Danny Davis

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Rules and Appropriations Committee for bringing my amendment to the floor. My amendment increases funding for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture Research and Education Activities account by $2 million by decreasing the Agriculture Building and Facilities account. I am pleased that my colleague, Bobby Rush, co-leads this amendment with me. The goal of the amendment is to increase funding for the Multicultural Scholars Program designed to increase the diversity of the food and agricultural scientific and professional workforce. Currently, the Multicultural Scholars Program receives only about $945,000 a year. This level of funding is critically low, given the current racial/ethnicity gaps in food and agricultural sciences and given the fact that communities of color were disproportionately harmed by the dual economic and health crises in our country. For example, even though people of color represent nearly one-quarter of the U.S. population, farmers of color comprise less than 4 percent of owner-operators. Similarly, about 75 percent of registered dieticians and nutritionists are White. In contrast, only 4 percent of dieticians identify as Asian; 3.3 percent as Latinx; 2.5 percent identify as Black; 1 percent identify as Native Hawaiian-Pacific Islander; and 0.6 percent identify as American Indian or Native Alaskan. My amendment is an important step to increasing grants to low-income minority students who attend colleges and universities that serve high percentages of individuals underrepresented in these fields. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for the opportunity to present.

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Reverend Dr. Ronald Myers, who was one of the real reasons that President Biden was able to sign into law Juneteenth as a national holiday. Reverend Myers was founder of numerous medical and cultural organizations and a committed physician, serving the poorest Americans through clinics in Tchula, Belzoni, Yazoo City, Indianola, Greenville, and Tupelo, Mississippi. Doc was also a jazz musician, composer, and human rights activist. The New York Times stated: ``There aren't many doctors like Ronald Myers, a jazz-playing, Baptist-preaching, family practitioner whose dream has always been to practice medicine in the kind of place most other doctors wouldn't even stop for a tank of gas.'' In 1994, a group of community leaders from across the country gathered at Christian Unity Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana, to work for greater national recognition of Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating the end of slavery. Dr. Myers was elected chairman of this advocacy effort, which led to the establishment of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation and his recognition as the leader of the modern Juneteenth movement in America. Doc was instrumental in the passage of 45 of the 49 State and District of Columbia pieces of legislation naming Juneteenth as a day of observance in this country. Working with the Congressional Black Caucus, which included Illinois Senator Barack Obama and Representative Danny Davis, he sought legislation to recognize Juneteenth independence, hosting the annual Juneteenth prayer breakfasts. He established the Washington Juneteenth National Holiday Observance and the National Day of Reconciliation and Healing from the Legacy of Enslavement, which includes the National Juneteenth Black Holocaust ``Maafa'' Memorial Service. Dr. Myers organized the National Association of Juneteenth Jazz Presenters and the Fellowship of Creative Christian Jazz Musicians. Under his leadership, the Washington Juneteenth congressional event was held by the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, Juneteenth America, Inc., and the National Association of Juneteenth Jazz Presenters. An accomplished jazz pianist, trumpeter, and composer, Dr. Myers performed across the country promoting ``June is Black Music Month!''-- Celebrating Juneteenth Jazz--``Preserving Our African American Jazz Legacy!'' For over 20 years, he met with State politicians, local Juneteenth organizations, and community leaders. Charles Taylor, author of Juneteenth, said: ``Doc would give a copy of my Juneteenth book to every Governor who made Juneteenth a holiday or observance. He even gave Sarah Palin a copy when she was the Governor of Alaska after her State recognized Juneteenth.'' At an award ceremony at the Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts at the Saban Theatre, founder Rabbi David Baron said: ``Reverend Dr. Ronald V. Myers is an outstanding living model of all the values for which Martin Luther King stood.'' Thanks to Steve Williams, who has carried on Dr. Myers' work; and my staffer, Dr. Caleb Gilchrist, who has worked closely with him. Thank you, Dr. Myers, and may you rest in peace.

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday to celebrate the ending of the most horrific period and the most horrific policy and practices this Nation has ever known: slavery. I heard one of my colleagues suggest a moment ago that perhaps the cost of Juneteenth is not known. I guarantee you, Madam Speaker, that whatever the cost, it will not come close to the cost of slavery. Juneteenth is the recognition that darkness can come to light and that there is a celebration as my forefathers and -mothers struggled to endure the horror they experienced. So, celebrating Juneteenth as a national holiday is simply an idea whose time has come. Madam Speaker, I am proud to vote for the resolution.

