[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 116 (Tuesday, July 11, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E956]
From the Congressional Record Online through GPO




                           CLARENCE B. JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD NORCROSS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 11, 2017

  Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Clarence B. 
Jones, a towering civil rights figure and advocate for equality and 
justice. On June 6, 2017, family, friends and community members will 
gather for the renaming of the Palmyra High School Library and 
dedication of the newly created Dr. Clarence B. Jones Institute for 
Social Advocacy as a tribute to Dr. Jones.
   Dr. Jones was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 8, 1931. 
He attended Palmyra High School in Palmyra, situated in New Jersey's 
First Congressional District, where he graduated valedictorian of his 
class in 1949. Dr. Jones' valedictorian speech, entitled “Tomorrow a 
Better World,” called for breaking down racial barriers and marked the 
beginning of a life that would involve civil rights activism.
   After high school, Dr. Jones attended Columbia University, served 
the United States military during the Korean Conflict, and graduated 
from Boston University's School of Law.
   In 1960, after practicing law for a few years, Dr. Jones became the 
attorney and trusted advisor to iconic civil rights leader, the Rev. 
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
   In 1963, Dr. Jones played a vital role organizing and planning the 
historic March on Washington, D.C. alongside Dr. King. Dr. Jones also 
co-authored the “I Have a Dream” speech, regarded as the most notable 
civil rights address in U.S. history.
   Dr. Jones broke racial barriers in corporate America, becoming the 
first African American partner at a Wall Street banking investment 
firm.
   Dr. Clarence Jones is an honorable American, who has dedicated his 
life, voice, and actions to civil rights, and has inspired many to 
stand up for justice.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in saluting Dr. Jones for his 
service to our nation, his devotion to the civil rights movement and 
for his ongoing fight for equality in our great nation.

                          ____________________