Charlie Rangel

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to share the news of a devastating loss to Harlem and the greater New York City community. We joined with many family members and friends at Memorial Baptist Church to celebrate the life of Harlem Youth Marine Cadet First Sergeant, Ackeem Paul Green, who passed away Sunday, June 3, 2012, from a fatal gunshot wound. On behalf of our beloved Village of Harlem, my wife Alma and I want to extend our most sincere and heartfelt sympathy, support, and love to my beloved friend, Col. Gregory E. Collins, and the entire family of the First Sergeant Ackeem Paul Green. At the age of 25 he was indeed a promising young man continuing the honorable legacy of his father to better not only himself, but his fellow peers as well. Extraordinary young men like Ackeem are a rare commodity in this world and serve a higher purpose in making it a better place. First Sergeant Ackeem Paul Green lost his life on the urban battlefield, from gun violence right here at home, while enjoying a game of basketball with friends on a Sunday afternoon. First Sergeant Green was shot in the back by an illegal gun in the hands of a misguided youth. Gun violence has taken the lives of so many of our promising youth and it has taken over every urban neighborhood in the United States of America. Every time I hear the news that one of our young sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, husbands and wives are struck down by illegal guns in the wrong hands of our misguided people--it pains my heart with anger. What makes this very difficult for me is that it has taken the life of a young man whose very focus in life was to mentor his peers and others to provide them with a positive direction through the principles and leadership of the Harlem Youth Marines and with the values and courage of the United States Marine Corp. Since the age of 15 Ackeem has committed a tremendous amount of time and effort to the Harlem Youth Marine Cadets (HYMC). Once Ackeem reached the age limit to serve as a cadet, he remained dedicated and continued to serve the organization through volunteer work. He took mentored young cadets, served as a positive influence in the community, and was a much needed role model to many of our youth both in and outside of HYCM. The Harlem Youth Marines, Inc. (HYCM) provides instruction in military grooming and development to students willing and eager to learn. This program has supported the youth in my district for over 30 years with an emphasis on youth development through education and discipline. They also provide cadets with the opportunity to engage in basic military skill training activities such as rappelling, marksmanship, and weapons safety. The children of Harlem have thoroughly benefited from this program through the development of body, mind, and spirit. Ackeem was a remarkable testament of their success. Mr. Speaker, I know that we, the Village of Harlem, will honor Ackeem's life by ensuring that its young infant son, Ackeem Paul Green, Jr., honorable legacy remains alive. We must bring a realistic end to gun violence because it is destroying the lives of our children, families and communities. I ask that you and my colleagues join me in honoring this ambitious young man and an impassioned mentor whose legacy shall be far remembered and everlasting.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my dear longtime friend and Harlem native, Gil Noble, who made his transition on Holy Thursday, April 5, 2012 at the age of eighty. Born to Jamaican immigrants Gilbert and Iris Noble in Harlem on February 22, 1932, Gil Noble was a pioneering anchorman and journalist who spent his career giving voice to Black Power and the African Diasporic experience. For over forty years he was perhaps the nation's most important black journalist, bringing the struggle for civil rights and equality into the homes of millions of Americans in black and white and in color. Growing up influenced by jazz pianist Erroll Garner, a young Gil Noble took up the piano and decided as a teen to pursue a career in music. He formed the Gil Noble Trio, playing in New York clubs while attending City College. Later in life his love of jazz would later lead him to become a strong supporter of the Jazz Foundation of America and join its board of directors. After graduating, he went on to work for Union Carbide and modeled part time, where he met his wife, Jean, also a model at that time. Gil Noble began his fifty years career in television and programming, when he got his first break in broadcast media in 1962, as a part-time announcer for Harlem's radio station WLIB. Gil began reporting and reading newscasts as well as servicing the Associated Press teletype machine and tracking interview tapes. In 1967, he joined WABC TV as a reporter and served as anchor for the station's Saturday and Sunday night newscast in 1968. Gil's career surged when he was named host of WABC TV's ``Like It Is.'' During his numerous decades hosting his iconic television program, Like It Is, Gil acquainted the country with the story and the culture of Black America. The show was truly groundbreaking. It engaged black leaders in sports, journalism, film, education, civil rights, politics and business, like Bill Cosby, Harry Belafonte, Lena Horne, Sarah Vaughan, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Peterson, Erroll Garner, Carmen McRae, Aretha Franklin, Dr. Billy Taylor, Nancy Wilson, Sidney Poitier, Imhotep Gary Byrd, (Dr. Ben) Yosef Ben-Jochannan, Muhammad Ali, Arthur Ashe, Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson and Minister Louis Farrakhan to name a few. Gil told it like it is and interviewed national and international historic figures like President Nelson Mandela of South Africa and President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. He interviewed controversial and uncontroversial with profound discussions of the world's most important issues. I was greatly honored to appear on Like It Is, with Reverend Dr. Calvin A. Butts of the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church, where we gather to say farewell to our dear friend and legend. The program also featured insightful documentaries that delved into the lives of Paul Robeson, Martin Luther King, Jr., W.E.B. DuBois, Malcolm X, Charlie Parker, Jack Johnson, Fannie Lou Hamer, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Ture), Justice Bruce Wright and countless other prominent figures of the African and Urban Diaspora. Perhaps most importantly, it provided an intelligent and progressive forum for black Americans that changed the way the nation viewed its black citizens. Gil's legacy will continue as a trailblazer for African Americans in journalism. Mr. Speaker, you would be hard pressed to find anyone in Harlem who does not have memories of gathering with friends and family to watch Gil Noble eloquently discuss the issues of the day. The death of Gil, a son of Harlem, is especially saddening for the Village of Harlem, but also our nation and the world. We will all miss this intellectually passionate man and the inspiration he gave to our nation. On Thursday, April 12, hundreds of Harlemites, New Yorkers and world visitors convened at Harlem's historic Abyssinian Baptist Church to pay final tribute, respect and honor to a man who was larger than height. May our spirit be filled with light and progress and may the light guide us through the fear and ignorance of our times in remembrance of my dear beloved Gil Noble.