Emanuel Celler
Emanuel Celler: A Life of Public Service and Leadership
Full Name and Common Aliases
Emanuel Hertz Celler was an American lawyer, politician, and congressman who served in the United States House of Representatives for nearly 50 years. He is often referred to by his initials "EC" or simply as "Manny" by those who knew him.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on January 6, 1888, in New York City, Emanuel Celler passed away on January 13, 1981, at the age of 93.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American by birth, Emanuel Celler was a lawyer by profession. He is also widely recognized for his distinguished career as a congressman, serving from 1923 to 1973 in the United States House of Representatives.
Early Life and Background
Emanuel Celler was born into a Jewish family in New York City's Lower East Side. His father, Julius Hertz Celler, was an immigrant from Germany who worked as a tailor. Emanuel's early life was marked by a strong emphasis on education and hard work, which would eventually serve him well in his future pursuits.
Growing up during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Emanuel witnessed firsthand the struggles of immigrants seeking to build new lives in America. This experience shaped his perspective and fueled his commitment to social justice and equality. He attended Columbia Law School, where he earned his law degree in 1912.
Major Accomplishments
Emanuel Celler's extensive career was marked by numerous significant accomplishments. Some notable achievements include:
Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee: In this role, Emanuel played a crucial part in shaping landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1957 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Author of the Civil Rights Act of 1948: Emanuel was instrumental in drafting and passing this significant piece of legislation, which helped to combat racial segregation and discriminatory practices.
Advocate for human rights and social justice: Throughout his career, Emanuel remained dedicated to promoting equality and protecting individual rights. He was a vocal advocate for the rights of immigrants, workers, and minorities.Notable Works or Actions
Emanuel Celler's dedication to public service and leadership extended far beyond his legislative achievements. Some notable works and actions include:
Keynote speaker: Emanuel frequently delivered keynote addresses at conferences, symposia, and other events focused on human rights, social justice, and international relations.
Author of articles and essays: He wrote extensively on topics related to law, politics, and social issues. His writings often appeared in reputable publications, including The New York Times and The Nation.
Recipient of honors and awards: Emanuel received numerous accolades for his contributions to public service and human rights, including the Albert Einstein Peace Prize.
Impact and Legacy
Emanuel Celler's impact on American society and politics cannot be overstated. His tireless efforts in promoting equality, justice, and human rights have left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations of leaders and activists.
Today, Emanuel Celler is remembered as one of the most influential and dedicated public servants of his time. His commitment to social justice, coupled with his passion for law and politics, has made him an enduring figure in American history.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Emanuel Celler's quotes and writings continue to be widely referenced due to their insight, wisdom, and relevance to contemporary issues. Some of the reasons why he is so frequently quoted include:
His unwavering dedication to human rights: Emanuel's commitment to promoting equality and protecting individual rights has made his words and actions a guiding light for those fighting for justice.
His expertise in law and politics: As a seasoned lawyer and congressman, Emanuel brought unparalleled knowledge and experience to the table, making his opinions and insights highly valued by scholars, policymakers, and activists alike.
* His enduring influence on American society: Emanuel's contributions to landmark legislation and his tireless advocacy for human rights have left an indelible mark on American history. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of leaders and change-makers.
As we reflect on the life and career of Emanuel Celler, it is clear that his impact extends far beyond his impressive list of accomplishments. He remains a powerful symbol of what can be achieved through dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
Quotes by Emanuel Celler
Roosevelt’s humor was broad, his manner friendly. Of wit there was little; of philosophy, none. What did he possess? Intuition, inspiration, love of adventure.
Roosevelt’s magic lay in one facet of his personality: He knew how to take the risk. No other man in public life I knew could so readily take the challenge of the new.
My wife – to-be and I went to see my father. Only he could answer the two questions before us: Shall we get married now? Shall I begin the practice of law, or continue being the successful wine salesman I had become, working my way through law school?
I became the head of the household. I went to school in the morning and sold wines all afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening.
In our house we repeated the pattern of thousands of other homes. There were a few books and a lot of music. Our food and our furniture were no different from our neighbors’.
I didn’t know then that I would never be able to leave the sounds and smells of these sights behind me, but I was fiercely conscious of one thing-my ambition.
Communism feeds on aggression, hatred, and the imprisonment of men’s minds and souls. This shall not take root in the United States.
We can’t have these great corporations crowding competition off the sidewalks. It’s like an elephant saying, “Everyone for himself,” as he dances among the chickens.
For the first 10 years of my life in Congress, I had been too timid to tell the truth as I saw it. In a way I had betrayed my trust.
If 6,000,000 cattle had been slaughtered, there would have been more interest. A way would have been found.