Diane Watson

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 149) supporting the goals of International Women's Day.

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps).

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, in 1872, Bud Fowler became the first African American to enter organized baseball. At the time, Sporting Life magazine called him ``one of the best general players in the country. If he had had a white face,'' they said, ``he would be playing with the best of them.'' There were only a handful of black players during that time. By the end of the 1800s, the door to organized baseball was slammed shut to African Americans, and as a result, in 1920, Andrew ``Rube'' Foster managed a Negro baseball team and organized seven other team owners to join him to form the Negro National Baseball League. Mr. Foster is known by many people to be the father of the Negro Baseball League. For his efforts and contributions to baseball, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Since 1920, many teams were formed to expand the Negro Baseball Leagues. He produced many extraordinary players like Satchel Paige, ``Cool Papa'' Bell, ``Double-Duty'' Radcliffe, ``Groundhog'' Thompson and many others. Presently, there are 278 members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, 18 whom had played in the Negro League. These greats include Willie Mays and Jackie Robinson, who first played in the Negro Leagues and then entered Major League Baseball. Indeed, the players in the Negro Leagues were of such high caliber that many of them later moved to other major leagues and enjoyed better statistics playing there than they did in the Negro Leagues. The opening of the doors of the major leagues to Negro League players often is attributed to Branch Rickey, who made a bold decision to sign Jackie Robinson to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Unfortunately, many owners of Negro baseball teams could not compete in the recruitment and financial compensation for African American players, which later caused many African American teams to fold in the early 1960s. Some people shake their heads and say that the Negro Leagues' players came along too early. I think ``Cool Papa'' Bell had it right when he said ``they opened the door, just too late.'' But then it is never too late to right what has been a wrong, to create equal opportunity and to open the doors for the Luke Easters, the Minnie Minosos, the Kirby Picketts, the Barry Bondses, the Frank Thomases, and countless others who have thrilled and delighted us with their skills. The achievement and success of African American baseball players on the baseball field have helped break down color barriers and integrate African Americans into all aspects of society. This bill recognizes the teams and the players of the Negro Baseball Leagues for their achievements, their sacrifices, their dedication, and their contributions to baseball and the Nation. I commend the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen) for introducing the bill, and I urge its swift passage. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 162) recognizing the contributions of the Negro Baseball Leagues and their players, as amended.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the Representative from Tennessee, Representative Steve Cohen, have as much time as he might consume

