[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 2] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 1711-1712] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]A TRIBUTE TO CLAUDIE C. ROYAL ______ HON. RANDY NEUGEBAUER of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, February 23, 2010 Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, in celebration of Black History Month, I want to recognize Claudie C. Royal for his dedication to the 19th Congressional District of Texas, as well as his leadership in honoring Black History Month in Abilene, Texas. Although Claudie passed away in 2008, the Abilene community continues to carry on his memory and the initiatives he started. Claudie was born on February 15, 1945 in Marlin, Texas, and raised in Abilene where he graduated from Woodson High School. After high school, Claudie married his high school sweetheart, Lula, on April 13, 1964. He also attended Cisco Jr. College and was an active member of Plum Street United Methodist Church. For over 18 years, Claudie was employed by the Keebler Cookie Company. Abilene remembers Claudie for planning many community activities and for his boldness in executing these plans. He dedicated his life to the youth, the elderly, the truly disadvantaged and those in the community who were not being treated fairly. He encouraged others to become involved in the community. In 1980, Claudie organized an annual march honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Today that annual march and associated activities are widely acknowledged and participated in by the citizens of Abilene. In 1981, Claudie was the driving force behind the development of a park constructed in the community of Pasadena Heights in Abilene. Through Claudie's influence, the park was named to honor Mr. Nelson Wilson, Sr., a community leader and long time resident of the city. In 1989, Claudie established H.O.P.E., a successful organization devoted to stopping and preventing youth drug use. In 1995, he was honored with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Services Award. After his death, the Abilene City Council permanently named February 15 as Claudie C. Royal Day to honor him. Claudie was a strong Christian and family man. Claudie and Lula had 5 children: Michael, Cedric, deceased, Michelle, Mitchell and Matthias Royal, and five grandchildren: Mylles, Michael Ryan, BriAnna, Myller, and Mylliah. [[Page 1712]] During Black History Month, we pay tribute to generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity and made great contributions to shaping our Nation. We should keep in mind those who made a difference in their communities, and Claudie Royal truly made a difference in Abilene, Texas. The 19th Congressional District thanks Claudie for the imprint he left on his community. Even though he is no longer with us, we remember his devoted service to Abilene. ____________________