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, Rev. Ronald V. `Doc' Myers, Sr., M.D. (February 29, 1956--September 7, 2018), was the first ordained and commissioned medical missionary to America's poorest region, the Mississippi Delta, by the Wisconsin Baptist Pastors Conference and Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, in Milwaukee, in 1990. Rev. Myers was the founder of numerous medical and cultural organizations and a committed physician serving the poorest Americans through clinics in Tchula, Belzoni, Yazoo City, Indianola, Greenville and Tupelo, Mississippi. `Doc' was also a jazz musician, composer and human rights activist. The New York Times stated, ``There aren't many doctors like Ronald Myers, a jazz-playing, Baptist-preaching, family practitioner whose dream has always been to practice medicine in the kind of place most other doctors wouldn't even stop for a tank of gas.'' In 1994 a group of community leaders from across the country gathered at Christian Unity Baptist Church in New Orleans, to work for greater national recognition of Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating the end of slavery. Myers was elected Chairman of this advocacy effort which lead to the establishment of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation and his recognition as the leader of the ``Modern Juneteenth Movement'' in America. Doc was instrumental in the passage of 45 of the 49 state and District of Columbia's pieces of legislation naming Juneteenth as a Day of Observance in this country. Working with the Black Congressional Caucus which included Illinois Senator Barack Obama and Representative Danny Davis, he sought legislation to recognize Juneteenth Independence, hosting the annual Juneteenth Prayer Breakfasts. He established the Washington Juneteenth National Holiday Observance and the National Day of Reconciliation & Healing From the Legacy of Enslavement, which includes the National Juneteenth Black Holocaust ``Maafa'' Memorial Service. Dr. Myers organized the National Association of Juneteenth Jazz Presenters, and the Fellowship of Creative Christian Jazz Musicians. Under his leadership, the Washington Juneteenth Congressional Event was held by the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, Juneteenth America, Inc. & the National Association of Juneteenth Jazz Presenters. An accomplished jazz pianist, trumpeter and composer, Myers performed across the country promoting ``June Is Black Music Month!''-- Celebrating Juneteenth Jazz--``Preserving Our African American Jazz Legacy!'' For over 20 years, Doc met with state politicians, local Juneteenth organizations and community leaders Charles Taylor, author of Juneteenth said, ``Doc would give a copy of my Juneteenth book to every governor who made Juneteenth a holiday or observance. He even gave Sarah Palin a copy when she was the governor of Alaska after her state recognized Juneteenth.'' At an award ceremony of the Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts at the Saban Theatre, founder Rabbi David Baron said, ``Reverend Dr. Ronald V. Myers is an outstanding living model of all the values for which Martin Luther King stood.''

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Mrs. Charlotte Hodder on her retirement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, where she was hired as a nurse consultant on February 5, 1995. Mrs. Hodder is a veteran of the United States Army, where she was a Specialist-E-4 from August 25, 1975 to January 22, 1980. Mrs. Hodder was in the Women's Army Corps, which in 1978 merged into the U..S. Army. They were the first female soldiers that had to qualify with a rifle. During basic training, she was assigned as a permanent Squad Leader. In this role, she was responsible for supervising, motivating and maintaining accountability and ensuring soldier readiness. Mrs. Hodder was trained in several areas, including Quartermaster or Warehouse Specialist, Audio Visual Specialist and Office Management Specialist. As a Quartermaster Specialist, she was trained to track, pack, and ship items that others needed. As an Audio-Visual Specialist, she was trained to track, pack, ship, and prepare training material that military units needed to train their personnel. She also maintained the equipment needed to show the training material on. As an Office Management Specialist, she was assigned overseas for two years. During these two years, she handled the Official Government Mail and encrypted messages for her base. She wrote the Operations Manual for how to handle the classified mail, encrypted messages, and personnel management. During her time as an Office Management Specialist, she was assigned to work in the Base Commander's building for most of her tour of duty. In addition, she was assigned as the main company clerk for the Supply Company for a few weeks. This involved ensuring that the company correspondence and any personnel concerns were continually being processed. The opportunity to spend two years overseas, enhanced her ability to adapt to adverse situations, communicate with others in an effective manner, and to be continually aware of cultural differences. She received an Army Commendation Medal for her exceptional contribution to their Mission. During her time in the Military, she was selected as Soldier of the Month in Fort Stewart, GA, and Camp Carroll, South Korea. This honor was received after stiff competition in front of Senior Military Enlisted soldiers. The competition involves presenting oneself in proper Military Uniform, answering several questions regarding the Military and current events. Her competition for Soldier of the Month at Ft. Stewart, GA consisted of Male Infantry Soldiers who had training for combat roles. The General, as the most senior management, of this base were quite impressed when she was selected. ``May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields and, Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.''