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to mourn the loss of our National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's life-long freedom fighter and freedom sister, Dr. Annie B. Martin. Dr. Martin served an unprecedented sixteen terms as President of the historic NAACP New York Branch, also known as the Harlem Branch; the first chartered Branch of NAACP's National Association, which celebrated its Centennial Anniversary in 2011. Under her leadership, the New York Branch became the largest NAACP branch in the Eastern region, with more than 6,000 members, and has received annual national awards for program activity. Affectionately known to many of us as Chief or simply Annie B, Dr. Martin was a devoted and dedicated member of the NAACP National Board of Directors. With her soft, but outspoken voice she led by example and with dignity. Annie B was my very dear friend and ally, and on behalf of my wife Alma, my sister Hazel Dukes and our beloved Village of Harlem, our nation has lost another soldier and angel of the civil rights and labor movement that dedicated her entire life fighting and speaking out against injustices and inequality. Dr. Martin committed her 91 years plus life to making our world an equal playing field for all to inspire and attain, and I will deeply miss my beloved friend and freedom sister. Annie B. Martin was a native of Eastover, South Carolina and was the seventh of eight children, which were born to Jacob and Queenie Martin. She was a graduate of Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina and earned a Master's Degree in both social work and guidance counseling from New York University. Dr. Martin was an important and dominant voice in the American labor movement, including service as executive board member of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and first vice president of the Black Trade Unionists Leadership Committee of the New York City Central Labor Council. Dr. Martin served as New York assistant commissioner of labor under former Governors Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller, Charles Malcolm Wilson and Hugh Carey. She also served as senior extension associate of Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations; secretary-treasurer of Local 8 138, Oil, Chemical & Atomic Workers Union; and adjunct professor at Columbia, Fordham and New York Universities. As director of labor participation for the American Red Cross in Greater New York, at the age of 81, Dr. Martin was on duty seven days a week after the terrorist attack on America on September 11, 2001, serving as liaison between labor, the Red Cross and the NYFD and NYPD departments. This remarkable woman coordinated survival and job- placement issues for hundreds of members of organized labor and personally processed 290 claims for American Red Cross Emergency Family Gifts to families' beneficiaries who lost members at ``Ground Zero.'' Dr. Martin, freedom's mother of labor, was always there to serve her community and our great country. Dr. Annie B. Martin now takes her place in history alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Medgar Evers, Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks, Percy Ellis Sutton and Freedom Sisters Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Louise McCauley Parks, Ella Jo Baker, Dorothy Irene Height, Shirley Chisholm, Barbara Charline Jordan, Betty Shabazz, Coretta Scott King and the countless of extraordinary African American Women and Men who have given so much of their entire lives and life- work to preserving freedom and equality for all of us and our nation's children. Mr. Speaker, as I stand before you today, I ask you to join me and my colleagues in remembering the life of our beloved Freedom Fighter, Dr. Annie B. Martin. Her compassion and dedication to her community serves as a model for all Americans, our nation and the world.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize a dear friend and great force in the education of our children, Israel Soto, principal of James Weldon Johnson Leadership Academy Public School 57, who is retiring after a long career in public education service. Israel, a Puerto Rican immigrant, began his career in education in my congressional district as a school bilingual coordinator and as an assistant director of bilingual education in Washington Heights. In 1999, Israel ascended to principal of James Weldon Johnson Leadership Academy Public School 57, a pre-K 8 school in East Harlem/El Barrio, which is also a part of my district. Mr. Soto's expertise in bilingual education and the fact that his second language was English, like many of the school's students, made him an ideal choice for principal. His talents extend to all facets of education, and under his leadership, James Weldon Johnson Leadership Academy has gone from a near-failing school to one that received a grade of ``A'' in its latest Progress Report and is ranked in the 93rd percentile of all New York City K 8 schools. Principal Soto has deservedly received numerous awards during his tenure. In 2001, he was named ``Principal of the Month'' in his school district and in 2004 was recognized as the ``Educator of the Week'' by Univision 41 Nueva York. Israel has also been inducted into the ``Cahn Fellows Program for Distinguished Principals'' at Columbia University as well as being honored by Children 4 Children, the YMCA of New York, the New York Post, and El Diario La Prensa. Principal Soto's work at James Weldon Johnson Leadership Academy serves as a model for current and future educators. He has built strong partnerships with teachers, parents, community organizations, and the private sector while keeping his focus internal, on his students. This outreach has significantly increased the academic resources available to his students and demonstrates the supreme importance of an active and charismatic principal and leader. On Thursday, May 31, 2012 at the elegant Marina del Rey, the Soto Retirement Committee joined the East Harlem/El Barrio community of leaders, children, parents, families, friends, and education advocates to pay tribute to our Dream Maker Principal Israel Soto. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in honoring a great man and an impassioned educator who, first and foremost, believes in all of our extraordinary children.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and pride that I rise today to recognize the significance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month. The purpose of this honorable month is to recognize the vast influence lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender men and women have had not only on our nation's history, but on local and international levels as well. Today, we regard LGBT Pride Month as an opportunity to pay tribute to the 1969 Stonewall riots, a major tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the U.S. Over 40 years ago a group of New Yorkers took a stand against a discriminatory police raid at The Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in Manhattan. The spontaneous demonstrations that composed the Stonewall riots are commonly referred to as the first instance in American history when people of the LGBT community fought back against a government system of persecution which targeted sexual minorities. It united the gay community in New York in the fight against discrimination. Six months after the riots, three newspapers dedicated to promoting LGBT rights were formed: Gay, Gay Power and Come Out! Additionally, two gay activist organizations were founded right here in New York--the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance. Within a few years, gay rights organizations were founded in several cities across the nation and the world. June 28, 1970 marked the first Gay Pride marches in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, established to commemorate the anniversary of the riots. In honor of Stonewall, many gay pride events and celebrations are now held annually during the month of June throughout the world, including New York City's Gay Pride Week. These celebrations include pride parades, picnics, concerts and parties; and attract millions of global participants. Memorials for those LGBT members who have lost their lives to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS are also held during this month. While the fight for justice regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity continues to be a crucial one, we have indeed made significant strides. Let this month remind us of the society we all strive for, one in which lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people enjoy the constitutional rights of equality, personal autonomy, and freedom of expression. No LGBT person should experience discrimination in housing, employment, or public spaces. We need to continue fighting until everyone has the equal opportunity to participate fully in civil society. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in commemorating the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, supporting the ongoing fight for gay liberation, and celebrating the legacy of LGBT community members whose place in our Nation's history cannot be overlooked. LGBT Americans have strengthened our country, helped create awareness and garner support for equality.