Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the legacy of public service of the late Geneva Wilson Perryman.

Mrs. Geneva Wilson Perryman was known for her passion that she shared for making her community a better place for all.

Mrs. Wilson Perryman raised her five children in Detroit alongside her husband, Alex, to whom she had been married for 77 years.

Geneva was well known in her neighborhood for welcoming those in need to share a warm meal.

Mrs. Wilson Perryman was a teacher for nearly 40 years in our community and had received numerous awards and a number of acknowledgments for her excellence in education and her hands-on actions in working to secure equal justice for all in our city of Detroit.

Mrs. Wilson Perryman was outspoken. She was a feisty woman, as some say, and made it her mission to speak truth to power.

Please join me in recognizing the late Geneva Wilson Perryman and her

contributions to the families of Detroit and Michigan's 13th Congressional District as we honor her memory today.

Recognizing Congressional App Competition Winners

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Michigan's 13th District Congressional App Competition winners, Hope of Detroit Academy's Green Warriors.

Under the guidance of their teacher, Ms. Allie Langwald, students Abraham Salas, Yaritza Campos, and Itzel Martinez worked diligently to find innovative solutions to address issues in their neighborhood in the southwest Detroit community.

Their hard work helped create the Green Warrior app, which utilizes technology to help residents quickly and easily report illegal dumping sites in need of cleanup and expose dangerous buildings.

In partnership, the students and their teacher worked with the city of Detroit and other community-based organizations. Their app will now ensure that neighborhood streets and parks are cleaned up, and dangerous buildings are boarded up, so the community can enjoy the use of public spaces.

Again, please join me in congratulating the Congressional App Competition winners, Hope of Detroit's Green Warriors, for their hard work on behalf of the communities of Detroit, Wayne County, and Michigan's 13th Congressional District.

Violence Against Women in Politics

Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise today during the United Nations' 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence to call out the disturbing rise of violence against women in politics here in the United States.

As we know, the never-ending string of ignorant, hateful, and downright threatening rhetoric against my sisters in service and I and many is unacceptable, especially the deeply hateful, Islamophobic comments from a Member of this body against Congresswoman Omar and the straight-up death threat against Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez, as well as our sitting President.

The hate these Members spew at every opportunity is not new. It is the same hate that is directed against countless women all around the globe and especially women of color in politics who are right now breaking down barriers and trying to represent and serve their communities.

By failing to put our party differences aside and denounce violence and hate, I want to encourage, again, my colleagues to continue to speak up.

During the United Nations' 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, I am asking folks to truly be able to speak up, stand up, and advocate for us to do better.

To that end, I am proud to have joined Congresswomen Bush, Ocasio- Cortez, Omar, Pressley, and Speier to introduce H. Res. 801, which denounces violence against women in politics in all its forms.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the legacy of public service and commitment to our communities of the late Geneva Wilson Perryman.

Geneva Wilson Perryman was known for the passion she shared for making her community a better place for all, and she constantly inspired her friends and family to remain active in their communities. Mrs. Wilson Perryman raised her five children in Detroit alongside her husband, Alex, to whom she had been married for 77 years. Everyone in the neighborhood knew if they were ever hungry, they could stop by and find Geneva on the porch, ready to welcome them to share in the meal of the day.

Mrs. Wilson Perryman was a teacher for nearly 40 years, serving as head teacher of Michigan Head Start at the end of her career. She valued civic engagement and she served as a poll watcher in local elections. She has received numerous awards and accolades for excellence in education and her hands-on actions in working to secure equal justice for all people in Detroit. Her pride in her community is evident throughout her seven decades of commitment to improving the quality of life for her all. She was an outspoken, feisty woman, and made it her mission to speak truth to power.

Please join me as we recognize Geneva Wilson Perryman's contributions to the families of the Detroit and Michigan's 13th Congressional District as we give honor to her memory.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the memory of Batoul Alfadawi, a resident of Dearborn Heights in Michigan's 13th District.

