Floor SpeechUrgent2026-04-15

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. SALLIE CHEW BAKER

TaxesEnvironmentTradeLabor

Context

On 2026-04-15, Representative Eugene Simon Vindman (D-VA-7) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. SALLIE CHEW BAKER" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, trade policy.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. SALLIE CHEW BAKER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E328-E329] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. SALLIE CHEW BAKER ______ HON. EUGENE SIMON VINDMAN of virginia in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Mr. VINDMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Sallie Chew Baker also known affectionately as ``Dear Mama.'' Born in 1885, Mrs. Baker was a respected businesswoman, educator, and spiritual leader who left a lasting impact throughout the Caroline County Community. Mrs. Baker's legacy continues to live on through the countless lives she touched. [[Page E329]] Alongside her late husband, Dansberry Abraham Lincoln Baker Sr., she raised six children--Judge, Napoleon, Druscilla, Dansberry Jr., Proft, and Lloyd. However, she didn't just stop there, she opened her home to children across the community, creating a safe, nurturing environment where everyone felt welcomed and cared for. A devoted community leader, Mrs. Baker owned and operated a grocery store that not only provided essential goods but also served as a critical place for families in need to shop. Her kindness and compassion were evident in every part of her work, always putting others before herself. Her commitment to preserving history was equally remarkable. Mrs. Baker played an important role in protecting the historic Guinea one- room schoolhouse, which served Black students from 1918 to 1959. When the community plan to convert the site into a beer garden, she fought tirelessly to preserve its legacy. In a defining moment, she attended an auction at Union Bank & Trust and successfully put in a bid for $575 to reclaim the building--an act that earned her deep respect not just from her immediate community, but those who also doubted her abilities. After securing the property, she transformed the schoolhouse into the Ever-Ready Club, a space to uplift children and ensure they had access to the resources and opportunities needed to succeed. In 1962, Mrs. Baker then donated the land to be used for the new Macedonia Baptist Church in Woodford, Virginia. In recognition of her remarkable gift, she was honored as the church's first ``Mother'' and had the distinction of cutting the ribbon on Easter Sunday, April 14, 1963. More than six decades later, the church continues to serve as a spiritual home for many Virginians. I want to personally honor Mrs. Baker for her contributions and unwavering commitment to the Caroline County community. I also want to thank family, friends, and members of Macedonia Baptist Church for their ongoing service and dedication to strengthening our community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Baker, and her legacy of faith and community leadership. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. SALLIE CHEW BAKER Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E328-E329] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. SALLIE CHEW BAKER ______ HON. EUGENE SIMON VINDMAN of virginia in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Mr. VINDMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Sallie Chew Baker also known affectionately as ``Dear Mama.'' Born in 1885, Mrs. Baker was a respected businesswoman, educator, and spiritual leader who left a lasting impact throughout the Caroline County Community. Mrs. Baker's legacy continues to live on through the countless lives she touched. [[Page E329]] Alongside her late husband, Dansberry Abraham Lincoln Baker Sr., she raised six children--Judge, Napoleon, Druscilla, Dansberry Jr., Proft, and Lloyd. However, she didn't just stop there, she opened her home to children across the community, creating a safe, nurturing environment where everyone felt welcomed and cared for. A devoted community leader, Mrs. Baker owned and operated a grocery store that not only provided essential goods but also served as a critical place for families in need to shop. Her kindness and compassion were evident in every part of her work, always putting others before herself. Her commitment to preserving history was equally remarkable. Mrs. Baker played an important role in protecting the historic Guinea one- room schoolhouse, which served Black students from 1918 to 1959. When the community plan to convert the site into a beer garden, she fought tirelessly to preserve its legacy. In a defining moment, she attended an auction at Union Bank & Trust and successfully put in a bid for $575 to reclaim the building--an act that earned her deep respect not just from her immediate community, but those who also doubted her abilities. After securing the property, she transformed the schoolhouse into the Ever-Ready Club, a space to uplift children and ensure they had access to the resources and opportunities needed to succeed. In 1962, Mrs. Baker then donated the land to be used for the new Macedonia Baptist Church in Woodford, Virginia. In recognition of her remarkable gift, she was honored as the church's first ``Mother'' and had the distinction of cutting the ribbon on Easter Sunday, April 14, 1963. More than six decades later, the church continues to serve as a spiritual home for many Virginians. I want to personally honor Mrs. Baker for her contributions and unwavering commitment to the Caroline County community. I also want to thank family, friends, and members of Macedonia Baptist Church for their ongoing service and dedication to strengthening our community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Baker, and her legacy of faith and community leadership. ____________________