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to mourn the loss of Yolanda Sanchez, a fierce advocate for Puerto Rican youth and women in my district. It is with a heavy heart that I stand here today to memorialize her. Ms. Sanchez was a pioneer in El Barrio and I am honored to have partnered with her over the years to improve the lives of Puerto Rican youth and women. She dedicated herself for over 50 years to the community, a community she was born and raised in. Ms. Sanchez began her career as a community organizer and advocate in 1962, when she was asked to join the staff of Aspira; a non-profit organization focused on educational advancement and further development of Puerto Rican and Hispanic youth. Ms. Sanchez never stopped working for children, women and the Puerto Rican community; she never took a day off from her goals. A graduate of City College and the Columbia University School of Social Work, Ms. Sanchez continually sought out and worked in positions that maximized her positive impact on the community. These positions ranged from Executive Director of the Puerto Rican Association for Community Affairs, to founding member and later president of the National Latina Caucus, to president of the East Harlem Council for Human Services, to Director of CUNY's office of Puerto Rican programs. Ms. Sanchez was successful in playing a key role in the creation of three critical institutions for the underserved in El Barrio. The Taino Towers (section 8 housing), Boriken Health Center (primary care) and Casabe Houses (elderly housing) owe their existence partially to the tireless efforts of Ms. Sanchez. This year Ms. Sanchez received the first Social Work Trailblazer Award from the Silberman School of Social Work in honor and recognition of her invaluable and tireless efforts made in the community. This award is an acknowledgment of a true heroine, feminist and champion of the downtrodden. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to please join me in celebrating and remembering the life of a fierce advocate for children, women and the disadvantaged. In her life, she truly made our community and thus the world a better place than how she found it. She will be missed by her loved ones, she will be missed by the community, but her spirit will carry on through philanthropy and in the spirit of others just like her.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of United Way as they proudly celebrate their 125th anniversary serving our communities both here at home and abroad. In 1887, three visionaries saw the need to help their community and to address the welfare issues their city faced. Thus, the first United Way campaign was born, collecting over $21,700 for local charitable organizations. Today, United Way exists in 1,800 communities and 41 countries, raising nearly $5 billion every year to increase opportunities for a better life worldwide. Forty million Americans are working in low-income jobs with little or no health benefits. In 2008, United Way began a 10-year initiative to cut these staggering statistics in half. United Way continues to look into the future, searching diligently for solutions that will benefit these families in the long-term. United Way has impacted our community in New York's 15th congressional district in profound ways. For as long as I can remember, its New York City chapter has been dedicated to helping low-income families in terms of their health, education, and financial stability. From restoring child care and after-school funding, to helping over 3 million people make healthier choices by making fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable and available. United Way sees no issue as unimportant and continues to display altruism at the highest level. In these tough economic times, when many people are facing daily struggles that push them to the brink of pure exhaustion, the work United Way does serves as a beacon of hope for those in need. We are truly blessed to have such an amazing and crucial organization within our community. I would like to personally praise the leadership of United Way Worldwide President & CEO Brian Gallagher, New York's United Way CEO Gordon Campbell, and every staffer and volunteer who diligently works behind the scenes. Their work does not go unnoticed. Mr. Speaker, again, I would like to congratulate United Way on their 125th anniversary and I wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize a great force in the education of our children, Israel Soto, principal of PS/MS 57. He is retiring after a long career in public service. Mr. Soto got his start in education teaching in Washington Heights, in my congressional district. As a Puerto Rican immigrant, he has taken an active role in bilingual education, having served as a school Bilingual Coordinator and Assistant Director of Bilingual Education. In 1999, Mr. Soto ascended to principal of PS/MS 57, a pre-K 8 school in East Harlem. Last year, 67 percent of enrollees were Hispanic or Latino. Mr. Soto's expertise in bilingual education and the fact that his second language was English, like many of the school's students, made him an ideal choice for principal. His talents extend to all facets of education, however. Under his leadership, PS/MS 57 has gone from a near-failing school to one that received a grade of ``A'' in its latest Progress Report and is ranked in the 93rd percentile of all New York City K 8 schools. Mr. Soto has deservedly received numerous awards during his tenure as principal. In 2001, he was named ``Principal of the Month'' in his school district and in 2004 was recognized as the ``Educator of the Week'' by Channel 41. He has also been inducted into the ``Calm Fellows Program for Distinguished Principals'' at Columbia University as well as being honored by Children 4 Children, the YMCA of New York, the New York Post and El Diario La Prensa. Mr. Soto's work at PS/MS 57 serves as a model for current and future educators. He has built strong partnerships with teachers, parents, community organizations and the private sector while keeping his focus internal, on his students. This outreach has significantly increased the academic resources available to his students and demonstrates the supreme importance of an active and charismatic principal such as Mr. Soto. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in honoring a great man and an impassioned educator who, first and foremost, believes in all of our extraordinary children.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I wish to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Leadership Alliance, a national consortium of renowned institutions of higher education that seeks to mold underrepresented students into academic, business, and public service leaders. The Alliance aims to prime young scholars from underserved populations for graduate training and professional apprenticeships through a comprehensive program of research, networking, and mentorship at critical transition points along their academic path. In the twenty years since its inception, the Leadership Alliance has mentored over 2000 undergraduates who participated in a summer identification program. Over 53 percent of students enroll into a graduate level program--a number that is greater than the national average. New York City's Columbia University has helped lead the charge in reaching out to these future leaders to help prepare them for professional life. In mentoring a significant number of participants in their Leadership Alliance summer program, Columbia prepared young students to enter a range of fields. I would now like to highlight some examples of the success of this program: Marcel Agueros, a 1992 summer program participant, went on to become an Astronomy professor at Columbia; Amber Spry, now a first year Ph.D. student in political science, was a graduate of the summer program that received award funding from the American Political Science Association; and George Aumoithe, a 2010 Leadership summer program alumnus, currently researches the prevalence of HIV and the means to fight it. These individuals are only a few of the outstanding cases produced by this model program. I am pleased to recognize them today as a testament to the importance of sustaining efforts to invest in programs that identify, train, and mentor talented underrepresented and underserved students. I am happy to proclaim the past twenty years work from Columbia University and the Leadership Alliance a resounding victory in this regard. I can only hope that the next twenty years will be just as if not more successful at reaching those students who have been historically underserved in the academic arena.