Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and congratulate the Seven Hills School on the 20th Anniversary of their founding. Seven Hills School has not only provided exceptional education to middle school boys in our Richmond community but has created a strong community that will support their students long after they graduate.

The Seven Hills School first opened its doors in 2001 and over the last twenty years has created an environment that equips their graduates to succeed both in the classroom and beyond. Staff and teachers at Seven Hills School establish strong relationships between students and fosters curiosity and enthusiasm in the classroom.

After two decades, Seven Hills' teachers and staff remain dedicated to their mission of cultivating keen intellect and emotional strength in their students, as well as establishing a strong community within. With three hundred and eighty-eight alumni, Seven Hills School has established itself to be an institution designed to help middle school boys succeed with new approaches that provide hands-on and experiential learning that will stick with their students for life.

Madam Speaker. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Seven Hills School and wishing them another twenty years of success educating bright young men.

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Marion F. Smith, a constituent of Virginia's 4th Congressional District. This July 20th, Ms. Smith will reach the milestone of her 100th birthday.

Marion F. Smith was born on July 20, 1922 in Chesapeake, Virginia, to Isaiah and Laura Ferebee. Laura, a mid-wife, and Isaiah, a farmer, raised their 7 children through the Great Depression and encouraged each of them to chase opportunities and live their lives to the fullest.

Ms. Smith learned about perseverance early on. In elementary and middle school she walked five miles each way to and from school. In 1939, she graduated from Providence High School and was married in 1943. While this marriage ended in 1960, it provided her with 3 beloved children: Roderick, John, and Rita.

A lifelong learner, Ms. Smith sought education at every level. She was initially able to take classes at Women's College in Greensboro and Norfolk State University. She earned enough credits to enter the Teacher Corps Program in 1971 and graduated from Norfolk State University in 1973 with her B.S. in Elementary Education. She also found time to serve her community by working for the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project (STOP) in Norfolk, helping to alleviate poverty in low-income communities.

After graduation, with her degree in hand, Marion returned to Chesapeake and became a teacher in Chesapeake Public Schools. The lifelong learner she was, Marion continued her education and graduated from Old Dominion University with her master's degree in education in 1987. She retired from Chesapeake Public Schools in 1989. Ms. Smith is also a member of Phi Delta Kappa, a professional organization for Educators, in the Alpha Lambda Chapter.

In addition to her passion for education, she is also a woman of faith. She grew up in a Christian family and is currently a member at Covenant Fellowship. She is also a Past Matron of The Order of the Eastern Star of Virginia.

While Marion has centered her life around education, service, and spirituality, she also loves to bake and cook, she loves cars and houses, and especially loves to bowl. After retiring, Marion decided to take up bowling and continued her bowling career until she turned 97. She still notes how much she enjoys the sport.

Marion has lived a life of faith, love, and grace.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Marion F. Smith a happy 100th birthday.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity to celebrate the hiring of Chief Tina R. Watkins, who is the first female, and first African-American fire chief of Petersburg Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services in its nearly 250-year history. Chief Watkins brings years of experience in fire administration and field operations and is primed to succeed in this role.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, Chief Watkins grew up in a middle-class family where she was raised by hard working parents. Her mother was an educator, and father was a postal worker and Korean War veteran. They encouraged Chief Watkins and her three brothers to go out and experience their dreams. Inspired by her parents, Chief Watkins chose a path of service in her own life.

Chief Watkins holds impressive educational credentials. She earned a Master's degree in Leadership with an emphasis in Emergency Management and Executive Fire Leadership, along with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Safety and Business Administration. She holds many professional certifications through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Fire Academy, and the Virginia State Fire Program, including those in fire prevention, hazardous materials, national fire services staff and command, and emergency planning and effective communications. This education has served Chief Watkins throughout her career, and will surely continue to inform her work in Petersburg.

Chief Watkins has proven her dedication to service and her community. After graduation she served our nation as a member of the United States Coast Guard. Following her Coast Guard service, Chief Watkins began her fire service career in 1988 when she was recruited and hired by the Richmond Fire and Emergency Services as a fire fighter. She was promoted through the ranks to become Richmond Fire and Emergency Services first female lieutenant, captain, and chief officer. She spent 11 years as a Battalion Chief for Richmond Fire and Emergency Services where she supervised five stations and six fire companies. Chief Watkins has a demonstrated track record serving in leadership roles with Richmond Fire and Emergency Services, leaving a legacy of improving processes and policies, making the department more efficient.

