lyman Parks first.

Lyman Parks, Grand Rapids Mayor: After moving to Grand Rapids to serve as a pastor of the First Community AME Church in 1968, he was elected as the first Black commissioner in the city's history.

Lyman Parks holds a special place in our history as the first and only Black mayor of Grand Rapids. His leadership throughout the 1970s marked a turning point for the city, proving that Black leaders could and should have a seat at the table in shaping the future of our communities.

In 2003, Parks was awarded the GIANT Among Giants Award, an annual award presented by the city of Grand Rapids since 1983 to recognize exceptional contributions by African Americans to the greater Grand Rapids community.

Rillastine Wilkins, City Council: At age 18 and with $3 in her pocket, Wilkins made her way to Muskegon, where she had an aunt. She became active in the civil rights movement and attended school board meetings and Muskegon Heights City Council meetings.

Rillastine Wilkins shattered glass ceilings, becoming the first female city councilmember in 1974. Her husband, who went by the nickname Peaches, accompanied her to every single council meeting to prevent the male councilmembers from harassing or intimidating her.

In 1999, she was elected as the city's first Black female mayor. Her leadership spanned decades, influencing local government and paving the way for future Black women in politics throughout west Michigan.

Hattie Beverly, Teacher Extraordinaire: In 1899, Hattie became the first African-American woman to teach in Grand Rapids Public Schools, a feat that did not come without struggle.

Despite her remarkable academic achievements, she faced resistance from those who believed a Black woman should not teach White children. Yet, she persevered, and we are so much better because she did.

Though her teaching career was tragically cut short when she passed away at the tender age of 30, Beverly's impact resonated beyond her lifetime. Her legacy of determination and excellence paved the way for future Black educators, ensuring the doors she opened would remain open for others to walk through.

Jimmy Carter, Basketball: No, not that Jimmy Carter, but still, he looms large in west Michigan as a basketball phenom and a name truly synonymous with basketball excellence in Grand Rapids.

Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to shaping young athletes. From his high school days at South High School to coaching and mentoring multiple children and young athletes at various schools, Carter's influence in the sports world has been profound.

Carter's contributions extend far beyond the court, as well, proving that mentorship and investing in young athletes can transform lives. He was recently inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame, and that solidifies his place in history.

Helen Claytor, Activist: Helen Claytor's work with the Young Women's Christian Association extends far beyond Grand Rapids. She was the first Black woman to serve as president of the national YWCA board of directors. Under her leadership, the organization embraced the fight against racism, making racial justice a core tenet of its mission.

Her work reminds us that institutions have a responsibility to be antiracist and that leadership must reflect the values of equity and justice.

Today, her legacy stands tall in Grand Rapids, both figuratively and literally, with her statue near GRCC's campus.

Dr. Patricia Pulliam, Publisher: As an educator, Dr. Pulliam worked tirelessly to uplift students in Grand Rapids, serving as an adviser, mentor, and leader in higher education.

Beyond the classroom, she became a publisher and, later, owner of The Grand Rapids Times, ensuring that the stories of Black residents were not just heard but celebrated. She also cofounded the GIANT Awards, an annual ceremony recognizing Black excellence in our community.

Her contributions continue to inspire. While the media has often ignored or misrepresented Black voices, thanks to leaders like Dr. Pulliam, those voices are amplified and preserved.

Dr. John Butler, Boxing Champion: In 1953, Dr. Butler became the first Grand Rapids boxer to win a National Golden Gloves title, an accomplishment that cemented his legacy in the sport.

Dr. Butler was not just a fighter in the ring. He was also a fighter for education and equality.

Growing up in Mississippi, he faced the harsh realities of poverty and racism. His mother, determined to give her family a better future, moved them to Grand Rapids, where Dr. Butler found his passion for boxing.

Through the mentorship of his trainer, he not only honed his athletic abilities but also understood the importance of education. That discipline led him to earn a Ph.D. from Michigan State University.

Dr. Butler dedicated his career to the Grand Rapids school system, serving as a teacher and assistant principal and eventually training city employees in public service. He provided guidance to young Black students who faced adversity, making an impact far beyond the classroom.

Today, his legacy is forever etched in the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame, a testament to his dedication to both sports and education.

Paul Collins, Artist: Paul Collins has spent his life using his artistic talents to tell the stories of those often overlooked.

Born in Muskegon and raised in Grand Rapids, Collins was drawn to art from a young age. Despite initial discouragement, he pursued his passion, eventually traveling to West Africa to immerse himself in his cultural roots.

Collins' work has been displayed worldwide, from exhibitions in Africa to murals honoring historical figures in the United States.

He was the first Black artist to paint a sitting President when he painted President Gerald R. Ford.

His contributions to the art world also include designing the Martin Luther King Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize Medal and the Challenger 7 space shuttle logo.

As we celebrate Black History Month, let us remember that these stories are not just relics of the past, but they are living legacies that continue to shape our community.

It is our duty to ensure that these trailblazers live on, that we continue the fight for equality, and that we uplift and support Black voices in our community.

It is our duty to ensure that we continue to tell these stories.

Black history is American history, and it is a history that deserves to be honored not just in February but every single day. These achievements are proof that progress is possible, but only if we remain committed to justice, inclusion, the power of education, and advocacy. I am proud to continue to carry on their legacy through this Special Order hour today.

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