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Representative Sheila Jackson Lee for reminding us what a difference 100 years make. But, you know, 100 years or so ago, there was a race riot in Searcy, Arkansas. Thousands of African Americans were murdered. A little more than 100 years ago, there was a riot in Chicago, Illinois, where hundreds of African Americans were injured. But then 100 years ago in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Black Wall Street, a community where people had labored, worked hard, seriously put everything into it that they could, was destroyed. Yet in my town, there is a John Rogers, who is a descendant. His great grandfather owned the hotel. John Hope Franklin, the great historian, his relatives were part of that massacre and the events surrounding it. So Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, thank you for reminding us that we can never forget and never go back.

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding to me. I also want to commend her for her outstanding leadership of her committee. I also want to take a moment to commend my colleague who has been championing D.C. statehood before I even came to Congress. You know, I have listened intently to all of the arguments, and it always gets back to one: How are the people in D.C. more likely to vote? Are they are going to vote more likely Democratic? Are they going to vote for Democrats? Well, let me tell you, I have got people in my district who vote Republican. Can you imagine that? They vote Republican. But we don't deny them the right to vote, and we don't deny them the right to representation. All that we are seeking and all that we are asking for is simply the principle of no taxation without representation. I think we learned that in grammar school when we took U.S. history, when we first learned how great this country is and how great it can be. I look forward to the people of Washington, D.C., having all rights of citizenship as a member of a State, voting in the greatest State in the country when it becomes one, Washington, D.C.

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, Bishop Charles E. Davis was born in Leland, Mississippi in 1923, he graduated from high school in 1940 and migrated to Chicago, Illinois. In 1940 at the age of 19, he joined the military and participated in World War II. In the military, Charles Edward Davis spent time in France, Holland, and Germany. He was a good soldier and attained the rank of Sergeant. After the war, he returned to Chicago and with his friend James McDonald, they opened an upholstery business and through his friendship with the McDonald Family he was introduced to the Indiana Avenue Pentecostal Church. He was welcomed into Indiana Avenue by Elder Charles Ellis and enjoyed going there and being with the people. After the passing of Elder Ellis the new Pastor Elder Odee Akins recognized the leadership abilities of the young man and assigned him to leadership roles. He served as Sunday School Superintendent, Young Peoples Leader and President of the Senior Choir, all of the time growing in spirituality and experiencing the call to preach. In 1970, Elder Charles E. Davis was elected Pastor of the Indiana Avenue Pentecostal Church after the death of Elder Atkins. He soon resigned from his job at Hart, Schaftner and Marx and became a full- time Pastor and the rest became history. The church grew, new programs were established, community outreach took place, the church acquired property in the area as both Elder Davis and the church rose in religious, social, and political circles. Elder Charles Davis and his wife of 43 years Geraldine Olivia Davis were actively involved in all aspects of community life and in 1986 he was elevated to Bishop. After the death of his wife Geraldine he was blessed to wed again in 2004, to his second wife Dr. Jessie Bell Ray and they continued to provide great leadership until his death and being on earth for 98 years Bishop Charles Edwards Davis went home to meet his maker, May He Rest In Peace.

