Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm that I rise to congratulate Chief Apostle Bishop William L. Bonner and the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith of Harlem for organizing its 90th Pre-Centennial Founders Day at the Greater Refuge Temple in honor of founder, Bishop Robert Clarence Lawson.

To speak of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ as an organization is to speak of its illustrious and dynamic founder, the late apostle, Bishop Robert C. Lawson, D.D., LL.D. We can safely say that God made His choice to use this dedicated man to work His divinely inspired plan for this great organization. For it was by his Herculean effort and prolific preaching and the mastery of the inspired scriptures that Bishop Lawson, with tenacity and determination hewed from the villages, cities, towns and hamlets, the dynamic organization known as the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith Inc.

It was in the year of 1914 when Mr. Lawson accepted the word of God and was baptized in the name of Jesus and received the Holy Ghost. A supernatural event took place in his life, namely the miraculous healing of his body from consumption. This occurrence was stamped indelibly upon him and played a major part in the shaping of his inspired faith healing ministry.

By his own testimony we learned that Bishop Lawson was divinely called by the Lord through a whirlwind, hearing the voice of God saying ``Go Preach My Word! I mean you! I mean you! I mean you! Go preach My Word.''

The Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ had its inception in the year 1919. Bishop Lawson, then Elder Lawson was invited to a prayer meeting, which was in progress in a basement in the 40th Street area of New York City. So energetic was his service to the Lord, that his fame spread abroad and reached the ears of Mr. and Mrs. James Burleigh and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Anderson. These two blessed couples opened their homes to Elder Lawson and their home today is affectionately thought of as the ``Cradle of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ''.

Within a short period of time, the congregation outgrew its place of worship, having approximately 200 members, and larger quarters had to be sought. Bishop Lawson purchased the site at 52-54-56 West 133 Street and relocated his thriving church. It was there that his vision was enlarged and the Lord laid upon his heart to conduct a tent revival and great numbers were added to the church.

The clarion call for our illustrious leader came on Sunday, July 2, 1961, and Bishop Lawson a prince of preachers, the Bible Answer man, God's shining star departed this life. The words of our famed pioneer and Apostle are still resounding in our ears: ``Add Thou To It, Add Thou To It,'' and the answer comes from the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, we will, we shall, we have.

I did something I rarely do and that is ask to go before the previous speakers that were here, only because I wanted some continuity in the remarks of my friend from California about my friend, Jack Kemp. I know that other people have other things to say about Jack, but I think my remarks are more consistent with yours, and so I asked my colleagues to forgive me for asking for this courtesy.

When the minority leader asked me to join on a resolution for Jack Kemp, me being for good cause suspicious, I just said yes because I knew that in my worst possible dreams if they wanted to distort something to catch me up in a political thing, that they couldn't do it with Jack Kemp because Jack Kemp defies the political persuasion which our House finds itself in today with how we treat each other, how we lose respect for each other, and how the party vote seems sometimes more important than what we are going to tell our kids what contribution we made to this great body.

I was moved by what you said in terms of things that I don't normally think about, but when you said he really believed it was a religious, it was a spiritual thing, I take a look at and wonder if Jack was with us today, what would he really disagree with us about. Sure, we would have some problems in the tax system. We would have some problems believing that the free market system was going to remove so many of the problems that we face. And I get so sick and tired of people of the other persuasion saying that they are colorblind. Of course, when Bill Archer said it, I found out he really was colorblind.

But as a political statement, I can tell you that the things that I was privileged to work with Jack Kemp on were for people who were the lesser of our brothers and sisters, period. And they come in all different colors. That is what the empowerment zone was all about. It was not looking for Republicans or conservatives or blacks and whites. It was in this country, everyone should have an opportunity to

dream and achieve. And every time he had a chance, he would make it abundantly clear.

What would the Republicans say today if he was running for Vice President and had his initial visit in Harlem U.S.A., in my congressional district? And who was there but me saying: he's a heck of a good guy. I just don't believe he and Dole are going to win.

Jack Kemp had a constituency when he was Secretary of HUD. I don't care what Republicans or Democrats want to say, if you were living in public housing, you knew that the Secretary of HUD was your friend.

