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Edna Griffin biographical information, 1998
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Senator Tom Harkin May 15, 1998 Urban Dreams 1400 6th Avenue Des Moines. Iowa Dear Friends: I regret that I am unable to be at your gathering in person today due to prior commitments that I have made. But I am very happy and honored to add my congratulations to Mrs. Edna Griffin for receiving the Urban Dreams Trailblazer's Award. More importantly, I want to congratulate and to thank Edna Griffin for what she DID to earn the right to be called a "trailblazer", for indeed she was just that. We have to be in awe, don't we, of the few who even think of taking actions that are unthinkable at the time? In 1948, blacks were not allowed to be served in restaurants and eateries in Des Moines as well as many other town and cities in our country. At that time, not very many blacks or whites even thought of protesting that tradition. But Edna Griffin thought of an alternative. In fact she had the idea and the courage to take a risk, to ignore fears, and to simply take her beloved baby and two black friends into Katz Drug Store and order sodas. Edna Griffin's action could be called one of the beginning shots of the peaceful civil rights revolution that has brought us all to a more equal and civilized society. And Edna has taken us further herself by her unending organizing and educating to pull us toward the "prize" if true equality in our country. I am sure Edna would be among the first to acknowledge as well, that we have " promises to keep and miles to go before we sleep." Yes Edna I am honored and humbled to say to you today thank you for your vision. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for keeping our hope alive. Sincerely, [actual signature] Tom Harkin United States Senator ( Not paid for at government expense)
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Senator Tom Harkin May 15, 1998 Urban Dreams 1400 6th Avenue Des Moines. Iowa Dear Friends: I regret that I am unable to be at your gathering in person today due to prior commitments that I have made. But I am very happy and honored to add my congratulations to Mrs. Edna Griffin for receiving the Urban Dreams Trailblazer's Award. More importantly, I want to congratulate and to thank Edna Griffin for what she DID to earn the right to be called a "trailblazer", for indeed she was just that. We have to be in awe, don't we, of the few who even think of taking actions that are unthinkable at the time? In 1948, blacks were not allowed to be served in restaurants and eateries in Des Moines as well as many other town and cities in our country. At that time, not very many blacks or whites even thought of protesting that tradition. But Edna Griffin thought of an alternative. In fact she had the idea and the courage to take a risk, to ignore fears, and to simply take her beloved baby and two black friends into Katz Drug Store and order sodas. Edna Griffin's action could be called one of the beginning shots of the peaceful civil rights revolution that has brought us all to a more equal and civilized society. And Edna has taken us further herself by her unending organizing and educating to pull us toward the "prize" if true equality in our country. I am sure Edna would be among the first to acknowledge as well, that we have " promises to keep and miles to go before we sleep." Yes Edna I am honored and humbled to say to you today thank you for your vision. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for keeping our hope alive. Sincerely, [actual signature] Tom Harkin United States Senator ( Not paid for at government expense)
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