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mrs. Lottie Mae Smith, a lover of children, an outstanding resident, and a true Christian spirit. Mrs. Smith was born in Lake Village, Arkansas, a few miles from where I was born, raised and grew up. Mrs. Smith like many others who grew up in rural Southeast, Arkansas migrated to Chicago, Illinois seeking a better life. Mrs. Smith confessed Christ at an early age in Lake Village where she was a member of the Woodson Temple Church. Once in Chicago she united with True Vine Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend C.L. Cavers where she served on the Mother's Board and the Pastor's Aide Ministry. She initially worked as a Cashier at Market Basket Super Market but because of her love for children she switched careers and worked as a Nanny for the rest of her career until retirement. Lottie was a loving wife, mother, and friend. She married the love of her life Chuck Smith in 1972 and they were inseparable. She leaves to mourn her daughters Loretta K. Brady, Jovanda Schafrik and Charlene Markham and Godson Larry Young, a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to one of Chicago's brightest lights who recently passed away at the age of 97, Mr. Herman Roberts. The Chicago Sun-Times wrote that Herman Roberts came to Chicago with nothing during the ``Great Migration and ended up a tycoon''. At one time or another he owned 35 taxis, eight motels, a nightclub, which swung with some of the world's greatest stars, a bowling alley, a skating rink, and oil wells on a 2000-acre ranch in Oklahoma. Mr. Roberts grew up as one of six children in Beggs, Oklahoma, around his age of about 12 his family moved to Chicago where he went to Burke Elementary and Englewood High School on the southside of the city. After high school he went into the taxicab business and built a fleet in the Black Community when and where white owned cabs usually would not transport Black patrons. In the early 1950's he opened his first lounge, the Lucky Spot and a few years later The Roberts Show Lounge in a garage building where he had once housed his taxicabs. Mr. Roberts was a genius at booking and showmanship. Stars like Nina Simone, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Sammy Davis Jr., Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, Red Foxx, Moms Mabley, Dick Gregory and others were regular features. In 1960, he built his first motel on 63rd Street, then six more. In 1974, he installed a removable stage in the parking lot and brought in stars like Count Basie, Billy Eckstine, Ramsey Lewis, Della Reese and Nipsey Russell to name a few. Mr. Roberts did not only spend time looking after his business in Chicago; but also spent time at the ranch in Oklahoma. At its peak his ranch had several oil wells, 100 horses, pigs, French breed of cattle and peacocks. In addition to everything else that Mr. Roberts was and did, the Roberts Motel 500 Room was a major launching pad for the official kick off of The Harold Washington Campaign for Mayor which changed Chicago Politics forever. I say congratulations to Mr. Herman Roberts on all his outstanding achievements and thanks to his children and grandchildren for keeping his legacy and spirit alive, especially to his daughter Sharla Roberts, Director of Procurement Diversity at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, this is the day that millions of Americans have been waiting for, and now it is here. This is the day that we get serious about cutting child poverty in half, about putting millions of doses in the arms of people, vaccinations that they will get. This is the day when individuals know that their unemployment check is coming. They have hope because now they can pay their rent, pay the mortgage, buy the baby milk, get the automobile repaired. This is the day that the pastor at my church would say that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. I say this is the day that we restore the economy of America and save our Nation.

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, the United States of America is home to hundreds and thousands of people of Ghanaian heritage including those who were born on this soil to those whose family emigrated here for education, job, or economic opportunities-- for the American dream. Ghanaian Americans are an important fabric in the tapestry of America from the cab driver to the medical doctor. You will find them in all parts of the country from Chicago to New York to suburban Ohio and Massachusetts. The culture is hard to ignore with rich food, the iconic Kente cloth, storytelling, inventions, architecture, and music. Today more than ever Ghanaians living in the United States worry about racial injustice, home ownership, access to education, access to small business and immigration support. Like many Americans, the Ghanaian community in America is not exempt from the COVID-19 crisis. Ghanaian Americans are essential workers and are very active in the health care industry, especially as nurses, personal care aides, and nursing assistants. Ghanaians are included in the 27.5 percent of all Black immigrant workers in the U.S.--more than 750,000--who work in the healthcare sector. Additionally, essential workers include frontline workers in other key industries like food and service & hospitality and leisure. And Ghanaian Americans have been contributing to the success and business continuity of important industries during these dire times. Ghanaian Americans are included in 23 percent of immigrants in the U.S. who work in the food and service industry, as well as 20 percent of immigrants in the U.S. who work in hospitality and leisure. We recognize March 6, 2021 as the 64th anniversary of Ghana's independence, its thriving heritage and the rich contributions of its people who are important members of our community.

