December 6, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 195 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1552-E1553]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF MARIE GREENWOOD

                            HON. JOE NEGUSE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 6, 2019

  Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, each and every day we must honor the 
legacy of those who came before us; those who dedicated their lives to 
promoting freedom and forging the path on which all future generations 
walk.
  Today, I wish to honor the life and work of Ms. Marie Greenwood whose 
long and full life was devoted to creating a more equitable and just 
society for countless Coloradans. Marie passed away on November 18th at 
106 years old.
  As one of the first Black teachers to be hired by Denver Public 
Schools in Colorado, Marie spent her entire teaching career fighting 
segregation and uplifting students through one simple creed: every 
child can learn.
  A first-grade teacher for 30 years, Marie guided educators throughout 
her long and illustrious career in the importance of early literacy 
programs. ``Teaching first grade was the

[[Page E1553]]

joy of my life,'' she once said, ``I believe it is there that one lays 
the beginning of a sound education foundation upon which a child can 
continue to learn successfully.''
  Marie continued her passion for literacy by participating in the Each 
One Teach One program which aims to improve early literacy by building 
vocabulary through hands-on community projects. This program allows 
students to contribute to their communities while building topical 
vocabulary.
  To Marie's four children, to her entire family, and to all those who 
loved and admired her, I share my condolences and my gratitude for the 
exceptional dedication and progress made possible by Marie's life and 
work.

                          ____________________