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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E952-E953]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE MOYE FAMILY'S COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY AND FAMILY
______
HON. BRIAN HIGGINS
of new york
in the house of representatives
Monday, July 22, 2019
Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the
rich history of the Moye Family and their commitment to maintaining the
values of loyalty and community.
Jacqueline Johnson, a constituent and Buffalo resident who worked for
many years in the Buffalo Public School District, brought the Moye
family history to my attention as they gather in Buffalo to celebrate
their 39th annual family reunion.
The Moye family history begins in South Carolina, with the marriage
of Ezra Moye to Sarah Howard. This union produced six children, Willis,
Sonny, Ezra Moye Jr., aka ``Bud'', Millie, Rachel, and Margaret. From
these six children, the Moye family has grown exponentially.
The firstborn in the next generation of Moye's is Lawrence Moye, the
son of Willis and Mattie. Prior to Lawrence's birth, all previous Moye
ancestors had lived under the crushing burden of slavery. In 1865,
Lawrence was freed from slavery, and in his first display of true
freedom he chose to marry two weeks later. His love for his new wife
Charlotte was unbounded by slavery, and he seized this opportunity to
benefit the generations of his family to come.
[[Page E953]]
Willis, Sonny, Ezra, Millie, Rachel, and Margaret endured the
unspeakable hardships of slavery. Even after slavery was legally
abolished, injustices in education, employment, and law enforcement
have had an impact on African Americans in our society. Despite this,
communities of strength and virtue have prevailed, as we bear witness
today at this Moye family reunion.
While this is the 39th annual Moye family reunion, it is the first
one being held in Buffalo, and the city is honored to be the site of
celebration for a family with such rich history and traditions. Family
members descending from Eugene and Minnie, Daisy and Joseph, and
Georgia and Neb live in Buffalo today. Moye family members began moving
to Western New York as early as the 1930's, and thanks to the Moye
Family Historian, Gregory Moye, we are able to recount some aspects of
the family history today.
The Moye family is the embodiment of a virtuous family with a rich
history of obstacles that ultimately led to great perseverance and
triumph. Family members from all around the country have traveled and
sacrificed to be here today, for the simple and beautiful reason of
celebrating family with one another. Buffalo is honored to have been
called home for many members of the Moye family and I would ask my
colleagues to join me in extending a warm welcome to each member of the
Moye family and extend our best wishes for an enjoyable successful
celebration this year and for generations to come.
____________________