Now Chief Watkins has the distinction of not only becoming Petersburg's first African American Fire Chief, but also first woman to lead a fire department in the Commonwealth. I am confident that under her leadership the Petersburg Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services will continue to provide exceptional service to our community.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Chief Tina R. Watkins for her service to her Nation, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and her community.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the Varina Blue Devils Boys Basketball Team for winning the Class 4 State Championship title.

This title run was a towering achievement, as it resulted in the team's second state championship in basketball and the school's second state championship this school year. It is truly a well-earned victory, not only for the team but also the school and community.

The Blue Devils' win was earned through hard work on and off the court, with their individual talents combining through outstanding teamwork. Coming off a semifinal win with the score of 84-68, the Blue Devils put on an outstanding performance in the Championship, with a final score of 61-35. I am certain that their legacy of championship achievement will inspire future Blue Devils to follow in their footsteps.

On behalf of Virginia's Fourth Congressional District, I would like to congratulate Principal Darin Thompson, Coach Kenneth Randolph, and the Varina High School Blue Devils Boys Basketball Team for their inspiring championship season.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the Highland Springs Springers Boys Basketball Team for winning the Class 5 State Championship title.

This title run was a tremendous achievement, as it resulted in the team's fourth state championship and first since 2007. The Springers won in the last seconds of the game with the final score being 63-62.

The Springers' win was earned through months of hard work. After a season of hard-fought wins and a remarkable record of 23-4, these young men closed out the championship game in style, securing the win in the final seconds of the game with stifling defense. I am certain that these young men and their championship achievement will be remembered in the Henrico community for years to come.

On behalf of Virginia's Fourth Congressional District, I would like to congratulate Principal Kenneth White, Coach Reggie Tennyson, and the Highland Springs Springers Boys Basketball Team for their remarkable championship season.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the John Marshall Justices Boys Basketball Team for winning the Class 2 State Championship title.

This title run was an outstanding achievement, resulting in the team's third state basketball championship since 2014. In their semifinal contest the Justices won by a score of 92-53, and in the championship game won 82-43. The players' work ethic and winning mentality truly shined.

The Justices' win was not earned just on the day of the game but was built on months of hard work. After a season of spectacular victories and a 22-4 record going into the title game, these young men closed out the championship game in style. I am certain that these young men and their state title achievement will be remembered in the Richmond community for years to come.

On behalf of Virginia's Fourth Congressional District, I would like to congratulate Principal Monica Murray, Coach Ty White, and the John Marshall Justices Boys Basketball Team for their remarkable championship season.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate James Solomon Russell Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

James Solomon Russell was an enormously important figure in the history of southern Virginia. He was born into slavery in 1857 and began his career as a teacher in 1874. By 1879, he began transitioning to ministry, building his first church and being ordained a deacon in 1882. His work included building new schools and senior housing in addition to increasing the number of African-American churches in his diocese from none to thirty-seven. Perhaps his most well-known accomplishment is his founding in 1888 and subsequent leadership of Saint Paul's College. As a result of his work, thousands of young African Americans obtained a higher education degree. Particularly important among the alumni of Saint Paul's College are the many teachers who went on to educate young people across the Commonwealth.

James Solomon Russell Day in the Commonwealth was first established on March 28, 2020 through a bill in the Virginia State Legislative Session. By introducing this bill, Delegate Roslyn Tyler and Senator Louise Lucas ensured that James Solomon Russell Day is celebrated on March 28th in the Commonwealth for years to come. Through this annual recognition, we will keep his memory alive and celebrate his work to better our Commonwealth.

This year, I want to particularly commend the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture Robert F. Smith Center for the Digitization and Curation of African American History for their work with the James Solomon Russell--Saint Paul's College Museum and Archives. Representatives from the Center have already travelled to Lawrenceville twice to lend their expertise on archiving and digitizing the museum's collection and are planning another trip this spring. With the experience of the Center, financial support from the state and federal government, and the passion of the staff at the museum, residents of southern Virginia will be able to access and learn from the history of James Solomon Russell and Saint Paul's College.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the exemplary work of Mona Garimella, an 11th grade student at Maggie Walker Governor's School in Richmond, Virginia, and the high school winner of the Black History Month essay contest I hosted earlier this month. Ms. Garimella wrote a powerful essay on the legacy of my former colleague, John Lewis, and the importance of getting into ``good trouble.'' I am inspired by Ms. Garimella's words, and I encourage young people across our country to reflect on what this month means to them.

Since its creation less than 50 years ago, Black History Month has been a time to honor and reflect upon the remarkable achievements of the African-American community.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mona Garimella's exceptional work in celebration of Black History Month.