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, to be of service to humanity is one of the greatest attributes one can have. Such was the life and character traits of Davies Johnson. Born and raised in rural Arkansas on the border of Louisiana, in the little town of Wilmot, Arkansas, Davies married his childhood sweetheart Mabel Parker in 1953 and migrated to Chicago, Illinois where they made their home and their lives. Davies was employed by the Burlington Railroad where he began as a Porter and became a Crane Operator and retired as a Supervisor after thirty-three years. Mr. Johnson was always kind and considerate. He was Christian-orientated and joined the Lord's Way Missionary Baptist Church in 1973. At Lord's Way, Mr. Johnson served on the Trustee Board, Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of the Deacon Board and as anything else the church needed him to do. Deacon Johnson was a stalwart in his family and the community where he lived. He was a man of high standards and was well regarded by all who knew him. The world became a better place because Davies Johnson lived, and my life was enriched by knowing him. May he rest in peace.

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise with respect to honor the life of Mr. Edward William Hill. Edward was born to the union of Johnnie Edward and Mary Frances Hill on November 12, 1957 at Provident Hospital in Chicago, IL. His friends and family knew him as ``Sputnik'', a nickname given to him by his father as he was born after the launch of the world's first space satellite. Edward accepted Christ at an early age, and was baptized at Vernon Baptist Church. He later became a member of Lilydale First Baptist Church, where he was a member for over 40 years. The Hill family built their first home in the Chatham area of Chicago, where Edward and his sisters attended John Marshall Harlan High School. During his time at Harlan, Edward was heavily involved in sports and community activities, and in his senior year he was Prom King for the Harlan class of 1976. Edward matriculated to Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA where he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration in 1980. After graduating college, he attended Roosevelt University Chicago, where he received his Master of Public Administration in 1982 with a concentration in Health Administration. He became a professional healthcare administrator at various facilities throughout the City of Chicago, including, Executive Director of Provident Hospital, Manager of the Eye Care Physician & Surgeons of Illinois Ltd, Administrator of the Harvey Medical Family Medical Center, Executive Director of the Dorothy Rivers Family Women Shelter and the Claude W.B. Holman Komed Health Facility. He also served as an adjunct-lecturer at Chicago State University and Malcolm X City College where he taught courses in Business Management. Edward was a true sportsman and enjoyed playing baseball as an outfielder with the Tuley Park Little League Association. He played basketball with the Avalon YMCA, and was an avid league bowler at each of his parent businesses, Halsted Bowl and Skyway Bowl. Edward was also a great tennis player. Known for his jokes and comical character, he was always the life of every party. He was a proud father, and one of his greatest joys was the birth of his son, Edward, Jr. Edward had a big heart and was a joy to his family and friends. He made his transition on Thursday, February 11, 2021, at 11:31 p.m. Edward was preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Edward, and his older brother, Johnnie, Jr. He is survived by his beloved mother, Mary Frances; son, Edward, Jr.; mother of his son, Jessie Maroy; sisters, Brunetta Ann Hill Corley (Rico) and Marilyn Frances Booker; aunts, Joan Hill of Chicago, IL and Viola Daniel of Valley Grande, AL, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. To the Hill family, my deepest condolences, and thoughts during this transition period. I am always reminded of these words in time of grief, ``May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.''