Her life was tragically cut short at the age of 6 years old from a hit-and-run. Batoul was a sweet girl with a beautiful soul. She had a huge enthusiasm for life and a joyful spirit. Batoul loved learning, spending time with her family, and playing with her friends. I know her parents and six siblings will miss her immensely.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to the memory of Batoul, and please say a prayer for her family.

Honoring Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson whose heroic service as a Tuskegee Airman in World War II was recognized earlier this week in the rededication ceremony of Jefferson Field in our district.

I was proud to be there in his presence. It was also his 100th birthday. He is a graduate of Detroit public schools, like myself. Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson pursued a military career and completed pilot training at the Tuskegee Army Airfield.

As a fighter pilot with the Red Tail, 332nd Fighter Group 301st Fighter Squadron, his unit escorted bombers headfirst into the action, bravely providing protection from vicious enemy aircraft. They never lost a single plane.

Mr. Speaker, on August 12, 1944, Jefferson was shot down and captured by the Germans and kept as a prisoner of war for 9 months. Liberated by American forces on the 29th of April 1945 and discharged from Active Duty in 1947, he retired from the Reserves in 1969.

After serving, Lieutenant Colonel Jefferson then became a science teacher in Detroit, where he then retired in 1979. At his ceremony, my teacher in high school came up to me and said he was very proud of the accomplishment I had. He said, Guess what, Lieutenant Jefferson was my science teacher and my elementary teacher, and now seeing you up there, I know that he was part of creating that seed and creating more leadership and really strength within the city of Detroit.

Mr. Speaker, he has received numerous awards for his bravery, and I am

truly honored to recognize Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson on his celebration of service to our country. It was his 100th birthday. We sang happy birthday to him, and he danced along with many of us, even in the crisp cold in the city of Detroit, in the middle of the field.

Recognizing Hassan Jaber

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize numerous contributions of Hassan Jaber to the communities of Wayne County, Michigan, as he retires after more than 40 years of service to ACCESS.

During his time in ACCESS, Hassan Jaber has been a leader in expanding its programming to include more than 100 platforms in 10 locations to assist residents across the region.

He has created partnerships locally and nationally to advocate for policy initiatives to fight bigotry, advance civil rights, and create a better quality of life for immigrants and other vulnerable populations.

I know Hassan Jaber personally. With every obstacle, he never wavered in leading with compassion and keeping the community at the center of his work.

Hassan Jaber's leadership and forward-thinking approach have solidified his legacy as a community leader. His mentorship helped me grow into the passionate advocate I am today.

Please join me in recognizing Hassan Jaber's work on behalf of residents of Michigan's 13th Congressional District and southeastern Michigan as we wish him well on the next chapter in his life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson, whose heroic service as a Tuskegee Airman in World War II was recognized this week in a rededication ceremony of Jefferson Field, and it was done on his 100th birthday.

A graduate of Detroit public schools, Alexander Jefferson pursued a military career and completed pilot training at the Tuskegee Army Airfield.

As a fighter pilot with the Red Tail, 332nd Fighter Group 301 Fighter Squadron, his unit escorted bombers headfirst into action, bravely providing protection from vicious enemy aircraft. They never lost a single plane.

On August 12, 1944, Jefferson was shot down and captured by the Germans and kept as a prisoner of war for 9 months. He was liberated by the American forces on the 29th of April, 1945, and discharged from Active Duty in 1947.

After serving our country, Lieutenant Colonel Jefferson continued his public service by becoming a science teacher in Detroit, where he would retire as an assistant principal in 1979.

He has numerous awards for his bravery and I am honored to recognize Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson on this celebration of service to our country, and wish him also a beautiful, wonderful 100th birthday.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson, one of the most decorated pilots in Michigan, whose heroic service as a Tuskegee Airman in World War II is being recognized in a rededication ceremony for Jefferson Field, named in his honor in Detroit, Michigan.

