Mourning the Death of C. Michael Savage

MOURNING THE DEATH OF C. MICHAEL SAVAGE -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 12, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. JESSE L. JACKSON, JR.
OF ILLINOIS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MONDAY, JULY 12, 2004

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to the life of Clarence Michael Savage, a model of compassion, commitment, and community service, who passed away on June 24. Mike was a man of strong personal faith, and a devout advocate of social justice.

A graduate of St. Louis University, Mike began his career of service working on behalf of lower-income neighborhoods in St. Louis and migrant farm workers throughout the country. Mike was known as a champion for the rights of people marginalized in our society. He served as the CEO of the Access Community Health Network in Chicago from 1994 until his tragic death last month. Mike was innovative in his approach to serving the working poor, uninsured and medically underserved. During his tenure at Access, Mike led the organization through unprecedented change as the organization grew from nine to forty-one health centers serving more than 160,000 patients annually.

Throughout his career, Mike was unyielding in his pursuit of justice. Before joining Access, Mike served as Executive Director of Fenway Community Health Center in Boston. He also worked for Heartland Alliance Travelers & Immigrants Aid and United Neighborhood Organization of Near Southwest Chicago. Mike was also active in many organizations nationally and locally, including National Healthy Start Association, United Power for Action and Justice, and the Chicago Chapter of Dignity USA.

Those of us who were privileged to have known him, will remember his incredible passion for addressing the underserved and his commitment to those in the fight with him. He was a visionary, he was a leader, and he was a friend. I extend my deepest condolences to Andy Swan, his partner, his family, and all those who join me in treasuring
Mike's memory.