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a good man. Mr. Benny M. Montgomery. Benny was born and raised on the Westside of Chicago, graduated from Farragut High School with honors and attended Roosevelt University where he received a bachelor's degree in Public Administration. Benny was always interested in Public Affairs and started work with Congresswoman Cardiss Collins where he remained for 16 years until she retired. In 1997, Benny began work for and with Congressman Danny K. Davis when he became a legend among social activists, health activist, and especially HIV-AIDS activists. Benny was as solid as a rock, had a very creative mind and used his talents to the utmost. He was a key organizer of the Westside Aids Task Force, worked with other HIV groups such as Howard Brown, the Ruth Rothstein Core Center, did training and Sunday afternoon forums at churches. Ben became the voice and face, the black leader of the fight against AIDS and HIV in the 7th District and citywide. Benny Montgomery, Mark Loveless, and Michael O'Conner became known as the 3 musketeers in the fight against AIDS. Ben came up with the Red Ribbon Lottery Ticket as a way of raising money for HIV-AIDS awareness organizations whose budgets were 100,000 dollars or less. The first year it generated 1.4 million and the second year 2.4 million. Ben helped create and led the 7th CD Task Force on Fathers and Families. Today it is a full fledged 501 C3 Tax Exempt Organization under the leadership of Rev. Walter Jones. After 31 years of working for the U.S. House of Representatives, Ben retired at the age of 48, but kept working until the Lord ordered his steps to cease on December 13, 2020 at the age of 58, may he rest in peace. The Bible says that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, law enforcement can be one of the toughest careers, one of the most rewarding jobs and one of the areas from which one can derive a very high level of satisfaction. Such has been the experiences of Detective Tyrone Jackson who grew up in Chicago, went to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, returned home and joined the Chicago Police Department, and is now ready to enter a new phase of life. During his 30-year tenure with the Chicago Police Department, Detective Jackson worked with several units, from Patrolman to Organized Crime, to the SAM Unit (Stop Alcohol to Minors), Prostitution, and FBI Operations in finding missing youth in Human Trafficking. In addition to his police work, Detective Jackson is actively involved in his community. He has been an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity since 1977, a member of the Evergreen Park Alumni Chapter and a officiate with the Apostolic Faith Church in Chicago. Congratulations Detective Jackson on an outstanding career. He still has much more service to perform, and I am certain that he will do it well.

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the following Proclamation. Whereas, the Almighty God has called to her eternal rest Mrs. Mary Ella Harris, a pioneer civic, community, social, religious and political activist in the North Lawndale Community of Chicago and its environs; and Whereas, Mary Harris and her family were some of the very first blacks to move into and reside in what was then an all white community; and Whereas, as the community changed and as Blacks poured in, many from the rural south, Mary's leadership shined like the bright light that she was; and Whereas, Mary was not necessarily the loudest and most militant sounding person in the meetings she was always there and when she spoke, people listened and took action based upon what she said. For many years Carey Tercentenary AME Church was blessed to have four of its members known as leading activist and leaders in the Lawndale Community: Mrs. Nola Bright, Mrs. Jacqueline Ford, Mr. Theodis Leonard and Mrs. Mary Ella Harris. Now, therefore be it Resolved that we cherish the life, work, contributions and legacy of Mrs. Mary Ella Harris and extend condolences to her family and friends, son, Reverend Walter Harris, daughters, Ms. Jeanetta Lee, Ms. Pamela Ella and son, James Leo Jr., grandchildren, great grandchildren and other relatives. She served us well and now may she rest in peace.

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, Barbara Beatrice Walker was the true essence of love, hope and charity. She had and constantly demonstrated a warm, caring and giving spirit. Born and raised in Mississippi, Barbara always spoke fondly of her childhood and had a real sense of affection for the Piney Wood Boarding School which she attended and gave a great deal of credit for helping her to become the person that I and countless others came to know and love. She moved to Chicago, had a very successful career working for Cook County Health Services, married her husband Edgar and to their union, Michele was born. Barbara was totally devoted to Michele and to her son Herschel and ultimately Herschel Jr., her grandson and great grandson. Barbara was an active member of the 7th Congressional District Peoples Assembly where she often brought Southern style cooked food to feed the Congressman and I shall never forget it. Condolences to her family and we thank her for her service to humanity. ``Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, if I have not charity then I am nothing.''