I would just like to conclude by saying that he was snatched away so early. When you are 79, you think 73 is early. But I never saw him that he didn't ask about my wife, about my kids. And of course if you ever saw a Christmas card from Jack Kemp and looked at him and Joanne and looked at his father and then read his biography, you would know that he was a quarterback for justice, and no matter what the cause, what your color, what your religion, if in this country you thought there was hope for you to succeed, the guy you should have seen was Jack Kemp.

I hope that all of us would have a little bit of Kemp in us. During these difficult times, it is hard to get along; but if you can remember that maybe one day when you leave you will see people of all persuasions, of all parties saying you are a decent person, Jack Kemp has set an example for all of us.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I would just like to join in by saying those who knew Jack Kemp, you couldn't help but admire and respect him. He wasn't just a quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, but he was a quarterback for America and what's good for America.

It wasn't really working across the aisle when working with him; it was working with someone that was trying to improve the life conditions of people in this country no matter what color or what religion they had. I worked with him on the empowerment zones. I got all the credit; he did all the work. I worked with him on the African Growth and Economic bill. He was one of the first to testify not because of Africa but because it was the right thing to do.

When he became Secretary of HUD, everybody in public housing knew him as the ``godfather.'' He would visit when he was running for Vice President, and in Democratic districts, they would come out to pay respect to a guy that respected people regardless of their color. So he was one of those people that when they asked, ``What can I do for you? What do you need from me?'' it wasn't just an expression. Jack Kemp really meant it.

His wife, Joanne, was a partner. He's got a great family. I know he's in heaven because he lived a straight life. He was a great guy. We all will miss him, especially the New York delegation and those who were honored to work with him and respect the work that he has done.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to salute and congratulate my dear friend, an outstanding businesswoman and community leader, Ramona ``Mona'' Lopez in celebration of the 369th Veterans' Association Annual Pre-Mother's Day Brunch taking place on Sunday, May 9 at the elegant Marina del Rey.

Affectionately known in Harlem as Mona by her many fans, friends, business associates and Jazz musician legends, was born on the Island of Puerto Rico and came to New York at an early age. Mona was educated in the Public School system, raised three daughters and embarked on a career that has spanned over three decades. Her daughters Joann, Eva, and Dolores have blessed her with four grandchildren, Margaret, Kimberly, Eva, and Jonathan.

Since December 1978, Ms. Mona Lopez has managed Showman's Cafe in all of its locations within my Congressional District. Showman's, originally located next to the

World Famous Apollo Theatre, over the years has been the home club of choice and hangout for many of Harlem's renowned entrepreneurs and personalities. Since 1942, Showman's Jazz Cafe has showcased top musicians for Harlem and International audiences, as Mona, Co-Owner and retired Son of Sam New York City Police Detective Al Howard, and former barmaid ``Lil'' Pierce refer to as ``family.''

Madam Speaker, The Friends of Showman's roster include luminaries and entertainers like Count Basie, Billy Eckstine, Sammy Davis, Jr., Charles Honi Coles, Leroy Myers, Gregory Hines, Pop Brown, Nat Davis and Savion Glover. Personalities like Jesse Walker, Joe Yancy and Jimmy Booker. Performers like Bill Doggett, George Benson, Seleno Clarke, Irene Reid, Jimmy ``Preacher'' Robins, Gloria Lynne, Joey Morant, Akiko Tsuruga, Grady Tate, Frank Dell and the Prince of Harlem Lonnie Youngblood.

Mona has always been, and still is a ``Hands-On'' person and as Operations Manager she along with her dedicated and energized staff, is responsible for the reputation that Showman's has maintained for being ``The Jazz Club in Harlem'' since it was founded back in 1942. For her service to the community, Mona has been honored to receive a ``Woman of the Year'' award from the Tioga Democratic Club, the Women's Ministry Achievement Award, and a special award from the Greater Harlem Uptown Chamber of Commerce Association. In 2009 Ms. Lopez became a partner in Showman's Jazz Club.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from New York, the Honorable Scott Murphy, be permitted to take the oath of office today.

His certificate of election has not yet arrived, but there is no contest and no question has been raised with regard to his election.