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks the official start of the 2012 hurricane season. As we prepare for the potential disasters that could strike our city, I want to recognize and thank the men and women who put their lives at risk and work 24/7 to provide lifesaving information to our local communities: America's broadcasters. Local broadcasters are the most important source of vital emergency information for all Americans and serve as the backbone of the public warning system. Everyone remembers Hurricane Irene from late last August. Although it had been downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it made landfall in New York, the city and my district narrowly escaped serious damages. The day after Irene hit, there was no service on the Metro-North Railroad and flooding along the Harlem Line. New York City Transit employees had to pump water out of the 148th Street/Lenox Subway Yard. In fact, my district office is only half a block from a Zone B evacuation area. Thankfully, the damage to New York City and my district from Irene was minimal, but next time we might not be so lucky. In any such event, the invaluable contribution of our local broadcasters will be critical to our safety. Disasters like these remind us of the essential role that broadcasters play in our communities. Local radio and television stations provide our local communities with important news and other critical information, such as emergency and severe weather warnings and Amber alerts. Broadcasters' commitment to public service is never more apparent than during times of crisis. During an emergency, no other service can match the ability of full power broadcasting to deliver comprehensive, up-to-date warnings and information to affected citizens. Television broadcasters reach millions of households across the country, while radio reaches more than 241 million Americans each week. As the 2012 hurricane season gets underway and local communities continue to face erratic weather conditions, I feel safer knowing local broadcasters are dedicated and committed to saving lives by providing critical news and information to our local communities.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I stand with a heavy heart as I honor Harold B. ``Hal'' Jackson who recently passed away. It is a testament to his vitality and passion that he devoted over seventy years of his life entertaining America's radio audiences and was still working only a few weeks before he left us at the age of 96. I remember fondly the life of a man who broke down numerous racial barriers: Mr. Jackson was the first black announcer in network radio, the first black M.C. of a network jazz show, the first host of an interracial network jazz show and the first host of an interracial network television presentation. The death of Hal Jackson brought immense sorrow to me, his family and friends, and to the countless people who loved and respected his groundbreaking work in radio. The announcer, M.C., host and executive never looked back after he got a foot in the door of radio in the 1930s. He would go on to acquire the first radio station to be owned and operated by blacks. Mr. Jackson was probably born on November 3rd, 1915 in Charleston, South Carolina. Like many Southern blacks at the time, his birth was not officially recorded. After growing up in Washington, D.C., he attended Howard University, where he began his broadcasting career by announcing the play-by-play home games for Howard and other schools in addition to Negro League games. Only a few years later, Mr. Jackson's voice could be heard on three distinct stations each day. His broad skill set allowed him to thrive hosting news interview programs, sports shows and, later, music programs. After moving to New York City, Mr. Jackson once again could be heard daily on three different radio stations, the only New York City radio personality with that exposure. Each night, four million people tuned to hear his interviews with jazz and show business greats and to enjoy his eclectic musical taste. By the early 1960s, he had begun his decades-long run as a radio executive, a position in which he excelled, even if he felt the itch to host again in 1982, returning to a seat in front of the microphone. Mr. Jackson's contributions to Harlem, in particular, should stand out in our minds. His numerous concerts and live broadcasts from the Apollo Theater brought joy both into our homes and into our hearts. The work he did behind the scenes at Inner City Broadcasting helped to grow America's first major black-owned radio empire. Mr. Jackson will long be remembered for his creative and charismatic radio broadcasts, as well as his important place in the Civil Rights Movement. In his own words, ``When I started, the business was so segregated. Fortunately, that didn't last long.'' Stretching back to the 1940s, he was a civil rights fundraiser. In the 1950s, with his popularity perhaps at an apex, both black and white listeners enthusiastically tuned in to his three daily shows. Later, Mr. Jackson was one of the first people to lobby for a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. In 1990, he became the first African American inductee to the National Association of Broadcasters. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor this great man, and I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating his life by remembering his tremendous contributions to American culture and society. The death of Hal is a great loss to our country and to New York City. We will all miss his skill and passion both behind the microphone and as a radio executive. We give our condolences to his wife, Debi, his two daughters and son, and all of his family and friends.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm that I rise in recognition of the determined efforts made by Mrs. Annette Wolfe over the last 50 years of service to the funeral industry within the great State of New York. Annette's roots in the funeral industry date back to her grandfather in Yonkers, New York. Continuing the family tradition, her father passed it down to Annette who partnered with her husband, Buddy Wolfe, to become a pioneer in the industry and continue the success of the family business. A leader among her colleagues, Annette became a masterful fundraiser for multiple notable organizations. Annette created a successful fundraising blueprint for the Metropolitan Funeral Directors Association (MetFDA), a respected professional trade organization that has been in operation since 1928. In the 1980's she served as President of the Catholic Cemetery Guild and fundraised for the Catholic Charities of the Brooklyn and Queens Dioceses. Annette also devoted much of her time to fundraising for children's needs during Christmas at the Heartshare organization. While serving as chair of MetFDA in the late 1970's, Annette derived the concept of an annual outing that would aim to build awareness, increase membership and raise money for the organization. This was no easy take for a strong and outspoken woman among her male colleagues who traditionally dominate the funeral industry. Annette single- handedly introduced several women's programs within the New York State Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. After much perseverance and dedication, Annette was able to organize the first golf classic for MetFDA in 1979. Over the last thirty years, the proceeds from what has now become an annual tradition, continues to support education seminars for funeral directors, produce the organizations monthly newsletter, assist members with their needs, and maintains three resource centers for members, consumers, and for industry advocacy. Last year's golf classic fundraiser, delivered $50,000 in income for the MetFDA. With more than 50 years of service in the funeral service industry, Annette continues to remain active with various industry associations working as a knowledgeable and respected consultant. It is with great joy, Mr. Speaker, that I ask that you and my fellow colleagues join me in celebration of this year's honoree, Ms. Annette Wolfe for her 50 years of service to my beloved Harlem community and the State of New York. She is truly an encouraging figure that has always provided exceptional support to the funeral industry both local and national levels.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, as Taiwan prepares for its Presidential inauguration on May 20, I'd like to congratulate our friends in Taiwan for the smooth conclusion of their presidential election on January 14, when Mr. Ma Ying-jeou won a second term as President of Taiwan. For over half a century, the United States and Taiwan have enjoyed strong relations over economic and security issues. Our shared interest in peace and stability has guided the relationship, and our commitment to Taiwan's security, as stated in the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, has enabled Taiwan to build a strong democratic government which serves as a symbol of success for others in the region and beyond. Similarly, Taiwan's economic partnership with us has been extremely beneficial. Taiwan is currently our tenth largest trading partner, with over $68 billion in total bilateral trade. During Mr. Ma's second term, I hope our relationship with Taiwan will continue to flourish in areas as diverse as trade, military cooperation, and the Visa Waiver Program. Congratulations to Mr. Ma and the people of Taiwan.