May 27, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 99 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E488-E489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF FLOYD WHITE, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 27, 2020

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Floyd 
White, Sr., who

[[Page E489]]

passed away on April 1, 2020 at the age of 90. He was a well-known 
advocate in the Fresno, California community and a role model for many 
in the Central Valley. A true trailblazer, Floyd and his brother James 
were the first African American fire fighters in the City of Fresno.
  Floyd White, Sr. was born in Oklahoma; he and his family moved to 
Fresno, California when he was young. He excelled in sports and 
academics at Edison High School and Fresno City College, playing 
football and running track and field. Floyd was a veteran of the United 
States Army, serving in the Korean War and earning the rank of 
Sergeant.
  On September 1, 1954, Floyd White, Sr. and brother, James White made 
history as the first African American firefighters in the City of 
Fresno. Floyd would make history as Fresno's very first African 
American Fire Chief. Throughout his career, he fought for equal rights, 
higher education, and fair employment for all. Floyd won a historic 
lawsuit against the City of Fresno for racial discrimination alongside 
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, then Commissioner of the Equal 
Employment Opportunity Commission. During his time in the force, he was 
mentor to young African American fire fighters and made sure they had 
an ally to turn to. He truly had a passion for standing up for what is 
right and helping others during times of need.
  Floyd dedicated much of his time to the community he loved dearly. He 
was an honorary Deacon of Saint Rest Baptist Church and was past 
Commander of the American Legion Post 511. Floyd was a lifetime member 
of The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and an Eternal member with Highest 
Honors of the 33rd Degree Free Masons Raisin City Lodge Number Five. 
Following his retirement from the Fresno Fire Department, Floyd was 
sure to stay busy. He became a business owner, worked as a corrections 
officer, substitute teacher and bus driver.
  He is survived by his beloved wife, Whelma Jean White; sons Floyd L. 
White, Jr. and Cedric W. White, Sr.; and daughters Carolyn J. White, 
Jennifer L. White, Rae L. White and Donzetta White Hale. He also leaves 
behind his brother James Porter White, sister-in-law Joyful White, and 
many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and loving 
friends.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of 
Representatives to join me in celebrating Mr. Floyd White, Sr. I join 
his family, friends, and the community in celebrating his great life.

                          ____________________