Madam Speaker, it is my great honor as the dean of the New York delegation to present to this honorable body the Honorable Scott Murphy.

Quite frankly, the Nation has said this has been a victory of Democrats over Republicans. That's just not so. This is just one great American that found himself in a district that had more Republicans who saw and wanted the best for this country.

It is my great honor to present the Honorable Scott Murphy of the 20th District of New York.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life and achievements of John Hope Franklin, and his dedication to, ``weave into the fabric of American history enough of the presence of blacks so that the story of the United States could be told adequately and fairly.'' In March 2009, the passing of John Hope Franklin removed from the world a scholar whose academic excellence was profound in its effect on modern U.S. history. Though he is no longer with us we will not forget the contributions he has made to this country and the world.

John Hope Franklin succeeded in his intention to recognize the presence of African Americans in our history and through his scholarship which was unparalleled in its brilliance and so complete that it was universally acclaimed. He created an awareness of the role of the African American in American history that did not exist prior to his work.

John Hope Franklin was born just fifty years after the Emancipation Proclamation in Rentiesville, Oklahoma on January 2, 1915. He graduated from Fisk University in 1935 and earned a PhD from Harvard University in 1941. From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African-Americans, perhaps his most famous book, traces the African-American journey from the African continent to their struggle for equality in the twentieth century. Through his efforts to explain that African-American history is American history, John Hope Franklin himself became an integral actor in that history not only through his published scholarly papers but through his engagement in the Civil Rights Movement, beginning with the part he played in the landmark case of Brown vs. Board of Education and subsequently as an activist scholar providing an eloquent voice for the Movement.

John Hope Franklin was a true scholar and activist. Through his life he has inspired generations of historians. Today, I am proud to pay tribute to the life of Mr. John Hope Franklin.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize World Autism Awareness Day that is held on April 2. This special day is held to educate people about this birth disorder that is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. The cause of autism has not been determined so there is a great need for funding to research its cause.

It is important to understand this disorder since 1 in 150 individuals are diagnosed with autism. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Autism usually is detected by parents who notice unusual behaviors or developmental problems in children as young as 6 months. There are several services available to help autistic people live their own independent lives and to participate and contribute to their communities. Although this is a developmental disability, people with autism still achieve and accomplish many things in life. Several autistic people attend college and hold a variety of jobs from those that require enormous amounts of concentration but limited intense interaction with others, such as computer programming or graphic design, or more repetitive jobs, such as filing.

More still needs to be done to help those that have autism and to find the cause. Through broader awareness this can be accomplished.

Madam Chairman, our minority leader said that it's time for us to say ``no.'' Well, that's all they've been saying since we've been involved in this crisis and every issue that we brought to the floor, saying ``no.''

Our great Nation is involved in a fiscal sickness that's equivalent to being in intensive care, and anyone who knows serious illness knows that is not the time to negotiate with your doctors or the hospitals as to how you've got to pay the bill. The essential thing is that we regain our health and come out of this as America always has, as a stronger, more competitive country.

Our President is going abroad trying to get the rest of the world to get some type of fiscal order. But we aren't down here to have Republican budgets and Democrat budgets and to take shots at each other, because our constituents that are losing their jobs, losing their health care, that are out there suffering as a result of this crisis, they are not Republicans or Democrats. They are Americans.

No. I don't think it's time to say ``no.'' I think it's time to say, how can we work together to restore the health of this great Nation? How can we educate the Nation? Give it health care, help to clean the atmosphere, move forward as the world leaders that God blessed us to have the resources.

It's time to stop the fighting and come together and support our President, our economy and our country.

Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm that I rise to acknowledge the contributions of The Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center and congratulate them for organizing its Annual Flower Ball Benefit Banquet on April 1, 2009. The Ball is in support of its dedicated hard working staff, team of volunteers, and most importantly, the lives of the its many patients and residents. I applaud the vitally important programs they conduct to improve access to health care for the medically needy and many under-served individuals in my congressional district.

For the past three decades the Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center has provided outstanding and compassionate care and treatment for the many community residents in my district. Since 1978, it has provided continuous comprehensive medical treatment and skilled nursing care to infants, children, and young adults who are diagnosed with developmental disabilities and demanding medical conditions. The center currently provides care and treatment for over 700 residents in my district. Additionally, more than 71,000 outpatient clinical services are provided each year.