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize our teachers for their dedication and tireless efforts in educating America's students. National Teachers Appreciation Week is a wonderful opportunity to honor the hard work our teachers perform daily to make a difference in the lives of students across the country. While teaching is one of the most challenging jobs in the world, it is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding. I strongly believe that we must give unconditional support to our educators so that future generations of young Americans will have the ability to succeed in a global economy and face the challenges of tomorrow. On National Teachers' Day, we honor our local educators and acknowledge the crucial role each teacher plays in making sure that every child receives a quality education. Throughout my Congressional District there are stories of young people who are succeeding, not only because of test scores, but also because of a teacher who realized their talent, believed in them, and helped them to believe in themselves. It is because of these great teachers who make a positive impact on the youth, achievements gaps between poor and minority students and their non-minority peers are beginning to close. It is also my pleasure to thank our teachers in the military community this week. More than 1.2 million school-age military children are being educated by dedicated teachers in classrooms across the country. These educators help young ones ease transitions into a different school and a new community as they relocate from a military base to another. This week and throughout the year, I encourage parents to thank teachers for their hard work, care and sacrifice. I will continue to offer my gratitude and appreciation to our spirited teaching champions for their outstanding achievements on behalf our nation's students and their future.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, 64 years ago, David Ben Gurion declared the establishment of Eretz Israel, the State of Israel. Today, Israel serves as a harbinger of freedom in a part of the world where this concept is not fully embraced by leaders of neighboring states. The horrific tragedy of the Holocaust instilled a sense of survival in the Jewish people, which led to the creation of the Jewish state. In Israel, the USA found a new ally in promoting democracy, equality and justice. Israel celebrates the diversity and the contributions of people from all walks of life. Israeli contributions to science and research are testaments to the work-ethic and resilience that define the character of its 7.8 million residents. The Israeli Defense Forces prepares each generation with the skills and innovation that have earned a small city like Tel Aviv the title of being the ``Silicon Valley of the Middle East.'' Israel produces more tech startups per capita than any nation on Earth. We as Americans are especially thankful as many of these companies are expanding to the U.S. and providing high-paying jobs here. Despite facing overwhelming odds and emboldened adversaries, Israel continues to thrive. America has proudly stood by Israel as it has evolved from a concept, to a state, and to becoming a world-leader for peace. I am honored to represent a Congressional District that has always maintained strong ties with Israel and the Jewish community. We need to continue supporting our brothers and sisters in Israel and ensuring its existence for the rest of time.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, on Yom HaShoah, better known as Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day, people from all walks of life regardless of politics, faith, race, gender, or sexual orientation recognize the Holocaust as one of the most horrific events in world history. Since the end of World War II the United States and our allies have promised to never allow such mass genocide to be repeated. Never again shall humanity experience the evil and destruction that brutally robbed eleven million people of their lives. After the Allies took back Europe from the forces of evil, millions of Jews emigrated to the United States and to the area now globally recognized as the State of Israel. It is here where the Jewish people found a home to restore their identity in the aftermath of the War. When General Dwight Eisenhower arrived at Buchenwald, he ordered the U.S. 4th Armed Division to tour the facility. He wanted them to bear witness to the atrocities unleashed on human beings so that no person would ever question what happened. For the Holocaust survivors, they live with the nightmares and trauma of having seen their brothers and sisters treated like animals. To this day former prisoners wake up seeing the most visible scar from that era, an identification tattoo forced on them upon entering the concentration camps. New York is home to half of the Holocaust survivors living in the United States. Although we can never undo this tragedy, we can continue to remember and pay tribute to the survivors and their families. I am proud to live in a country that recognizes human rights and has provided sanctuary to oppressed people throughout the world. America must continue to remain that beacon of hope.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 10th Anniversary of the Flora-Bama and Gulf Coast support of New York City and Harlem after September 11, 2001. In 2002, Joe Gilchrist, owner of the Flora-Bama Lounge in Pensacola, Florida brought to New York a group of more than 100 visitors, including musicians and songwriters, to pay respect to the ground zero site and support New York. Gilchrist also encouraged the group to spend money to help uplift New York City's economy and provide moral and spiritual support to the victim's families. The group also toured New York City fire houses, the Empire State Building and Central Park. The visit culminated in a great celebration at the Waldorf Astoria, which included performances by Chuck Jackson, and other musicians and singers who participated in the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. On Saturday February 4, the Harlem community, along with Joe Gilchrist and the Frank Brown Songwriters Festival celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the Flora-Bama and Gulf Coast historic visit to New York. Musicians, songwriters, business leaders and residents from the Flora-Bama and Gulf Coast toured the 911 Memorial site and performed in lower Manhattan and in Harlem. This Cultural Exchange was promoted with the theme of, ``Merging Manhattan Music with Southern Sounds.'' Kicking off the diverse musical tribute were original songs by ``Lil Man,'' an eight year old ``Hip Hop'' artist who writes his own songs; stellar performances by Michael Jackson impersonator, Jesse Valenca; and Urica Rose, an electrifying singer and songwriter, representing the ``New Generation of Rock'' performers. The group attended Open House events at the world famous Apollo Theater, including performances by Ballet Hispanico, the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Amateur Night winners and was given a tour by Apollo historian Billy Mitchell. The group joined Commander E. Randy Dupree at Harlem's historic Colonel Charles Young American Legion Post 398, where Flora-Bama musicians joined Hammond B3 Organist and Jazz legend Seleno Clark, Percussionist Don Eaton and the Harlem Groove Band for a jam session to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of their visit to New York City. As Dean of the New York Congressional Delegation, I want to extend my thanks to Joe Gilchrist and the Frank Brown Songwriters Festival for their outstanding economic, moral and spiritual support to Harlem and the great State of New York.