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I first met and got to know Gladys and Vernon or Vernon and Gladys in the late 1960's and have interacted with them since that time. Of course, Vernon has preceded Gladys in transition. Gladys was born in Alberta, Alabama, came to Chicago with her Christian parents who were seeking a better life for themselves and their family. Gladys did what many children of solid families do, went to school, joined church, went to college, got involved in activities, met Vernon, fell in love, got married and the rest became history. Forty-eight years of marriage, successful careers, a productive business, charitable giving, helping others, giving advice, mentoring, providing work opportunities for others and being an integral part of life in a community. The question now is what can we do? We can thank God for the life and legacy of our blessed friend and sister who gave so much to all of us, her charitable giving, being a mentor, providing jobs, wise counsel, for being a rock for family and friends, for leaving a thriving business, a committed life, for leaving proof of her commitment. Gladys held every office and did everything at church that one could do except be the Pastor and I suspect that she was some of that. She was a member of every committee and headed up every auxiliary. She retired from the postal service after working there for thirty years. She was always a partner in the family business, active in the Mortuary Science Industry and of course ran the business after her husband passed. She was a true professional and left a legacy of service, a legacy of giving and a legacy of love. God bless Gladys Edwards Wallace, and may she rest in peace

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Alexis Grace (Hauck) Paulsen, the daughter of Toby Hauck, President of the Air Traffic Controllers Local ZAU and an Illinois resident. Alexis Grace (Hauck) Paulsen was born September 14, 1992, at Scott AFB, Illinois and died Monday, January 18, 2021, in Clare, Illinois, at the age of 28. Alexis graduated from Hiawatha High School in 2011 in Kirkland, IL. Throughout high school Alexis participated in volleyball, basketball, softball and FFA. She was a member of the County Progressors 4-H Club and showed livestock at the Boone County Fair. After graduation, she took classes at Kishwaukee College. Alexis was a member of Hillcrest Covenant Church in DeKalb. Alexis enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She loved meeting new people. She married Matthew on May 23, 2015. They spent their married life in Clare where she thrived in maintaining a loving home for her husband and sons. Her favorite thing in life was being a stay at home mom to her two boys. Alexis is survived by her husband, Matthew; sons, Fredrick and Franklin; parents, Lori Jackson and Derrick Lander, Toby and Darla Hauck; parents-in-law, Jeff and Lauri Paulsen; brother, Dylan (Jasmine) Hauck; brothers-in-law, Tim (Cassie) Paulsen and Chris (Katie) Paulsen; nieces, Makayla Hauck, Olivia, Nola, and Brielle Paulsen; grandparents, Ann Carrel, Roger and Marilyn Jackson, Fred and Barb Hauck, Leanna Kacmarek, Betty Paulsen, Carol and Terry Dyer, and David and Eena Lundberg; and 16 aunts and uncles. Alexis is preceded in death by her grandfathers, Mort Carrel and Adolph Paulsen. My deepest condolences to the Paulsen and Hauck families. This is indeed a tragic time, but also a time of reflection and hope. I am often reminded, ``the pain you feel today is the strength you feel tomorrow. For every challenge encountered, there is opportunity for growth and healing.'' May the Lord give you that strength during this time.

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. I heard a few minutes ago that there had been no hearings. Well, I have heard from the people of the Seventh District of Illinois. They have told me what to do. They have said: Impeach this President. Impeach this President, and do it now. I will follow their instructions and vote ``yes'' to impeach this President.

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, after listening to all that I have heard this evening, I still have the faith and belief that we can come together as a unit. I was reading my Bible the other day and saw that it said: Come and let us reason together. Otherwise, we shall all be destroyed by the edge of the sword. I say to my colleagues: Let's reason together. You cannot erase truth with a lie. You cannot pretend that what has happened did not happen. Yes, we ought to have a President, but it is time for this one to go. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this resolution and agree wholeheartedly.

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the 900 billion dollar economic relief package which has been agreed to by Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. While this package is far from what is actually needed, it is necessary to act right now and we do not have any additional time to wait. This bill will direct billions of dollars in aid to unemployed individuals who are suffering with no other hope or help in sight. It will provide up to $600 in stimulus checks, it will extend unemployment benefit checks, extend a moratorium on evictions for 1 month, 325 billion for business relief with 275 billion going to paycheck protection, 82 billion for schools, 20 billion for vaccine distribution. While this is not quite exactly what I was looking for, it will hold us until President Biden takes the reins and leads us on.