The Cardinal Cooke Center's approach to quality medical care is what has allowed it to prosper into the 21st century of advanced technology and medicine. The Center's staff respects the dignity of every human being and recognizes each individual's potential to live as independently as possible. They provide unique approaches to the care and treatment of our residents and patients, and serve the elderly, people with developmental disabilities, and those who live with chronic illness; people of all races, creeds, economic means and ethnic backgrounds.

This year's Ball holds a unique and special honor--His Eminence Edward Cardinal Egan will be acknowledged for his distinguished leadership and great dedication in support of compassionate and innovative care for some of the most frail and at-risk members of the New York community.

The Cooke Center will also honor The Honorable Louis J. Freeh and Barbara Boyle with their coveted Partnership Award, which recognizes outstanding community leaders whose life work reflects the mission of the Center--to reach out to the disenfranchised and give hope to those for whom others have given up hope.

Judge Louis J. Freeh has dedicated much of his life to serving others. As the former director of the FBI or through his personal efforts with local charitable institutions, Judge Freeh has consistently demonstrated his selfless commitment to those less fortunate. After 13 years of committed service, Barbara Boyle is retiring as National Executive Director and CEO of the Huntington's Disease Society of America. Ms. Boyle's honor coincides with the 20 year anniversary of the Cooke Center's own Huntington's Disease Unit.

Daniel Foxx, who serves on the Center's Community Leadership and Development Advisory Boards, will receive The Mary White Commitment Award, for his years of inspirational volunteer service. His devotion, friendship and support is an invaluable gift to the residents of the Cooke Center.

It is my honor to congratulate all the honorees, including His Eminence Edward Cardinal Egan. Each has been a significant partner in the overall improvement of the quality of life for all. I also salute the organizing committee and members of the Cooke Center's staff for its efforts in coordinating the Annual Flower Ball Benefit where many other members of their crusade will publicly be acknowledged.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating The Terrance Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center for continuing to serve the residents of my district with the greatest challenges such as children with disabilities, elderly with severe medical needs, Huntington's Disease patients, HIV/AIDS, as well as those who require outpatient primary care services. Their constant dedication and commitment in providing quality health care with dignity and compassion is worthy of the highest esteem.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Dr. James Dumpson, a preeminent social activist of outstanding character and a transformative life's work, who turns one hundred years of age on April 5, 2009. This public servant of notable and illustrious record--who in 1959 became the only African American Commissioner of Welfare in the country--is a quiet hero of our movement for Civil Rights and racial equality. He is a gentle man of forceful voice and conviction, agitating on behalf of children, the elderly, and the impoverished in New York for 60 years, his country for 80 years--and we are all the better for it. A modern-day Renaissance man, Dr. Dumpson's long- distinguished activism touches the fields of health, education, social justice, and academia. He is a familiar, popular, and pioneering leader in New York and in the African American community; an icon who worked tirelessly on behalf of others.

He earned a teaching certificate in 1932 from the Chaney Normal School, a B.A. degree from Temple University in 1934, an M.A. degree from Fordham University, and his Ph.D.--when he was henceforth known as ``Dr. D.''--from the University of Dacca in Ghana. Dumpson has throughout his life served as a teacher to others, teaching elementary school for two years as a young man, and later, beginning as a Visiting Associate Professor at Fordham University in 1957 and returning a decade later as Dean of the Graduate School of Social Work, with the faculty rank of professor. He served as a United Nations Advisor and Chief of Training in Social Welfare to the government of Pakistan in 1953, returning to Pakistan in 1971 as a consultant and receiving a fellowship there in 1977 through the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to Pakistan.

He cemented his trailblazing status by becoming Commissioner of Welfare for New York City in 1959, the only African American and social worker to serve in that post in the country. He wielded his talents and skill to assist Presidents Kennedy and Johnson as an advisor, serving on various advisory commissions, including the Parents Commission on Narcotics and Drug Abuse. He did not retire until the spritely age of 97, channeling his vigor and youthful spirit as New York City's Health Service Administrator and Chairman of the Health and Hospitals Corporation beginning in 1990, and teaching at Fordham University up until 2006.