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of writer, journalist, former commentator and dear friend Leon Earl Wynter who passed away on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at the age of fifty-seven. Born in 1953, Leon grew up in the Bronx, New York and was fond of saying that he arrived ``just in time for most of the things that mattered; the space race, the triumph of the civil rights movement, disco, cable and the Macintosh computer''. He described himself as ``first a Christian, then American and black by way of his Jamaican heritage''. He is survived by his daughter Grace Alexandra, his mother Sylvia, and his brother Stephen. Leon left behind an abundance of those who knew him personally and loved him, as well as those who knew him professionally and respected him. Leon created a legacy of friendship, a body of work to be proud of, and a life time of vivid memories of those of us who have been privileged, like me. Leon had an extraordinary career, which began in commercial banking, and continued in journalism as a Washington Post staff reporter in 1980. At the Washington Post, he covered education and racial change in suburban Prince George's County, Maryland. He later joined the Wall Street Journal's bureau in 1984, and covered the federal banking beat on Capitol Hill, as well as federal telecommunications and technology policy. He then created and wrote a monthly column for the Wall Street Journal called ``Business & Race''. He considered the title alone as a victory, and he wrote it for ten years, from 1989 1999. In his twenty- years as a journalist, essayist, commentator, speaker and an author, Leon develop into an acclaimed voice on the racial and ethnic transformation of American identity. As a sought-after public speaker in business, Leon shared his expertise and perspectives with strategic marketers at Time Warner, Pepsico, GlaxoSmithKline, Cox Cable and the Strategic Research Institute. His commentaries on race, pop culture and life were frequently heard on National Public Radio's ``All Things Considered''. Leon published dozens of essays in newspapers and magazines, including the Wall Street Journal, Savoy, Washington Post, and New York Newsday, among a few. In August 2002, Leon realized his goal in life after publishing his first book, ``America Skin: Big Business, Pop Culture and the End of White America''. In 2007, Leon helped co-write my memoirs, ``And I Haven't Had a Bad Day Since.'' Later, Leon would begin a new career with the Harlem Community Development Corporation where he served as Director of Communications. Leon was known by many as one of the Valley elite, a committed Christian, professor of journalism, an Elder of the Presbyterian Church, an enthusiastic blogger, an evolving musician, a lover of Public Radio, a tireless debater, and someone capable of great passions. He once wrote, ``I'm just in time to discover that life is not about being current it's about being present with God for my child and my loved ones''. Mr. Speaker, in celebration of National Black History Month, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembrance of my dear friend, Leon Earl Wynter. If you knew him, these are the facts and the celebration of his life. If you did not know him . . . you missed something very special.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of National Black History Month to recognize the prestigious Third Annual 2012 Harlem Fine Arts Show at Harlem's historic cathedral, The Riverside Church. The Harlem Fine Arts Show, HFAS, is one of the nation's largest and most prominent collections of works, paintings, photographs and sculptures by both established and emerging African American artists from around the world. The HFAS always takes place during National Black History Month and this year's exhibition kicked-off with a Diversity Prep Youth Day/Fine Arts Exhibit and Opening Preview Reception on Friday, February 3, with exhibitions on Saturday, February 4 and Sunday, February 5. Created by Dion Clarke, the Harlem Fine Arts Show was built upon the tradition of the long-established Black Fine Arts Show, which for fourteen years was the premiere show for exhibiting modern and contemporary art and highlighting some of the most diverse and exciting contemporary popular art. As stated by Mr. Clark. ``Our event is one of the largest collections of African American art ever assembled for a fine arts show, representing more than 100 artists--a dramatic reminder during Black History Month of the tremendous contribution of African and Caribbean American artists to the global fine arts landscape.'' This year's theme, ``A Global Celebration'' shines a spotlight on artists around the world. The HFAS will feature the art produced by African Americans within our community and from around the world illustrating shared ancestries, injustices, and shared pride. Our Afrocentric art provides a deep sense of connection between generations of Americans and events they may have only heard about. The art of our people demonstrates the struggle, the pain, and the hardships we have endured, and celebrates the joy, the accomplishments and achievements of our past, present and future. The three day global celebration will showcase the explosion of culture that began with the Harlem Renaissance in the early nineteen hundreds and will include contemporary artist exhibitors and nationally renowned regional galleries. The Harlem Fine Arts Show is pleased to have John Martin, a seasoned exhibition designer of the JP Martin Group, bring together the artwork of some of the most accomplished and influential American artists of African and Hispanic descent. The renowned photography of James Van Der Zee (June 29, 1886 May 15, 1983), a prominent documentarian of Harlem, New York from 1915 to 1960, will be among the featured artists who also include: Herold Alvares, a Haitian artist born without arms due to a congenital birth defect who began painting at the age of eight, who teaches art to disabled children at St. Vincent's Center for Handicapped Children in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Stacey Brown, a visual artist whose creations on glass are inspired by his background in graphic design, with flowing shapes and contours that express contemporary and edgy artistic style, whose work has garnered acclaim from the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Decor Magazine, and BET's hit reality show, College Hill. Frank Frazier, a Harlem native whose art career spans over 50 years of perseverance and inspiration, whose genius works depict everything from antagonistic war to jovial jazz concerts. George Nock, a self-taught artist and former running back with the New York Jets and Washington Redskins, who has distinguished himself among the greatest sculptors of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries through his highly original bronzes. Kerream Jones, whose work possesses a multifaceted and timeless quality that has led this prolific artist to receive commissions from Verizon Wireless, Pepsi, Upscale Magazine, Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, the City of Chicago, and various non-profit organizations. Gwendolyn E. Redfern, a North Carolina native and multi-talented artist who expresses life experiences through her pottery, painting, and mixed media collages. Najee Dorsey, Founder of Black Art in America and a mixed media artist whose work pays homage to a cast of colorful characters, folk legends and heroes, as well as critiquing aspects of contemporary times. In accordance with HFAS's commitment to our young scholars, the show will host Diversity Prep Day to give students the opportunity to explore the visual arts, mingle with the artists, and participate in a Youth Information Fair by the show's sponsors and partners. Mr. Speaker, let me congratulate along with Founder Dion Clark, this year's Mistress and Masters of Ceremony, Barbara Smith and Dan Gasby for your ongoing contributions to Black and American culture. On behalf of my colleagues and a very grateful nation and in celebration of National Black History Month I salute and recognize all of our participating Harlem and world renowned artists and exhibitors of the 2012 Harlem Fine Arts Show.