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, to live to become 109 years old in this country, or any country, as a matter of fact, is quite a feat. Such has been the life and legacy of Mrs. Rosie Atchison, who was born on August 15, 1911, in Bolivar, Mississippi, and passed away on November 23, 2020. Her birth mother passed away when Rosie was just 6 weeks old. She was taken into the care of her father, Mr. Henry Liner, who raised her as the second oldest of 27 children whom he fathered. Rosie grew up in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where she lived a typical life of Blacks in that area. She worked the fields, went to church, got married, had two children, lost a child, got tired of the fields and a failed marriage, and took her two children and migrated to Chicago, looking for a better life. That is exactly what she found. With faith in God, she joined the Greater Salem Missionary Baptist Church, where the renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson was a member, and she also sang in the choir. She met and married her second husband, Mr. Andrew Atchison, who worked for the Diamond Glue Factory. She found a job cleaning railcars for the Pennsylvania Railroad and worked there until her retirement in 1970. Mrs. Atchison and her husband became very productive citizens and developed a reputation for helping others less fortunate than themselves. She became known to many as Big Mama, not because of her stature, but because she embraced any and everyone who needed help that she could help. She and her husband lived in the heart of the Bronzeville community until they were forced out to make room for the Illinois Institute of Technology. They protested and held marches around city hall but lost. After her husband died, she purchased a two-flat building in the Englewood community and kept on helping people. On November 23, 2020, after 109 years and 3 months, Rosie passed away, leaving 2 daughters; 15 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren; 95 great-great-grandchildren; 24 great-great-great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Ms. Josephine Liner Wilson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family. What a life and what a legacy. Paying Tribute to Lee Raybon Mr. Speaker, I also pay tribute to Mr. Lee Raybon, a pioneer West Side of Chicago business and community leader. Whereas the Almighty God has called to his eternal rest Mr. Lee Raybon, a skilled mechanic and business leader who became a legend on the West Side of Chicago in the automobile repair business, and whereas I met Mr. Raybon in the late 1960s when one of my staffers, Ms. Arlene Granderson, introduced me to Mr. Nate Irwin, who was her mechanic and working at Raybon's Automotive Repair shop, Mr. Irwin became my friend and my mechanic. I had a reputation in my community for keeping cars a long time. I drove one car for 19 years, and everybody in the neighborhood knew the car. Mr. Raybon and his mechanics kept my cars running for more than 50 years. Whatever it was that I drove, they had it running. Ultimately, he and his colleagues developed a little group of businesspeople: Garfield Major; Willie Barney; the Knox family at the hardware store; Cliff Duwel White at the fish market; Walker Harris, the iceman; Dave at the hotdog stand; and Reverend Murphy at the Rose of Sharon Cleaners. They were the heart of the business support group in that area. After he no longer worked, Mr. Raybon would come to the shop, sit around, and give people advice. He loved his community. He loved his business. He loved what he did. He will be greatly missed. I am sure I will never find another mechanic who can keep my cars running for 50 years.

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools Act, and I thank leadership for putting it on the suspension calendar. This bill starts the process to establish a Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools national historical park to focus on the incredible impact of Julius Rosenwald, a successful entrepreneur and renowned philanthropist who made a lasting contribution to the advancement of African-American education during the 20th century. Mr. Rosenwald was the president of Sears, Roebuck and Company during its heyday. He used his fortune to enhance the lives of others, establishing museums, community centers, and housing, as well as helping Jews in Europe and new immigrants coming to the United States. One-third of all African-American children in the South during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s were educated in Rosenwald schools. Although I did not attend a Rosenwald school, I grew up in rural America, rural Arkansas, and actually attended a one-room school where one teacher, Ms. Beadie King, taught eight grades plus what we call the little primer and the big primer all by herself. In many of the rural towns where African Americans lived during that time, there were no schools. If there were, they only went to the sixth grade and sometimes to the eighth grade. So the impact of these 5,300 schools that Julius Rosenwald helped to build--he was a friend of Booker Washington, and Booker Washington helped him understand that it was great for people to get to Tuskegee, but there were thousands of African Americans in these rural areas who never had a first grade, second grade, third grade to get to. Madam Speaker, I am delighted that leadership put this bill on the calendar today. I thank the gentleman for yielding. And as you can tell, I am very passionate about this bill. I also live in the area where the international headquarters for Sears, Roebuck and Company existed at that time. So the name ``Julius Rosenwald'' is an entity that our country should never, ever forget, and we ought to have as many ways of expressing it as we possibly can.