Floor Statements

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.