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker. it is an honor and privilege that I rise today to recognize Odessa Juanita Brown for her achievements and milestones as she celebrated her 85th birthday on March 1, 2007. I have known Odessa for most of my life. She and her husband Frank, and their children lived on Cimarron Street, in Los Angeles, and my family lived around the corner--that date's back to the late-1950s. Our families have remained in contact since then. Odessa Brown has remained a committed community servant, participant in civic and fraternal groups, and an active church member over that 50-year period. She has been a member of Trinity Baptist Church for 61 years; a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Chapter Alpha Gamma Omega of Los Angeles, California, the same Chapter of which I am a member, for 25 years; and a volunteer at the election polls for the last 20 years. Odessa has been Worthy Matron of Skylight Chapter 51 of the Eastern Star and was a member of the NAACP . Today she is taking computer technology classes at Santa Monica Emeritus College. Not enough of a role model, yet? Well, Odessa has maintained an exercise routine of walking a mile almost every day for more than two decades-- including hills, by the way. Odessa Brown's leadership skills, her commitment to service, and her creative talents have been a true lifetime blessing to her family and community. She served as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader of her daughters' troops. She used her artistry to design and sew her daughters' beautiful handmade dresses when they were small. Everyone knew the three Brown girls because of their uniquely crafted dresses. Odessa's culinary talents are also memorable, and family, friends, visitors have craved her cooking from coast to coast. She has creatively hosted small and large family dinners and barbeques, and cooked for neighborhood block parties and festivals. Her ``monkey bread,'' oh, yes, that monkey bread--is the most desired food at all family gatherings. Odessa is a dedicated and devout Christian, and her church continues to be important part of her life. She and her husband, Frank, joined Trinity Baptist Church in 1946, the year they were married. She has been an active member since. Their five children--Marion, Gwen, Kathleen, Frank, and Reginald--grew up in Trinity. Her grandson, James, attends Trinity, and her other grandchildren, who live outside Los Angeles--Cameron, Brian, Rachel, Charesse, Kahlil, Imani, and Camara-- have visited. Odessa's great grandchildren, Cameron and Ciera, are expected to one day be the fourth generation to worship at Trinity. Odessa is a Deaconess and is a longtime member of the Gospel Choir, which was directed by the late Inez Caston. Odessa regularly and lovingly still participates in church projects. Odessa was born in Lewisville, Arkansas, on March 1, 1922, and Frank was born in Stamps, Arkansas. They joined the church not long after they had moved to Los Angeles. They were part of the great war-era migration of African Americans from the south to the north and west. Odessa was the fifth child of Annie and Joe Brown. She had three brothers--Joseph, Clarence (deceased), and Cleant, and three sisters, Mary (deceased), Bernice (deceased), and Margie. The church was an important part of their community and Odessa was baptized at Galilee Baptist Church in Lewisville at 11 years of age. From a young child, Odessa was extremely creative, artistic, and talented, whether she was in the kitchen helping her mother bake or designing and sewing outfits for her dolls. She started cooking at the age of seven and her teacher was her sister, Mary. When her parents attended church, they would return to a fantastic meal. Her parents were surprised to find out that she was the genius behind the great family meals. Her mother taught her how to sew and she quickly picked up the skill. She always helped her Mom around the house. Odessa's parents were extremely resourceful. The Brown family understood the value of land ownership. Annie Brown's family was considered middle class, and they owned land. She inherited river land from her parents, which is still owned by the Brown Family, and she and her husband, Joe, purchased land together, as well. Joe was a hard working, proud farmer who raised his seven kids with the proceeds from the land. He grew corn, cotton, truck patches (watermelon), and raised animals (chickens, hogs and cows). He marketed his own products and sold direct to consumers. He also showcased his animals at conventions and fairs. He was a chef and cooked at clubhouses, and was known for another unique skill--making ice cream. He sold his produce and ice cream at church conventions, and his fondness for making ice cream was passed down to Odessa, who developed homemade ice cream as a specialty. Annie also was an entrepreneur and learned how to use a pressure cooker to process vegetables and fruit. This, of course, was a rarity in that period. With this unique talent, the community could have food stored during the winter months. Annie became the expert who trained others in the community on the benefits of using the pressure cooker to preserve foods. In 1942, many things changed in the lives of the Brown family, as it did for most families in the country. The three Brown brothers, Joseph, Clarence, and Cleant joined the Army to serve their country during World War II. Joe Brown, now had a challenge. He too desired to serve his country and left for California to work in the Navy Shipyard in northern California. Odessa and her sister left Lewisville for California. For a short time, Odessa worked at a Ford Plant in northern California. Frank, having finished his tour of duty in the U.S. Army, decided to settle in Los Angeles. Odessa and Frank married, and began building a family. They soon settled as one of the first African American families in Leimert Park. Years later, after her eldest children left home for college, Odessa decided it was time to pursue her dream. She registered for college and earned her bachelors of arts degree from California State University at Dominquez Hills. Odessa then taught as a substitute teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School System. Her quest to learn continues, as she has mastered the newest technologies. She now uses the computer and sends e-mail messages to her family. She continues to exercise her creative design skills by knitting and crocheting, and shares knitted scarves and crocheted blankets with family and friends. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Odessa Juanita Brown as she celebrates her 85th birthday. She is truly an inspiration and a community treasure. I wish her many more years of health and prosperity.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the author of the bill, Representative Anna Eshoo from California, be given 5\1/2\ minutes to speak.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I request that Representative Jim Costa of California speak for 2 minutes.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I request 2\1/2\ minutes for Representative Howard L. Berman from California.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, public service is the cornerstone of living democracy. That said, I do fervently believe it takes a special person to give their life to serve the public. I stand before you to honor an individual who, for over 30 years, dedicated his life to public servitude, former California Lieutenant Governor, Leo T. McCarthy. Lieutenant Governor McCarthy was one who valued what was best for all of Californians, not just those that were of means and access. Much of this can be attributed to McCarthy's humane beginnings as the child of a poor immigrant family. It was during the time McCarthy's father, Daniel, opened a pub which became the community haven for the local Irish Catholic population, that young McCarthy became smitten with service. In his youth, McCarthy engaged in many service-oriented activities, which included early studies for the priesthood and service within the United States Air Force. After earning his law degree, he began a career in politics that spanned over three decades. He served first as a member of the California Board of Supervisors and, in 1968, won a State assembly seat, where he eventually assumed the role of Speaker. During his tenure in the California Assembly, McCarthy instituted a number of reforms. He reduced the number of oversight committees, provided members with bill analysis for floor sessions and provided more accountability and greater public access. Leo McCarthy was a man on a mission, and in 1982, he ascended to what would become the pinnacle of his political career, the role of Lieutenant Governor of the State of California. As Lieutenant Governor, McCarthy wanted to unify the differing socioeconomic and cultural climates of the State. He established the Feminization of Poverty Task Force, which was comprised of women from all walks of life to develop ways to overcome economic barriers common amongst women and girls. He also enacted legislation to better regulate nursing home patients and ensure that women had the best possible preventive care. He was an advocate for minority and female-owned businesses, and coerced business leaders into understanding the economic benefits of work site child care facilities. When asked to reflect about his years in the public sector, Leo McCarthy said, ``I was lucky. I was in a position to make a contribution. I felt very fortunate to have played a role. Some days were miserable, and some unhappy, but there were a lot of days that were great. There was a sense of satisfaction and being helpful to people.'' Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time

Ms. WATSON. I request that the Speaker take as much time as she desires, Mr. Speaker.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I request 2 minutes for the gentleman from California, Sam Farr.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to extend the time of debate 2 minutes.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 180) honoring the life and achievements of Leo T. McCarthy and expressing profound sorrow on his death.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I request 2 minutes for the gentleman from California, Brad Sherman.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, the most sacred institution of our society is that of the family. And within the family, its most precious asset, and that is its children. I stand before you today asking that my colleagues support me in establishing a National Children and Families Day. President Bush has stated that, ``Families instill in our children values; they shape character and are the foundation of a hopeful society.'' These are the goals for which we strive on National Children and Families Day. It is the intent of the National Children and Families Day to emphasize the importance of loving and stable relationships between parents, communities and children. I once heard a teacher ask her class, What is the greatest Nation in the world? As the students muttered the names of countries worldwide, she pointed to her head and said, Imagination. Through National Children and Families Day, I wish to cultivate and encourage the active imaginations of children, for we know that from creative and innovative thinking comes the ability to hope and dream for a brighter future. Creating an environment that instills important values and builds strong character and provides sound education for our children is a vital national priority. With a firm foundation, children will be better able to face the challenges of the future. As a legislator, I often find myself thinking of the countless children I represent whom I view as future voting constituents. And I think of how the policies we enact today could hinder or empower them 10, 15 or 20 years from now. This, Mr. Speaker, is why I urge my colleagues to support National Children and Families Day. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms WATSON

Ms WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 62), supporting the goals and ideals of a National Children and Families Day, in order to encourage adults in the United States to support and listen to children and to help children throughout the Nation achieve their hopes and dreams, and for other purposes.