Floor SpeechCeremonial2024-12-11

HONORING THE LIFE OF NORMA GRIFFIN

EducationInfrastructure

Context

On 2024-12-11, Representative Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF NORMA GRIFFIN" in the House. The speech addressed education and also covered infrastructure.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE OF NORMA GRIFFIN

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 184 (Wednesday, December 11, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 184 (Wednesday, December 11, 2024)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1262-E1263] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF NORMA GRIFFIN ______ HON. MARK DeSAULNIER of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Norma Griffin. Norma was born in New York City where she was raised with her sister Rita. Norma [[Page E1263]] earned her B.A. from Hunter College and her M.A. from Teachers College at Columbia University. She married her husband, Ralph, in 1960 and the couple moved to California shortly after. The Griffins settled in Concord, California where they raised their two sons, Ralph and Steven. Throughout her life, Norma was deeply committed to her community and empowering young people. She was a devoted educator for over three decades, teaching in the New York public school system, Oakland Unified School District, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, and overseas in Japan and France. On top of her teaching, Norma was also dedicated to serving her community and was a leader in Contra Costa County. She was a founding member of the Black Families Association of Central Contra Costa County, a member of the Friends of the Concord Library, and served as president of the American Association of University Women's Concord Chapter. Norma received a number of accolades for her contributions, including the 1995 Mason McDuffie Teacher of the Year award and being named Woman of the Year for State Assembly District 11 in 2008. Norma was a multifaceted woman with many interests and hobbies. She was a talented musician and was a member of the Schola Cantorum of New York, Oakland Symphony Chorus, and a piano student at Julliard School of Music. She also enjoyed reading, crocheting, and traveling. She visited 36 out of 50 states and traveled to six continents. Sadly, Norma passed away, leaving behind her sons, niece Michelle Cambridge, cousin Joyce (Edwards) Palmer, longtime friend Cheryl Hazell-Small, and her godchildren Monique and Shadrick Small. Norma will be remembered for her courage, kindness, and determination. Please join me in honoring Norma Griffin. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE OF NORMA GRIFFIN Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 184 (Wednesday, December 11, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 184 (Wednesday, December 11, 2024)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1262-E1263] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF NORMA GRIFFIN ______ HON. MARK DeSAULNIER of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Norma Griffin. Norma was born in New York City where she was raised with her sister Rita. Norma [[Page E1263]] earned her B.A. from Hunter College and her M.A. from Teachers College at Columbia University. She married her husband, Ralph, in 1960 and the couple moved to California shortly after. The Griffins settled in Concord, California where they raised their two sons, Ralph and Steven. Throughout her life, Norma was deeply committed to her community and empowering young people. She was a devoted educator for over three decades, teaching in the New York public school system, Oakland Unified School District, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, and overseas in Japan and France. On top of her teaching, Norma was also dedicated to serving her community and was a leader in Contra Costa County. She was a founding member of the Black Families Association of Central Contra Costa County, a member of the Friends of the Concord Library, and served as president of the American Association of University Women's Concord Chapter. Norma received a number of accolades for her contributions, including the 1995 Mason McDuffie Teacher of the Year award and being named Woman of the Year for State Assembly District 11 in 2008. Norma was a multifaceted woman with many interests and hobbies. She was a talented musician and was a member of the Schola Cantorum of New York, Oakland Symphony Chorus, and a piano student at Julliard School of Music. She also enjoyed reading, crocheting, and traveling. She visited 36 out of 50 states and traveled to six continents. Sadly, Norma passed away, leaving behind her sons, niece Michelle Cambridge, cousin Joyce (Edwards) Palmer, longtime friend Cheryl Hazell-Small, and her godchildren Monique and Shadrick Small. Norma will be remembered for her courage, kindness, and determination. Please join me in honoring Norma Griffin. ____________________