May this Congress today note, applaud, and send its gratitude for the contributions of Dr. Dumpson, and send him warm birthday wishes.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to submit a New York CARIB News tribute to the late Wilbert Bill Tatum, honoring the journalistic heavyweight for his commitment to his craft, his community, and to social justice and equality. He passed away in late February, ending a decades-long tenure as the owner, chairman, and publisher of the Amsterdam News--a premier and pioneering Black newspaper in the heart of Harlem. He wielded his pen as a sword, holding public servants' feet to the fire and rarely mincing his words in pursuit of truth. A philanthropist of formidable character and impassioned conviction, Tatum lent a powerful voice to the African American community through his words and his inspiration. The following article--``Wilbert Tatum Remembered,'' published on March 17 and written by Victoria Horsford-- details the legacy of the great Bill Tatum.

Wilbert Tatum Remembered

Wilbert Bill Tatum, Amsterdam News Chairman/CEO and

publisher emeritus died, a long way from home, on February 26

in Croatia. The ultimate Fourth Estater, Bill Tatum was equal

parts race relations maven, humanist, entrepreneur, and

warrior. He left a legacy of integrity and passion in

journalism.

Tatum was a face in the proactive Harlem crowd for almost

four decades, which predates the $2.3 million purchase of the

Amsterdam News in 1971, by him, Percy Sutton and other

business associates. In 1983, Tatum assumes full control of

the paper. By 1996, Tatum bought out all of his AmNews

partners, became the sole owner and Begins the Tatum Era.

Founded on December 4, 1909, the Amsterdam News emerged as

one of the most important Black newspapers in the U.S. on par

with the Pittsburgh Courier, The Afro-American, and The

Chicago Defender. Tatum kept burnishing the paper's image

while keeping a watchful eye as events unfolded of special

interest to the Amsterdam News readers.

Tatum's editorials railed against inequities vis-a-vis the

Black community re: housing, employment, term limits, the

NYPD, immigration. No one nor organizations was off limits to

the acidic Tatum editorial. He relished a good fight taking

on mayors and local corrupt community leaders, businessmen

and untoward clergy. For years, he ran acid-tinged ``Mayor Ed

Koch must go'' editorials. In the 90s, he began a long run of

``Mayor Rudy Giuliani must go'' editorials. He allocated

equal editorial space to unsung community heroes and

contributed regularly to scores of charities.

Tatum was one of a few publishers who believed in the

innocence of the young Black men convicted in the racially

marred Central Park jogger rape case. He was best when he was

opinionated and tapping into instincts. The AmNews had taken

on a new life during his watch. It was the World According to

Bill Tatum. And what a delightfully, crazy, unpredictable,

diabolical, lovable, plot-rich moral world it was. He ceded

control of the paper to his daughter Elinor in 1997. Last

Friday, 2/27 during a NY1 TV interview, Elinor said ``My dad

loved the Amsterdam News,'' she added. ``He was born in North

Carolina, was one of 13 children, a descendant of

sharecroppers whose granddad started a newspaper. He wanted

to make this world a better place for people who looked like

him.'' A Lincoln University and Occidental College alum,

Tatum had a master's degree in Urban Studies.

The following are remembrances of Bill Tatum. Governor

David Paterson reflects on Tatum ``as a decent person who

stood out amongst the giants of NYC for his commitment to

justice and social equality.'' Mayor Michael Bloomberg

intones. ``The paper was really heard across the city...and

on many occasions, around the world. He covered issues of

concern to African Americans in ways that other media

opportunities they might not otherwise have had. He was a

real character in the nicest sense of the word!'' NYC

Comptroller Bill Thompson says. ``Bill was a pioneer in

publishing...who always stood up for causes he believed in

and spoke out against injustice and highlighted issues too

often forgotten and ignored. Bill always let you know when he

disagreed with you in a genuine forthrightness,'' Manhattan

Borough President Scott Stringer says. ``NY lost one of our

great citizens. . . . Bill wore many hats at the Amsterdam

and its success is due to his dedication and vision.''