VA04 High School Black History Month Essay Contest

(By Mona Garimella)

``Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem

the soul of America.'' Former U.S. Representative John Lewis

once said this, a man who continuously fought for equality

and civil rights throughout his lifetime. Lewis's work as an

activist and government official made courageous strides in

our society that were of the topmost necessity. In a time of

pure hate and discrimination against African American people,

Lewis led significant protests, such as the iconic Freedom

Fighters protests against Boynton v. Virginia. He continued

his legacy as a leader in multiple nonviolence activist

groups and also when he eventually came to Congress. Today,

Representative Lewis's lifetime work of ``good trouble''

represents the necessity for society to continuously fight

for what is right and never be afraid to speak up for the

greater good, as it is our job as American individuals to

hold the government accountable and remain steadfast in our

morals so that we can prevent the tragic prejudices in our

history from occurring again.

It is hard to stand up for what is right. To speak up and

defy social norms is something that takes courage to do, but

it is of utmost importance that we do so; one must use their

freedom of speech to get in ``good trouble'' and stand up for

what is right. After years of inhumane police brutality

against African Americans and the tragic murder of George

Floyd in 2020, the Black Lives Matter movement gained a surge

of popularity larger than it had ever seen. Individuals of

all colors and backgrounds were using their right to protest

to create good trouble and be loud. They made it clear that

the violence and mistreatment of Black people in our country

have been inhumane for centuries now. It was sickening how

certain racial prejudices are still present today and even

supported by some law enforcement officials. Some news

sources viewed these protests as ``violent,'' but the

activists continued using their voices because they knew it

was the only way people would listen. As seen in Lewis's

civil rights work and the Black Lives Matter movement,

protests are important to bring the necessary change to our

society that is long overdue, particularly in civil rights

issues because the country needs to hear the stories of Black

people in order to truly understand the systemic issues with

our legal systems. Thus, it is only through the continuous

use of speech to create ``good trouble'' that our country can

at least somewhat right the wrongs in our legal system, as

the people wronged by the system deserve at least that much.

As students, along with using our voices, it is imperative

that we remain unified in our efforts so that we can create

greater change. If we all come together to share stories and

further learn about other perspectives while living as a

minority in America, we can truly create substantial change.

John Lewis was known to be both a man of action and a man of

words. Our words have so much value and power, and we must

use language as a collective body of young activists to learn

and come together to share these stories. Indeed using one's

voice can also be viewed individualistically, such as through

voting. However, the beauty of our democracy is that freedom

of speech along with the right to assemble and protest are

foundational elements of our country that promote community

buy-in. Voting is important, but it is our strength in

numbers that can truly move our nation to change, and it is

our job as young activists and the next generation to start

being more mindful of the stories of those hurt by our nation

so that we can come together and push through these issues

collectively.

When John Lewis was repeatedly jailed for his protests and

civil rights work, he continued to use his voice because he

knew our nation still had a long way to go. When Black Lives

Matters protesters were criticized for being too loud, the

activists continued to lead their efforts because they knew

that

they could not stop now; evidently, the fight against racial

prejudice is a life-long battle. While it is not justifiable

nor acceptable, we as individuals carry implicit biases and

prejudices against other groups of people. However, it is our

duty as informed citizens and sympathetic human beings that

we continue to educate ourselves and create ``good trouble''

so that we can continuously learn. It is only through acts of

good trouble that we, as a society, can progress to a state

of being where individuals do not fear being pulled over by a

cop--one where Black people do not have to worry about being

unfairly stereotyped and having to face inhumane treatment

because of that. This is the absolute bare minimum, yet this

is where our society has fallen behind. Because of

individuals like Representative John Lewis, we were able to

dismantle a series of racist laws our nation shamelessly

agreed upon at one point in time, but it is our duty today to

continue that fight and John Lewis's legacy to truly mend the

wounds we have created.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the exemplary work of Salim Bamoue, an 8th grade student at Vernon Johns Middle School in Petersburg, Virginia, and the middle school winner of the Black History Month essay contest I hosted earlier this month. Mr. Bamoue wrote a powerful essay on the legacy of my former colleague John Lewis and why his lifelong work on voting rights is still important today. I am inspired by Mr. Bamoue's words, and I encourage young people across our country to reflect on what this month means to them.

Since its creation less than 50 years ago, Black History Month has been a time to honor and reflect upon the remarkable achievements of the African-American community. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Salim Bamoue's exceptional work in celebration of Black History Month.

