Lionel R. Collins, Sr. Post Office Building

Floor Speech

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Mr. RUSSELL. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2458) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5351 Lapalco Boulevard in Marrero, Louisiana, as the ``Lionel R. Collins, Sr. Post Office Building''.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 2458

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. LIONEL R. COLLINS, SR. POST OFFICE BUILDING.

(a) Designation.--The facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5351 Lapalco Boulevard in Marrero, Louisiana, shall be known and designated as the ``Lionel R. Collins, Sr. Post Office Building''.

(b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the ``Lionel R. Collins, Sr. Post Office Building''.
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Mr. RUSSELL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of H.R. 2458, introduced by Congressman Richmond of Louisiana. The bill designates the post office located at 5351 Lapalco Boulevard in Marrero, Louisiana, as the Lionel R. Collins, Sr. Post Office Building.

Madam Speaker, Judge Collins made history by being the first African American to win an elected office position in the Jefferson Parish of Louisiana. He dedicated his life to making New Orleans a more just and equal community.

Judge Collins was born in Harvey, Louisiana, and not only maintained his roots in the New Orleans area, but also contributed tremendously to the city.

After serving in the United States Army and graduating from Howard University School of Law, Judge Collins returned to New Orleans and initiated his career as a pioneering civil rights attorney. He led groundbreaking cases that overturned discriminatory practices. He also integrated West Jefferson Hospital and Jefferson Parish Public Schools.

In 1977, Judge Collins received an interim appointment from the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve as a judge. He was the first African American to do so. He was then reelected to serve a second term, during which his fellow judges elected to name him chief judge. He was the first African American to hold this position. Judge Collins broke further barriers, both in his courtroom decisions and in his personal accomplishments.

In 1988, Judge Collins passed away at the age of 60. Naming this postal facility for the Honorable Lionel Collins will memorialize his groundbreaking achievements in civil rights and his lifelong dedication to the New Orleans community.

I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

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Mr. RUSSELL. Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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