Born in Detroit, Michigan on the 15th of November 1921, Lieutenant Colonel Jefferson grew up flying model airplanes in the same field that is now named for him. He graduated from Detroit's Chadsey High School in Detroit and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia. He did graduate work in Chemistry at Howard University and earned a Master of Science in Education from Wayne State University in Detroit.

Following three months of combat training in Selfridge Field, Michigan, Lieutenant Colonel Jefferson graduated from a pilot training course at the Tuskegee Army Airfield. He served as a P-51 fighter pilot with the Red Tail, 332nd Fighter Group 301st Fighter Squadron in Ramitelli, Italy. Over the course of 18 long range escort missions deep into enemy territory, he bravely provided protection from vicious enemy aircraft. His unit escorted bombers headfirst into the action. They never lost a single plane.

On August 12, 1944, three days before the invasion of Southern France, Lieutenant Colonel Jefferson was shot down while firing at German radar stations on the coast. He was captured by the Germans and kept as a prisoner of war for nine months, ninety miles from Berlin. There, he witnessed firsthand the atrocities committed by the Nazis. He was liberated by the American forces on the 29th of April 1945 and was discharged from active duty in 1947. He retired from the reserves in 1969 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

After the end of the war, Lieutenant Colonel Jefferson became an elementary school science teacher in Detroit, where he would retire as an assistant principal in 1979. A member of various church, educational, and alumni organizations, as well as one of the founders of the Detroit Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen. He is a member of the Tuskegee Airman Speaker Bureau, a life member of the Silver Falcon Association, and has served as an Admissions Counselor for the U.S. Air Force Academy.

He has received numerous awards and accolades for his bravery and his selfless service for our country, including a Purple Heart Medal, an Air Medal, a POW medal, an Air Force Achievement Medal, and many, many more. On October 14, 1995, Lieutenant Colonel Jefferson was inducted into the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame.

Pleae join me in recognition of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson on this celebration of his lifelong service to our country.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the numerous outstanding contributions of Hassan Jaber to the communities of Wayne County, Michigan, as he retires after more than 40 years of service from ACCESS.

During his four decades at ACCESS, Hassan Jaber has been instrumental in shepherding its growth and expansion. He has been a leader in expanding ACCESS' programming to include more than one hundred platforms and ten locations to assist residents across Wayne County and southeastern Michigan. Hassan Jaber created partnerships locally and nationally to advocate for policy initiatives to fight bigotry, advance civil rights, and to create a better quality of life for immigrant and other vulnerable populations through

access to human services. With every obstacle, he never wavered in leading with compassion and keeping the community at the center of the work.

Hassan Jaber's leadership and forward-thinking approach have solidified his legacy as a community leader. In addition to his immense positive impact on the communities of Wayne County, he also served on many national and community boards, including the U.S. Census National Community Advisory Board on Race and Ethnicity and the Michigan Census Complete Count Committee; United Way for Southeastern Michigan; the Detroit Institute of Arts; and the Detroit Zoological Society. I had the honor of working with him for years and his mentorship helped me grow into a passionate advocate for my district.

Please join me in recognizing Hassan Jaber's work on behalf of residents of Michigan's 13th district and southeastern Michigan as we wish him well on the next chapter in his life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church, a house of worship in Detroit, Michigan, as its members celebrate the church's fiftieth anniversary, as well as fifty years under the leadership of Pastor Jerome R. McAfee.

The church began in the humble home of Pastor and Sister Jerome McAfee. Starting with a small congregation of fourteen worshippers, the church has moved several times throughout the city of Detroit. Worshippers have found solace from Gratiot Street to Van Dyke, eventually growing large enough and moving to their current place of worship on Evergreen street. The church has continued to be inspired by the singular goal of spreading the gospel, and they have structured several ministries allowing their members to serve and carry out the mission of the church.

Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church has enriched the lives of so many--whether that be the members of the congregation or the recipients of their volunteer work, the church has been an important part of the community. As the church continues to grow into the future, it will remain a welcoming environment full of prayer, praise, fellowship, and mutual aid, where every person is a valued member of a beautiful community. This legacy lives on in the inspiring longevity of Pastor McAfees service.

Please join me in tribute to Pastor Jerome R. McAfee and the members of Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church as we recognize its fiftieth anniversary.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Carr Center in Detroit, Michigan as they celebrate thirty years of preserving, presenting, promoting, and developing African and African-American cultural arts traditions within our multicultural community in southeastern Michigan.

Founded in 1991 as the Arts League of Michigan, the Carr Center has worked to fulfill its mission of bringing artistic excellence with a wide array of programming to the communities of Detroit. Building upon its initial creative placemaking, the Carr Center has become a destination and hub for the performing arts in Detroit.

In order to bring outstanding artistry to the community, the Carr Center has implemented three pillars of programming--Carr Center Presents and Carr Center Contemporary focus on performing and visual arts, while the Carr Center Arts Academy offers in-school and intensive summer arts education opportunities.

Please join me in recognizing the Carr Center's numerous contributions to southeastern Michigan over the past three decades as we wish them well in the years to come. Carr Center is a true gem in the communities of Michigan's 13th District Strong.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Carr Center in Detroit, Michigan, as they celebrate 30 years of preserving, presenting, promoting, and developing African and African-American cultural arts traditions in southeastern Michigan.

Founded in 1991 as the Arts League of Michigan, the Carr Center has worked to fulfill its mission of bringing artistic excellence by offering a wide array of programming.

Building upon its initial creative placemaking, the Carr Center has become a destination and hub for the performing arts in the city of Detroit.

The Carr Center has implemented three pillars of programming: Carr Center Presents, Carr Center Contemporary focus on performing and visual arts, while the Carr Center Arts Academy offers in-school and intensive summer arts education opportunities.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me in recognizing the Carr Center's many contributions to southeastern Michigan over the past three decades as we wish them well in the years to come. They are a true gem of Michigan's 13th District.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many contributions of American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 910, named for Colin Powell, in the City of Detroit in Michigan's 13th Congressional District.

The members of the Colin Powell Post came together with a purpose, to help the veterans and their families in creating a better quality of life and to make a positive change in the community. Post 910 has focused its mission on assisting homeless veterans across Detroit and Wayne County. They have hosted countless events in support of those who have served our country in the military. They have regularly offered a listening ear and fellowship to veteran patients at John Dingell Veterans Administration Hospital in Detroit.

In addition to its charitable work, Post 910 has worked to strengthen its ties to local high school Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs. They have recognized ROTC students' achievements at schools across Detroit. Still, the Post 910 members devote countless hours to community events, participating in local parades and events honoring the service of our veterans. They dedicate their time all year round to giving back to the community by hosting holiday toy drives for local children, Thanksgiving meals for those in need, and so much more.

Please join me in recognizing Detroit's Colin Powell AMVETS Post 910 for their many outstanding contributions to the communities of Detroit and 13th District Strong.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kathy Aro for her 17 years of service to the families of southeastern Michigan through her work at the Accounting Aid Society. Kathy has led the Accounting Aid Society in fulfilling its mission to help put the residents of southeast Michigan on the pathway to financial stability.

Her leadership has been a catalyst for massive growth of Accounting Aid Society's free income tax assistance program, which puts hard- earned dollars back into the pockets of many of our vulnerable families.

Under Kathy's leadership, Accounting Aid Society has expanded its programming to include Accounting Aid Academy, which provides basic small business guidance and financial coaching.

In short, Kathy has been an outstanding community leader, cultivating Accounting Aid Society into a trusted community partner.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Kathy's outstanding contributions to the communities of Michigan's 13th Congressional District as we wish her well in her retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Yemeni American Chamber of Commerce (YACC) for their work on behalf of the Yemeni American small business community in southeastern Michigan.

