In Recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with two shining examples of his legacy in San Francisco. One represents the closing of an era; the other, the limitless possibilities with its opening. This month, San Francisco will bid a fond farewell to Lulann Sapp McGriff, who is retiring after more than two decades of service to the NAACP in the bay area. Lulann has been a tireless champion of freedom and opportunity for African-Americans and other people of color in San Francisco and the entire Western United States for nearly two decades. She has held these positions within the NAACP during that time: Assistant western regional director; NAACP California State conference sectional coordinator; State educational chair; and an unprecedented four terms as San Francisco NAACP branch president. A social worker and educator, Lulann works in the City College of San Francisco as a counselor, and through her efforts has established African-American male and female retention programs for high school students in the San Francisco Unified School District. She has been a powerful force in enforcing the court orders which desegregated public schools on the west coast. She has been, and will continue to be, a shining model of civic and community service to our Nation. But while Lulann's tenure as San Francisco NAACP president comes to a close, San Francisco witnesses the dawning of another era with the opening of the Thurgood Marshall Academic High School. Mr. Speaker, I was given the privilege of participating at the dedication of the school, where we were graced by the presence of Justice Marshall's family, including his widow, Cecilia. This school, located in the Bayview-Hunters Point district of San Francisco, offers a rigorous and innovative academic program targeted at low-income, minority students. The San Francisco Chronicle wrote, "there is a sense of enthusiasm and optimism among the students, many from poor neighborhoods who feel they are pioneers in a bold and interesting educational adventure." This school, by stressing educational enrichment for all students, does honor to the legacy of Thurgood Marshall. Mr. Speaker, on Monday we will join in celebrations throughout the country to honor the life and work of the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We best honor his legacy, however, through deeds which seek to advance and uplift the human spirit and create opportunity for all Americans, regardless of race, color or creed. Lulann McGriff and the Thurgood Marshall Academic High School, through their work on behalf of the education and advancement of young people, are living testaments to Dr. King's memory.