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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO McARTHUR ``MAC'' WEDDLE
______
HON. GWEN MOORE
of wisconsin
in the house of representatives
Monday, June 24, 2019
Ms. MOORE. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the career and
ongoing legacy of McArthur ``Mac'' Weddle, of Northcott Neighborhood
House, where he has served for over 42 years and 19 as the Executive
Director. McArthur graduated from Milwaukee's North Division High
School which is also my alma mater. Further, he earned a degree in
education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
As a young boy growing up in Milwaukee, Mac was pulled under water by
a strong undercurrent in the Milwaukee River. He was rescued from this
life-threatening disaster by a kid in the neighborhood with the
reputation as a troublemaker. Mac believe he was saved because God had
a special purpose for him. Mac pursued a career in youth recreation, to
assist kids who were sometimes misguided but had the potential to do
good. This was his passion, mission and special purpose. This would
lead him to Northcott Neighborhood House a community organization where
he would assist in providing recreational activities for youth,
educational and employment training opportunities for adults and ex-
offenders, and necessities for families and senior citizens. Mac would
stay at Northcott and would eventually serve as Executive Director and
in other many roles in our community.
Throughout the years, our community could always count on him to
invest and make programs such as Juneteenth Day, Black Expo, African
World Festival, and other events available to the community to
celebrate our collective history. Under his guidance, he helped
transform Milwaukee's Juneteenth celebration to one of the largest in
the nation, and Northcott Neighborhood House to one of the leading
organizations in Milwaukee's African American Community and the Greater
Milwaukee Community. He is the recipient of the Black Excellence Award,
served as Chairman of the Lee Elementary School Council, Vice President
of the Board of Directors of the Martin Luther King Economic
Development Corporation, board member of Wisconsin State Board of
Psychology Regulations and Licensing, Treasurer of the Board of
Harambee Ombudsman Program, and as a 33-degree Prince Hall Free and
Accepted Mason.
It is without question that he has become one of the most beloved
community leaders, mentors, and advocates in our city. This is due in
no small part because of his investment in the children and the many
lives he has impacted. Mac's leadership, enthusiasm and generosity is
unparalleled, and he is held in high-esteem throughout the community. I
have known Mac for over 50 years and I am proud to say that Mac is my
friend. We have so many shared memories of Milwaukee and life.
As he transitions into a new direction in his life, I wish him the
very best. While his retirement will undoubtedly leave a void in our
community, I take comfort in the fact that his role in the development
of our youth has created new emerging leaders. Madam Speaker, for these
reasons I am pleased to honor McArthur ``Mac'' Weddle, a man, who has
helped to make the 4th Congressional District a better place.
____________________