Reverend Al Sharpton remembers. ``Bill Tatum was an iconic

and vitally important figure in both journalism and civil

rights. We have lost a great advocate, a penetrating writer

and unmatchable institution builder and for me a great friend

and father figure.''

Survived by his wife Susan and his daughter Elinor, Bill

Tatum's wake was held on Thursday, March 5, at the Provenzano

Lanzo Funeral Home at 43 Second Avenue. His funeral was held

Friday, March 6 at 10 am at Harlem's Riverside Church at 490

RSD, near 120 Street.

The family requests that you make donations to the

Amsterdam News Educational Foundation, 34 East Third Street,

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Artists whose designs were selected through the BID on Culture banner design competition. The banner designs for BID on Culture will be displayed in March 2009 as part of Women's History Month, celebrating the contributions of women to Harlem and to communities of color, in the fields of

government, arts and culture, business, education, and religion.

BID on Culture is a new initiative developed through the partnership between the 125th Street Business Improvement District and the Harlem Arts Alliance to help build a community-based vision of Harlem's heritage, its role as a vibrant cultural center, and to promote the continued revitalization of 125th Street as the commercial and artistic heart of Harlem.

BID on Culture Banners will extend the brand of 125th Street as the center of culture in Harlem, a diverse community with an unparalleled history of contribution to the nation in all fields of human endeavor. Let me recognize the five selected artists whose banner designs will be displayed on the 125th Street Corridor.

Andrea Arroyo, a Mexican born, New York-based artist whose work has been exhibited in twenty-four individual and more than eighty group shows in galleries and museums. Andrea is in the public collections of The Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American History, The Library of Congress, the Mexican Museum in Chicago and numerous private collections in the US, Mexico, Europe and Japan. Her public art projects include commissions for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York, the New York School Construction Authority, City Arts and the Florida Art in State Buildings Program.

Laura Gadson is a native New Yorker raised in Jamaica Queens. A graduate of Fiorella LaGuardia High School of Music and Art, she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the City College of New York. She has been a teaching artist since age 14 for a variety of public and private New York City institutions. Ms. Gadson's craftwork is in the private collections of Susan Taylor, Iyanla Vanzant and other collectors. Her work has been exhibited in the New York State Museum in Albany, The Cork Gallery at Lincoln Center, Columbia University and she currently has two quilts on a National Tour until 2010. A Harlem brownstone has been her home studio and personal gallery since 1993.

Obatola Wilhelmina Grant, a native New Yorker and resident of Harlem is an assemblage artist, creating pieces from discarded objects. Obatola was formerly the Director of Programs and Administration at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem and before that the Director of Community Outreach for SHARE, Self-Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English Language Arts from Hunter College and expects to graduate in June from Hunter with a Masters of Science in Urban Affairs. She has exhibited at Bank Street College, Union Theological Seminary, the Simmons Gallery and the New York Public Library.

Sharon Lewis, a graphic designer, originally from Detroit, Michigan, now based in New Rochelle, New York, Sharon is a Production Associate at DMD Insight, a boutique agency specializing in integrated marketing for arts and culture, architecture, design, philanthropic and financial services clients. She has a BFA in Industrial Design from Columbus College of Art and Design and her career focus has been print design in the fields of publishing, advertising and law.

Shimoda, a Harlem-based artist, whose work has been featured on television on The Cosby Show, HGTV-Crafting Coast to Coast, in the magazines Essence, Braids and Beauty, and YSP, and the book Jumping the Broom: The African American Wedding Planner, among others. Shimoda's exhibit and presentation schedule includes Bank Street College, The National Black Arts Festival, The Mt. Vernon Library, Mt. Vernon NY, the Center for Book Arts, and the Donnell Library in New York City. She serves on the crafts panel for the Artists' Fellowships of the NY Foundation for the Arts, has taught beading at Brooklyn Academy of Music and Harlem School of the Arts, assisted Sonya Clark and Joyce Scott at Penland School of Crafts, NC and Ralph Lauren with his 1998 beaded jewelry collection.

