TRIBUTE IN CELEBRATION OF THE 60TH REUNION OF THE 1959 CLASS OF BURKE HIGH SCHOOL; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 106
(Extensions of Remarks - June 24, 2019)
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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE IN CELEBRATION OF THE 60TH REUNION OF THE 1959 CLASS OF BURKE
HIGH SCHOOL
______
HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN
of south carolina
in the house of representatives
Monday, June 24, 2019
Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 1959 class of
Burke High School of Charleston, South Carolina as they celebrate their
60th class reunion. On June 29th and 30th, classmates and friends will
travel to ``the Holy City'' from all around the world to take part in
this significant celebration.
Burke High School, located on the west side of the Charleston
peninsula, was the city's oldest and largest public high school serving
African American students prior to the desegregation of public schools
in Charleston. Founded in 1894 as the Charleston Industrial Institute,
the original name and history of the school reflect the racial
divisions and popular perceptions both students and teachers had to
overcome in pursuit of State supported public education.
I personally remember some of these struggles. My wife, Emily and I
shared college experiences with many of them and were a part of the
Charleston community during the 1960s and 1970s; she as a librarian at
Simonton school and Burke and I as a social studies and history teacher
at Simonton and Charles A. Brown High School on the east side of the
Charleston peninsula.
During the Civil Rights activities of the 1960s, many students from
Burke became local activists in pursuit of social justice in
Charleston. The class of 1959, along with many of their schoolmates,
took part in many local demonstrations and sit-ins. Many of them became
active statewide as well.
The class of 1959 left a lasting impression and everlasting legacy on
Burke High School students and citizens of the city of Charleston. They
led by precept and example. They also gave back to the community by
donating college scholarships to young graduates. Many of them are
still actively providing leadership in communities throughout the
country.
As they gather this year to celebrate their 60th reunion, I want to
commend the class of 1959 for their continued dedication to their alma
mater. The shared experiences amongst this class have served as an
inspiration to residents of Charleston, their families, and the
thousands of Burke students who have followed them. Having been a part
of some of their activities, I know that all of their experiences have
not been pleasant, but I think they would consider all of them to be
blessings and they have been blessings to many.
Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to represent this fine
institution and many of its graduates in this august body. I ask you
and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 1959 class of Burke
High School on their 60th class reunion and wishing them continued good
health and great prosperity in the days ahead.
____________________