VA04 High School Black History Month Essay Contest

(By Salim Bamoue)

The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by

human beings for breaking down injustice and destroying the

terrible walls which imprison people because they are

different from others.--Martin Luther King Jr. Many people

consider voting to be the most prominent voice us citizens

have in office. While this is true, people of color do not

have equal opportunity to voice their opinions. John Lewis

fought for most of his life to preserve the voting rights of

his African American brothers and sisters. John Lewis's

impact on voting rights can not be taken away. He has

influenced changes that have been made and changes to be made

in American society for years to come. The struggle for

voting rights has always been long and arduous, and John

Lewis despite all the adversity, fought through it so that

minorities in America had equal opportunity to vote in the

United States of America.

John Lewis was born on February 21, 1940 in a heavily

segregated Alabama. He was born into terrible circumstances

as he would grow up to be a victim of prejudice. When Jim

Crow laws were in full effect and white superiority was

preached everywhere and blacks were brutally persecuted due

to the forceful stereotypes and rhetoric spread by white

supremacists. Most people of color were gaslighted into

believing they were actually inferior to whites. This

genuinely applied to most things a normal American citizen

would do. Voting especially was a huge issue. The issue of

voting disproportionately benefited whites in a way which

might have seemed minute. John Lewis saw this and decided his

activism to the issue of voting rights. One of John Lewis'

most prominent and notable moments in his life was Bloody

Sunday. On March 7th, 1965, John Lewis and other activists

were brutally beaten for protesting their voting rights.

Voting rights have always been complicated. This did not

deter John Lewis though as he's been fighting for this up

until his passing.

John Lewis' legacy is still integral in our fight for

voting rights. A bill is being worked on in his name to

secure the votes of African American citizens. While for the

most part the disparity between whites and blacks isn't as

notable, we are still currently struggling to attain our

voting rights in a way in which we feel secured and just as

considered as our white counterparts. John Lewis has fought

for many years to attain voting rights for his people, even

becoming a U.S. Representative so that people may look up to

him and strive for what he strived for. The future looks

promising as this new bill that may be passed in his name may

directly affect black voters in such a way that more and more

black voters are accounted for.

Throughout history, people of color have notably been on

the short end of the stick and we still struggle to attain

even our voting rights, But late John Lewis has dedicated his

life to the cost in order to give black people an equal voice

as to who we should place in our offices. The current state

of the bill working on to be passed in John Lewis's name

doesn't look so good as it has failed the senate vote twice

and is exempt from filibuster, but that doesn't mean we sit

down and act as if we cannot find a compromise or some sort

of way to finally secure our voting rights as we as black

Americans should always strive to secure the rights given to

us and the fruits of our liberty. So I call upon black

Americans to keep on fighting the persecution even through

the face of adversity. There is always a light at the end of

the tunnel.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and honor Mr. Remmie Chew for his service to our country and his continuing service to our Richmond community.

Mr. Chew served in the United States Marine Corps for sixteen years, and was stationed across the globe, from Okinawa, Japan to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. He now continues his service in the Richmond community with his non-profit organization, A Servant's Heart Ministry, that collects goods and distributes them to those experiencing homelessness.

His inspiration for his non-profit came while getting his master's degree at Virginia Union University's School of Theology in 2020. As a fellow alumnus of that venerable institution, I have the utmost respect for the way Mr. Chew lives the values we learned. As churches and others serve meals, it was important to Mr. Chew to provide food, clothing, and other essential items to the people of Richmond, wherever they may be.

Instead of looking for praise, Mr. Chew finds reward with helping and making connections with our communities. Mr. Chew's dedication to others, both in our Richmond communities and to our nation during his time in the U.S. Marine Corps, exemplifies his selfless service.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Remmie Chew for his devotion and service to the public good, to our communities, and to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the Varina Blue Devils football team for winning the Class 4 state championship title.

This title run was particularly exciting, as it resulted in Varina High School's first ever football state championship. Their victory was made even more special by the fact that the last time the Blue Devils made the championship finals in 1999, their Head Coach Marcus Lewis was on the team.

The Blue Devils' win was not earned just on the day of the game but was built on months of hard work. After a season of close victories that toughened their resolve and showed their fighting spirit, these young men closed out the championship game in style. When a last-minute interception sealed the win for Varina, the Blue Devils earned their place in our Commonwealth's history. I am certain that these young men and their championship achievement will be remembered in the Henrico community for years to come.

On behalf of Virginia's Fourth Congressional District, I would like to congratulate Principal Darin Thompson, Coach Marcus Lewis, and the Varina High School Blue Devils football team for their inspiring championship season.

Madam Speaker, on Wednesday December 8, 2021, I was unable to cast my vote on roll call vote 427. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Yes'' on roll call 427, passage of H.R. 2074.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate Mr. Learned Davis Barry on the occasion of his retirement.

Mr. Barry has deep ties to the Commonwealth of Virginia. He earned his B.A. from the University of Virginia, his J.D. from the University of Richmond Law School, and was admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth on May 21, 1974, almost 50 years ago.