The 125th Street Business Improvement District (BID) is a non-profit organization funded primarily from an additional tax assessment collected from the property owners within the defined boundaries. Organized in compliance with state and city laws, the property and business owners determine the services and programs needed for the district. The BID will utilize the competition to bring visibility to its streetscape improvement efforts and to enliven the community's central business district.

The Harlem Arts Alliance (HAA) is a non-profit membership service organization committed to nurturing the artistic growth and organizational development of artists and arts organizations primarily in Harlem and its surrounding communities. Comprised of over 400 individual artists and arts organizations, HAA is the only service organization of its kind in Harlem and plays an essential role by helping to build the resources, network and capacity of its richly diverse membership. Counted among its members are young emerging artists as well as established and internationally recognized artists. Also represented are small grassroots organizations and major cultural institutions in Harlem and beyond. Major funding for HAA is provided by the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Corporation, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and the New York City Council.

Barbara Askins, President of the 125th Street BID says the BID on Culture project ``seeks to maximize the value of the 125th Street corridor by initiating efforts to secure the future of cultural presentation and production in Harlem and to encourage the ongoing revitalization of 125th Street as a premier arts and culture entertainment destination.''

Michael Unthank, HAA Executive Director, says that ``over the past 10 to 15 years,

125th Street Corridor has emerged as a major destination anchored by not just local and national chain retail outlets but also by major cultural institutions such as the Studio Museum in Harlem and the Apollo Theater.''

Madam Speaker, I stand before you today to acknowledge the unjust and inhumane treatment of 30,000 Haitians living in the United States who have been threatened with deportation. These Haitian nationals have contributed to our society for several years as hard- working, law-abiding tax-payers and are now being asked to return to a country that is in no position to support them.

Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere and it has furthermore been ravaged by natural disasters during the last year. The impact of hurricanes and floods has been devastating to the Haitian economy and has resulted in an unprecedented level of suffering requiring emergency assistance for the people of Haiti. The idea of sending thousands of refugees into such a desperate situation is so inhumane as to be unthinkable.

The UN estimates the lives of approximately 800,000 have been affected by the storms of the previous year. These people have no viable country to return to--what is the rationale behind sending an additional 30,000 people back to a country that already has close to a million displaced individuals? This is a Bush policy that needs to be reconsidered--it is uncertain who would support such a policy that threatens an already fragile environment.

The humanitarian thing to do would be to offer these Haitians Temporary Protection Status (TPS) which is consistent with concessions given to other countries given the same circumstances. In the past, we have made this compromise with countries such as El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras, even as recent as 2008. This is blatantly inconsistent with the treatment given to Haitian immigrants despite the fact that economic and social conditions are worse, in addition to the reality that the country has not overcome the recent floods and hurricanes. Considering the compelling humanitarian reasons against returning Haitians to a homeland that cannot now support them, I must wonder what the real motives behind such a policy are.

It is unfortunate to see the treatment of these Haitians by the United States government given the fact that Haiti has had such a rich, long history with the United States. During the American Revolution about 750 Haitian freemen fought alongside colonial troops against the British in the Siege of Savannah in 1779. This level of sacrifice by a country should not be forgotten, especially during times of need.

The defeat of the French Napoleon Army by the Haitians, albeit indirectly, helped America expand its territories towards the West with the Louisiana Purchase. At the time, Haiti was the producer of 40 percent of the world's sugar, was the most profitable colony the French owned and in fact the wealthiest and most flourishing of the slave colonies in the Caribbean. This was a tremendous loss to the French, and as a result was forced to sell off some of their land. The outcome for the US was significant--the land included in the purchase comprised of around 23% of the territory of the United States today.

The historical relationship and the humanitarian concerns are important facts to consider before deporting this group of Haitian refugees. Also consider that the Haitian economy has become increasingly reliant on the money sent by the Haitian Diaspora living abroad. Haiti's remittances make up one-third of their GDP and no other national group anywhere in the world sends money home in higher proportions. These 30,000 Haitians should be allowed to remain in this country and continue to send remittances to their homeland, while still paying their tax dollars and helping our economy grow.

Madam Speaker, I hope that our government will make the right decision and allow this country, a friend of ours, to rebound from these tragic natural disasters. As an example to the world, we must not let this humanitarian opportunity go unnoticed.