Tribute to Ms. Katie Patterson Booth

TRIBUTE TO MS. KATIE PATTERSON BOOTH -- (Extensions of Remarks - November 20, 2004)

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a woman who has stood as a giant in her community and all throughout the country. Ms. Katie Patterson Booth at the age of 95 is still mentoring, nurturing, and leading in her community of Gulfport, Mississippi.

Ms. Booth has earned a reputation of fighting for those that society would call the dispossessed, disenchanted, and brokenhearted. Ms. Booth through her boundless energy and passion continues to volunteer in her community-often she can be found encouraging young people to stay in school and avoid gangs. She is a woman on a mission to improve the quality of life for the residents in her community.

Ms. Booth spent many years in Chicago where she also made her presence known by fighting for justice, equality and opportunity for African Americans and poor people. She worked to help establish Bethune-Cookman College. In addition, she organized and founded Jobs Corps of America while serving as the Program Developer for National Church Women United.

Ms. Booth has received numerous awards and accolades. Including the Laurel Wreath Award presented annually to an individual that made significant contributions in the community, the Admiral Award, a high honor given to a Gulfport citizen, the Harriet Tubman Award, and the Frances Hooks Award given by the NAACP.

I am pleased to honor and recognize the work of Ms. Katie Booth. She is a shining example of doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbling with God. On behalf of the constituents of the Seventh Congressional District of Illinois I commend Katie Patterson Booth for her commitment to education, courage, perseverance, and can do spirit.