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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1392-E1393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING REVEREND WILLIE F. WILSON
______
HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON
of the district of columbia
in the house of representatives
Friday, November 1, 2019
Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of
Representatives to join me in honoring one of our nation's foremost
liberation theologians, the Reverend Willie F. Wilson, Pastor of the
Union Temple Baptist, in our nation's capital. Reverend Wilson has
devoted his life and ministry to uplifting, enhancing and empowering
the lives of the downtrodden and to fighting for the dignity, justice
and liberation of all people.
Over the years, thousands have responded to the power of Reverend
Wilson's preaching and exhortation to ``unchain your mind'' through
examining and reclaiming Jesus Christ, the truth of African-American
history and learning to love ourselves as well as others. As a result,
Union Temple's membership has grown from the initial 25 faithful
members to more than 8,000.
Reverend Wilson has served the Union Temple Baptist Church and the
District of Columbia community faithfully for 46 years. His impact on
the church is immeasurable. As he passes the torch of leadership to his
daughter, Reverend Dr. Anika Wilson Brown, we welcome her and thank
Reverend Wilson for his steadfast work.
Reverend Wilson, born in Newport News, Virginia, received a
bachelor's degree in journalism from Ohio University. He became a D.C.
resident in 1969 and received a master's degree from Howard University
School of Divinity.
Under his leadership, the Union Temple Baptist Church achieved an
array of firsts, including the first substance abuse ministry based in
a D.C. church; the first African-American church-led Rites of Passage
program to support adolescents in transitioning from childhood to
adulthood; the introduction of Kwanzaa Celebration as part of faith
ministry; the first ordination of women into Baptist ministry
regionally; and the promotion of interfaith worship between Christians
and Orthodox Muslims. The church invested millions of dollars in the
development of affordable housing, home ownership and financial
literacy programs, as well as in youth development and health promotion
activities.
Social service programs have flourished at the Union Temple Baptist
Church, including the Akoma project, which provides case management to
individuals living with HIV/AIDS; the AYA Program, a D.C. Department of
Human Services-funded program providing counseling, job development and
placement services to assist people moving from welfare to work; and
the Village Keepers Homeless Outreach Ministry, which provides shelter
for homeless individuals in D.C.--to name only a few.
The Union Temple Baptist Church has erected a home in Ghana, West
Africa for its Rites of Passage programs. The church has donated over
one million dollars in medical supplies to the hospital in Asankrangwa
and sponsors an adopt-a-child educational program. Ordained a Wolof
Priest in Gambia, Reverend Wilson's ministry and practice are African-
centric, focusing on the African influence on Christianity. His most
recent book, Birth of the Bible, is a commentary on ``African spiritual
traditions borrowed, stolen, misappropriated and modified to produce
the book that we know today as the Bible.''
Reverend Wilson's work has not gone unnoticed. In 2018, Reverend
Wilson was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Civil Rights Movement
in Selma, Alabama. He was recognized in 1986 by USA Today ``as one of
the 10 most valuable people in America.'' In 1995, he was asked to join
the historic Million Man March as a national organizer, and, in 1997,
he received the Presidential Service Award from President Bill Clinton.
Reverend Wilson is the father of four children and is married to
Reverend Mary Lewis Wilson. He has served on the board of trustees of
the University of the District of Columbia. Reverend Wilson has
dedicated his life to a creative, innovative ministry to uplift
humanity. He has a deep abiding love for all people and is a passionate
voice for truth, justice and equality for the citizens of D.C. and
everywhere.
Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in
honoring Reverend Willie F. Wilson for his dedication to freedom and
justice for all, and to the well-being and faith of District of
Columbia residents. We recognize him for the profound impact his vision
and his work has had on others.
[[Page E1393]]
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