Over thirty thousand Yemeni Americans live in Michigan, with a significant number residing in Wayne County. Many Yemeni immigrants were drawn to the area by work in automotive factories and have established their roots here. Immigration to Michigan is still occurring, with some studies indicating that Yemenis comprise nine percent of the area's Arab population and that Yemeni community have some of the largest families. However, the Yemeni community has some of the lowest rate of business ownership, only three percent compared to twenty percent for other Arab groups.

This is why YACC is critical to our community. YACC has established a strong network for the small business community. They encourage growth through education and training, as well as collaboration among its member businesses. Beyond that, YACC works to create business owners who are also community leaders. They encourage their members to become actively engaged community partners who are truly the backbone of the local economy.

Please join me in recognizing the many outstanding contributions of the Yemeni American Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the communities of Wayne County and southeastern Michigan.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Alex Odeh, a peace activist who worked to promote civil liberties for Arab Americans in the United States and civil and human rights around the world.

A Palestinian immigrant, a published poet, lecturer of Arabic language and Middle East history at Coastline College, Alex was someone who embodied the best America has to offer.

Through his work with the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, he dedicated his life to achieving true equality and equity for all.

And for daring to push for a better tomorrow, Alex was murdered on October 11, 1985, when a pipe bomb exploded as he entered his ADC office in Santa Ana, California.

This horrific act of domestic terrorism targeting Arab Americans was not new, and I am proud to say it has failed to achieve its objectives.

Arab Americans and Palestinian Americans are still here, loud and proud, speaking truth to power, and carrying on Alex's fight in his memory.

Our politics of love are the only response. Those who support oppressive policies in Palestine that murdered Alex and those who continue to fearmonger and whip up hate against us to this day will not win.

We will never give up, Alex. I am proud to be here because of you.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Reasther Everett, a long-time resident of Westland in Michigan's 13th Congressional District, as we mourn her passing.

Ms. Everett was best known in the community for her volunteer work. As coordinator for the Wayne County Retired Senior Volunteer Program, she recruited, trained, and assigned volunteers. She also served as family service advocate for Wayne County Family Center facilitating and expediting adaptation to independent living arrangements for residents and aided with placement in healthcare services.

Ms. Everett spearheaded the ``no family without Christmas program,'' collecting donations for the homeless during the winter holiday season. Throughout her work with the Southeast Westland Homeowners Association, Ms. Everett founded the SWHA Community Center where, for many years, she operated an after-school program for young people.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the many contributions of Ms. Reasther Everett to Westland, Wayne County, and Thirteenth District Strong, as we honor her memory.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding contributions of Ms. Reasther Everett, a long-time resident of Westland in Michigan's 13th Congressional District as we mourn her passing.

Ms. Everett was best known in the community for her volunteer work. As coordinator for the Wayne County Retired Senior Volunteer

Program (RSVP), she recruited, trained, and assigned volunteers to designated sites. She also served as Family Service Advocate for the Wayne County Family Center, facilitating, and expediting adaption to independent living arrangements for residents and aided with placement and health care services. Ms. Everett spearheaded the ``No Family Without Christmas'' program, collecting donations for the homeless during the winter holiday season.

Prior to that work, Ms. Everett served in many other roles in the community, including as a representative on the Community Development Commission and as a Wayne County community liaison to prevent and assist homeowners facing mortgage foreclosures. Through her work with the Southeast Westland Homeowners Association (SWHA), Ms. Everett founded the SWHA Community Center, where for many years, she operated an after-school program for young people. She was an active member of the St. James United Methodist Church, where she served as chairperson of the Outreach Committee and on the Pastor Parish Relations Committee.

Please join me in recognizing the many contributions of Ms. Reasther Everett to Westland, Wayne County, and 13th District Strong, as we give honor to her memory.