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Black History Month to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Boyer Lodge No. 1 of the Free and Accepted Masons Prince Hall Affiliation of New York City. February 16, 1812, marked the birth and beginning of Prince Hall Freemasonry in the State of New York. The Charter was issued by Peter Lew, Grand Master of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. History notes that Boyer Lodge No. 1 was named after Jean Pierre Boyer, a native of Saint-Domingue, who was born around February 15, 1776. He was a courageous soldier and leader of the Haitian Revolution, who served as a General under Toussaint L' Ouverture in the Haitian War of Independence against the French Government. Jean Pierre Boyer served as the fourth President of Haiti from 1818 to 1843, and managed to rule for the longest period of time of any of the revolutionary leaders of his generation. He reunited the north and south of Haiti in 1820 and also invaded and took control of Santo Domingo, which brought all of Hispaniola under one government by 1822. Under President Boyer's leadership, Haiti declared independence from France in 1825, becoming the only free Black nation, then in existence. As stated by Worshipful Master Carlo Smith-Ramsay, ``The daring price that our ancestors paid to boldly and audaciously decide to become Freemasons at a time in history when men of color were not entirely free men and the laws of the land provided them very little protection is the reason why we should humbly and reverently celebrate our Bi- centennial Anniversary of Boyer Lodge No. 1.'' President Jean Pierre Boyer recruited freed American blacks to immigrate to the Republic of Haiti, using advertisement opportunities in newspapers, promising free land and political opportunity to black settlers. He sent agents to black communities in the United States to convince them that Haiti was a sovereign state and open to immigration only for blacks. In September of 1824, nearly 6,000 Americans, mostly free people of color, migrated to Haiti within a year, with ships departing from New York, Baltimore and Philadelphia. Unfortunately, due to the poverty of the island and the inability of President Boyer's administration to help support the new immigrants in the transition most returned to the United States. Boyer ruled the island of Hispaniola until 1843, when he lost the support of the ruling elite and was ousted. He was later exiled to France where he died in 1850. Since its founding, Boyer Lodge #1 has met continuously for One Hundred and Ninety Four years. In 1826, The Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts helped further expand Black Freemasonry in New York State by the Chartering of Celestial Lodge, Rising Sun Lodge and Hiram Lodge. On March 14, 1845, further progress was achieved when Boyer Lodge #1, Celestial Lodge #2, Rising Sun Lodge #3 and Hiram Lodge #4 convened and erected Boyer Grand Lodge of New York. Thus becoming, ``The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of New York.'' Prince Hall Freemasonry derives from historical events which led to a tradition of separate predominantly African-American Freemasonry in North America. It consists of independent Grand Lodges, which are considered regular by the United Grand Lodge of England. Prince Hall was born in 1735 and was a tireless abolitionist and a leader of the free black community in Boston. Hall tried to gain New England's enslaved and free blacks a place in some of the most crucial spheres of society, Freemasonry, education and the military. He is considered the founder of ``Black Freemasonry'' in the United States, known today as Prince Hall Freemasonry. Prince Hall formed the African Grand Lodge of North America. On March 6, 1775, Prince Hall was made a Master Mason in Irish Constitution Military Lodge No. 441, along with fourteen other African Americans: Cyrus Johnston, Bueston Slinger, Prince Rees, John Canton, Peter Freeman, Benjamin Tiler, Duff Ruform, Thomas Santerson, Prince Rayden, Cato Speain, Boston Smith, Peter Best, Forten Horward, and Richard Titley, all of whom apparently were free by birth. Prince Hall was unanimously elected its Grand Master and served until his death in 1807. Most Worshipful Grand Master Prince Hall is considered the first black community activist of his time, who made many appearances before the Boston City Council and Massachusetts Colony Legislature. Prince Hall had a passion for learning and education and operated a school in the basement of his home. He also lobbied tirelessly for education rights for black children and a back-to-Africa movement. Many historians regard Prince Hall as one of the more prominent African American leaders throughout the early national-period of the United States. The Prince Hall Lodge, formerly known as the African Lodge is the oldest fraternal organization in the country and has been a leading influence in the lives of black men in America. During the abolitionist movement, African American churches and the Prince Hall Lodges emerged at the forefront of the struggle. As stated by Most Worshipful Grand Master Reverend Dr. Gregory R. Smith, ``In essence, and more often than not, members and church members were one and the same. This was the case with both Lattion, who was the First Worshipful Master of Boyer Lodge and a member of Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, and James Varrick, the first Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and charter member of the Boyer Lodge.'' Both the church, particularly the Mother AME Zion Church, formerly known as the ``Freedom Church'' and the Masons played prominent roles in the Underground Railroad. Many Masons were captains and conductors on the Railroad and Mother Zion earned its ``Freedom Church'' name by being one of the major stops on this complex network, which contributed to the freedom of more than 100,000 slaves. Today, the Mother AME Zion Church is the oldest existing African American institution in New York--and Boyer Lodge is the oldest lodge in the Prince Hall fraternity and the third oldest African American institution in New York State. Mr. Speaker, let me join my fellow brethren and a very grateful nation as we celebrate during National Black History Month, the 200th Anniversary of Boyer Lodge No. 1, the first established Lodge of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. Let me congratulate and recognize Worshipful Master Carlo Smith-Ramsay, leader of Boyer Lodge No. 1 and our 55th Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, Most Worshipful Reverend Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith, 33 deg., EdD, DMin, MBA, MDiv.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I cannot fully express my sadness over the death of my dearest friend and Congressional Black Caucus Colleague Congressman Donald Payne. Today his constituents in New Jersey's 10th Congressional District, our Colleague in Congress, people across America and around the globe mourn the loss of a great man, leader and humanitarian. Donald was a champion of the lesser among us who saw wrong and fought tirelessly to make it right. Donald sought to give every child a quality education and a fair chance at success no matter where they came from. For over 23 years in Congress, as former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, and Member of the House Committee on Education, he advocated for low-income students across our nation. Moreover, as a Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Donald worked passionately to restore democracy and human rights in Africa and throughout the world. Donald and I shared a vision in giving Americans from all walks of life the opportunity to serve and represent our nation abroad. His most recent accomplishment before he passed was the creation of USAID's Donald Payne Development Fellowship Program. Thanks to Donald's efforts young Americans will have the opportunity to continue Donald's legacy of promoting peace and compassion to the rest of world. I will deeply miss my brother Donald Payne whose kindness and commitment to humanity will forever be remembered. My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to honor the life of Una Mulzac, a small business owner and political activist from my district. Una was a civil rights leader and an active educator in her community. Born in Baltimore on April 19, 1923, Una inherited a fighting spirit from her father, Hugh Mulzac, who became the first African American to command a ship in the United States merchant marines. In 1961, Hugh's political beliefs were investigated by the House Committee on Un- American Activities. After graduating from Girls High School in Brooklyn, Una worked as a secretary at Random House and developed a strong passion for publishing. She combined a love of books with a commitment to political activism, and moved to Guyana in 1963 to open a bookstore and to help with the revolution. While in her store one day, Una was severely wounded when a package containing a bomb exploded, killing a colleague. Una eventually returned to New York, and in 1967 opened Liberation Bookstore in Harlem to promote causes aimed at ending South African apartheid. Her establishment quickly became a Harlem landmark, and provided the community with a vast collection of literature. For four decades, Una was an inspiration to the people of Harlem and her bookstore became the destination for generations of people interested in race. On one side of the door to her bookstore, a sign stated, ``If you don't know, learn.'' On the other side: ``If you know, teach.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in paying tribute to the life of this very honorable woman. She is the definition of a true Harlemite, and her presence will be missed in my district.