Mr. Barry's commitment to service has been a hallmark of his legal career. He followed in his father's footsteps by registering for military service, serving as an Air Force JAG officer for four years following his graduation from law school. Over the next forty-four years of Mr. Barry's career, he served as a prosecutor in the Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, the Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, and the Chesterfield Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.

As he progressed throughout his career, Mr. Barry took on increasingly robust and challenging roles as a public servant. He served as the Special Prosecutor responsible for running the multi- jurisdictional Grand Jury for the City of Richmond and the counties of Henrico and Chesterfield. When he returned to the Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney's Office in the early 2000s, Mr. Barry created a ``Murder Program'' in the office, focusing on the successful investigation and prosecution of homicides in Richmond. This work resulted in a high clearance rate for murder cases in the City of Richmond, including the infamous murder of the Harvey family on New Year's Day 2006.

However, Mr. Barry's most lasting legacy is the impact he has had on the hundreds of

younger prosecutors that he mentored. Through his advice and training over the decades, prosecutors in Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield gained a deeper knowledge of and respect for the law.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Learned Davis Barry for his devotion to the public good and decades of committed service as a prosecutor.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to honor and recognize 1st Lt. Ronald Kimler for his service in the United States Air Force during World War II and the Korean War.

When he enlisted in the Air Force out of high school, 1st Lt. Kimler progressed through a challenging series of flight schools before earning his wings in May of 1944. After shipping out from Richmond, Virginia to Europe, he was primarily stationed in Belgium. During the Second World War, 1st Lt. Kimler flew 38 missions with the 9th Air Force, ranging from bombing supply trains to supporting troop deployments. When our nation engaged in the conflict in Korea, he answered the call and served in the Air Force for an additional year and nine months.

For his service, 1st Lt. Kimler earned numerous awards, including the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

One lasting impact that stands out from his service was 1st Lt. Kimler's connection to his fellow airmen. In the face of risk-filled and challenging missions, they became, in 1st Lt. Kimler's words, ``closer than blood relatives.'' This bond led 1st Lt. Kimler to regularly keep in touch with a number of his comrades, speaking with them several times a month over decades despite serving together more than 70 years ago.

While his service is deserving of high praise, notably earning the nickname ``flak bait'' for the number of times his plane was hit, 1st Lt. Kimler has always put the focus on his fellow servicemembers. Instead of glamorizing his own actions, he has always looked to memorialize the over four hundred thousand Americans who lost their lives in World War II. This attitude reflects the best nature of our country--Americans working together for a common cause and united in our gratitude for the sacrifice of our fellow countrymen.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 1st Lt. Ronald Kimler for his devotion to the United States of America and courageous service during the Second World War and the Korean War.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to honor and recognize Lt. Col., Ret. Jefferson D. Reynolds as the 2021 recipient of the inaugural Veteran of the Year Award for the Fourth Congressional District of Virginia.

Lt. Col., Ret. Reynolds has dedicated his life to serving our country, both as an enlisted soldier in the United States Army and as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force in the Judge Advocate General Corps. Lt. Col., Ret. Reynolds currently works as an attorney for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality providing program oversight and enforcement for over 50 agency program areas including air, water, waste, remediation, wetlands, petroleum, and natural resource damage.

For his service, Lt. Col., Ret. Reynolds has earned numerous awards, including the defense meritorious service medal, two meritorious service medals, and numerous commendation medals. He is a veteran of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia.

In addition to our appreciation for his service, we owe Lt. Col., Ret. Reynolds a debt of gratitude for the work he does for communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Lt. Col., Ret. Reynolds serves as an Emergency Medical Technician squad leader for the Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue Squad and as a member of the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps. He continues to volunteer his time in the Richmond area focusing on medical education for at-risk veterans.

Lt. Col., Ret. Reynolds personal connection to rock climbing at the age of 14 has inspired him to create a mountaineering company that has organized and led expeditions to every continent in the world. He has climbed the highest peaks of the seven continents and with every climb undertaken it strengthens his resolve to advocate for the preservation and protection of our mountain landscapes. Lt. Col., Ret. Reynolds is also the proud father of two children, who, according to him: ``are, undoubtedly, my biggest adventure.''

It is for these reasons and so many more that I am proud to recognize Lt. Col., Rel. Jefferson D. Reynolds as the 2021 recipient of the Fourth Congressional District of Virginia's inaugural Veteran of the Year Award for his continued service to our Commonwealth and our country.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Lt. Col., Ret. Reynolds for his devotion to the United States of America and his selfless efforts to help all those around him improve the environment.