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Well, I think I have some good news. Most Americans believe that when the Congress does not do what they want to happen that they can wait until Election Day, and then they remind us that we let them down. Certainly, I remember when this unemployment compensation and the holiday for taxpayers, as well as the payment of our doctors, was coming up a couple years ago, and it was almost Christmastime. Democrats really thought that, because of the Republican majority, and because they just felt that unemployed people getting compensation meant that they wouldn't look for work, or that they weren't paying enough taxes, or that they didn't want to deal with the question of the doctors--but still, after all of this battle, when the American people spoke up, they didn't wait until Election Day. They got on the phone. They called their House Members, Republicans and Democrats. They called everybody to say that they could not afford a sharp increase in their payroll deductions. So, do it again, because it really works. You're going to get these extensions. All you have to do is call and demand that you get what you deserve.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in celebration of National Black History Month and to recognize the lifetime achievements of my good friend, Harold ``Harry'' George Belafonte, Jr., an American and International Hero. Black History Month is an appropriate time to pay homage to Harry Belafonte and his amazing, incredibly impressive, inspiring and historic renowned career, which began at the age of 19 in the United States Navy during World War II. After taking advantage of the G.I. Bill, his career soared as an actor, musician, singer, producer, and civil rights and humanitarian activist. Due to Harry Belafonte's lifetime achievements our nation and the world are far better. After the Great War, Harry attended and graduated from The New School for Social Research in New York City. Harry began appearing in jazz clubs, cabarets, and soon began recording his wonderful pop, folk, and world music albums. His acting career took off after his 1953 film debut in Bright Road. Many movies and performances later, Harry Belafonte received a Tony Award nomination for his Broadway performance in John Murray Anderson's Almanac. Although he was acknowledged for his talent, it wasn't until he played a lead role in the film Carmen that he became a true star. Harry was able to use his new popularity to boost his album sales and create a need in the United States for Caribbean music that had lacked before. He then went on to win an Emmy for his special Tonight with Harry Belafonte, and was bestowed the honor of first African American producer. With Paul Robeson as his inspiration, Harry took art and activism to new levels. During his 43 years of fame, Belafonte worked against social injustice. Throughout the civil rights movement, he advised and served as Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s confidant and he worked to provide for King's family. His dedication led Harry to be blacklisted during the McCarthy era, like many other civil rights activists. He bailed King out of the Birmingham City Jail and raised thousands of dollars to release other civil rights protesters. Harry managed to mobilize the Hollywood community, finance Freedom Rides, support voter registration drives, and help to organize the March on Washington in 1963, where he delivered an inspiring speech. Harry went on to serve in President John Fitzgerald Kennedy's administration, as cultural advisor to the Peace Corps. A true humanitarian Harry Belafonte is best known for his landmark music collaboration, ``We Are the World,'' which joined many musicians--including songwriters and producers Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian--together. USA for Africa was able to use this song to help raise millions of dollars to help relieve famine in Ethiopia. Harry continued his work by becoming UNICEF's Goodwill Ambassador in 1986. Harry carries on his incredible work by supporting causes such as HIV/AIDS and cancer research and educating children. Harry was an outspoken critic of apartheid in South Africa, and he and Arthur Ashe Co-chaired Artists and Athletes Against Apartheid, which played a major role in international sports boycott against South Africa. In 1988, Harry released his first album of original material in over a decade, Paradise in Gazankulu. The album contains ten protest songs against the South African former Apartheid policy. He was the Master of Ceremonies at a reception honoring African National Congress President Oliver Tambo at Roosevelt House, Hunter College, in New York City. The reception was held by the American Committee on Africa, ACOA, and The Africa Fund. Today, Harry is a current board member of the TransAfrica Forum and the Institute for Policy Studies. Following his appointment Harry traveled to Dakar, Senegal, where he served as chairman of the International Symposium of Artists and Intellectuals for African Children. He also helped to raise funds, alongside other artists in the largest concert ever held in sub-Saharan Africa. In 1994 he went on a mission to Rwanda and launched a media campaign to raise awareness of the needs of Rwandan children. In 2001 he went to South Africa to support the campaign against HIV/AIDS. In 2002, Africare awarded him the Bishop John T. Walker Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award for his efforts to assist Africa. In 2004 Harry went to Kenya to stress the importance of educating children in the region. Harry has also been involved in prostate cancer advocacy since 1996, when he was diagnosed and successfully treated for the disease. On June 27, 2006, Harry was the recipient of the BET Humanitarian Award at the 2006 BET Awards. He was named one of nine 2006 Impact Award recipients by AARP The Magazine. On October 19, 2007, Harry represented UNICEF on Norwegian television to support the annual telethon--TV Aksjonen--in support of that charity and helped raise a world record of $10 per inhabitant of Norway. Harry is additionally known for his visit to Cuba which helped ensure hip-hop's place in Cuban society. According to Geoffrey Baker's article ``Hip hop, Revolucion! Nationalizing Rap in Cuba.'' Harry, in 1999 met with representatives of the rap community immediately before meeting with Fidel Castro. This meeting resulted in Castro's personal approval of the incorporation of rap into his country's culture. In a 2003 interview Harry reflected upon this meeting's influence: ``When I went back to Havana a couple years later, the people in the hip-hop community came to see me and we hung out for a bit. They thanked me profusely and I said, `Why?' and they said, `Because your little conversation with Fidel and the Minister of Culture on hip-hop led to there being a special division within the ministry and we've got our own studio'.'' On October 17, 2011, HBO Films released the documentary, Sing Your Song, which details a close look at the life of a patriot to the last and a champion for worldwide human rights. Told from Harry's point of view, the film charts his life from a boy born in New York and raised in Jamaica, who returns to Harlem in his early teens where he discovers the American Negro Theater and the magic of performing. From Harlem to Mississippi to Africa and South Central Los Angeles, Sing Your Song takes us on a journey through Harry Belafonte's life, work and most of all, his conscience, as it inspires us all in a call to action. Mr. Speaker, I ask you, my colleagues and a very grateful nation as we celebrate National Black History Month to recognize the achievements of the world's humanitarian, and Harlem's beloved, Harry Belafonte.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today Members of Congress and others will see a thousand women of color visiting all of our offices. They call themselves the Delta Sorority. Here the leadership is provided by Judge Fudge as they come close to celebrating their 100th anniversary. They have a legislative agenda, a community agenda, a civic agenda; and one of the things that they like to point out is that today we recognize the terrible epidemic of AIDS and HIV problems we have with blood. We hope that we learn to educate more people about the danger of AIDS, that we provide better treatment, and even better than that, that we avoid it by having preventive measures so it doesn't happen at all. Also on their agenda is making certain that the payroll deductions for working poor people are extended, as is unemployment compensation, which is not only fiscally, but morally, the right thing to do, and that we pay our debts, pay the doctors who serve the aged.