E1214 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 6, 2007 present for votes, I would have voted ‘‘yes’’ on Membership; Business Manager of the Kings HONORING THE LIFE AND each of the five votes taken: H. Res. 397, H. and Queens Publication; Zone and Region ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE LATE Res. 422, H. Res. 430, H. Res. 451, and H. Chairman; Cabinet Secretary and Treasurer; PARREN JAMES MITCHELL Res. 452. Vice-District Governor; and currently District f Governor. HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL Mr. Torres has served the communities of CALLING ON THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW YORK both Brooklyn and Queens and has previously IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF CHINA TO STOP GENOCIDE been named ‘‘Business Person of the Year.’’ AND VIOLENCE IN DARFUR, He is a member and Executive Board Officer Wednesday, June 6, 2007 SUDAN of the Boricua Festival of New York and is an Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, today I rise Executive Member of the Woodhull Hospital to pay tribute to the life and acheivements of SPEECH OF Auxiliary Board. Parren James Mitchell, the first black Con- HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY Mr. Torres is married to Melissa Torres and gressman to represent the State of Maryland, OF CALIFORNIA has two sons Michael and Brandon. 1 of the 13 founding members of the Congres- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize sional Black Caucus, CBC, and a champion of this pillar of our community for all of his con- civil rights. Mr. Mitchell was a powerful force Tuesday, June 5, 2007 tributions. in the 20th century resurgence of Black polit- Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to ical strength in the United States and I was support of H. Res. 422, a resolution calling on join me in paying tribute to Oswald ‘‘Ozzie’’ proud to serve with him in the Congress. China to use its unique influence and eco- Torres. Born in Baltimore, MD, on April 29, 1922, nomic leverage to stop genocide and violence f Parren Mitchell was the ninth of 10 children in in Darfur. his family. He earned a bachelor’s degree I would like to thank the Congresswoman SENATOR PAUL SIMON STUDY from Morgan State College in 1950 and was from California for her dedication to human ABROAD FOUNDATION ACT OF 2007 the first Black to earn a master’s degree from rights throughout the world and especially in the University of Maryland—College Park in SPEECH OF Darfur. 1952, after a successful suit that granted him I was pleased to be a cosponsor of this bill HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO fair admission, Mitchell returned to his under- and pleased that this Congress will not let the OF ILLINOIS graduate institution to teach sociology and ongoing genocide go unnoticed or ignored. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES serve as the assistant director of the Urban What’s taking place in Darfur today is truly Studies Institute. He was also a commissioned Tuesday, June 5, 2007 a crime against humanity. Every day women officer of the 92nd Infantry Division during are raped, men are killed, and children face vi- Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in World War II, receiving the Purple Heart. olence, hunger, and desperation. support of H.R. 1469, the Paul Simon Study Having amassed more than 3,000 awards China has chosen to continue to invest in Abroad Foundation Act, which will significantly and 14 honorary degrees, Mitchell was a lead- Sudan and to prop up a government bent on enhance opportunities for Americans to gain er in politics and business. He served on the murder and bloodshed. Let us be clear: any international education, build understanding Supreme Bench of Baltimore City from 1954 country that supports the Khartoum govern- and respect among different cultures, and en- to 1957 and as executive director to both the ment’s brutality—either through monetary or hance leadership in the global community. Maryland Human Relations Commission and military support—is complicit. Senator Paul Simon embodied the role of Baltimore Community Action Agency. I urge the support of this resolution and call concerned citizen, which is the essence of this Mr. Mitchell was elected to the 92nd United on our own administration to take immediate program. Starting his career in the newspaper States Congress in 1971 and reelected for actions to bring an end to the genocide in business, he served in the Illinois General As- seven successive terms. As the first Black to Sudan. sembly and as Lt. Governor of Illinois, and head the House Committee on Small Busi- f later was our colleague in the U.S. Congress, ness, his greatest triumph was in leading a where he served in both the House of Rep- fight to ratify bills providing special aid to A TRIBUTE TO OSWALD ‘‘OZZIE’’ resentatives and the Senate. Black business owners on the grounds that TORRES Senator Simon was a great believer in the Blacks had been subjected to discrimination hope that good government can instill in peo- for generations. In addition to heading the HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS ple, and was widely regarded for his common- Small Business Committee, he was also OF NEW YORK sense, hard work and integrity. In addition, Democratic whip at large, the senior member IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Senator Simon was proud of Southwestern of the House Banking, Finance and Urban Af- and Southern Illinois, where he got his profes- fairs Committee, and chairman of its Sub- Wednesday, June 6, 2007 sional start, entered politics and lived much of committee on Domestic Monetary Policy. Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today his life. It was a pleasure to serve with him In 1980, Mitchell founded the Minority Busi- to pay tribute to Mr. Oswald ‘‘Ozzie’’ Torres and it is important for young Americans to ness Enterprise Legal Defense and Education who is being honored at the International As- know about his career and ideals. Fund, Inc., MBELDEF, whose accomplish- sociation of Lions Club District 20–K1 Gov- As a professor and author of numerous ments include a successful lawsuit against ernor’s Testimonial Dinner. Mr. Torres, a na- books, Senator Simon was passionate about Burger King in 1988 for discriminatory prac- tive of Brooklyn, NY, is a successful Certified education. He was particularly interested in tices in awarding franchises. Public Accountant who credits his achieve- the need for American students to travel As a mentor to African Americans com- ments to his caring parents Osvaldo and Lydia abroad to learn about different peoples, their mitted to improving American civil rights, such Torres. languages and their cultures. In this way, the as former president of the National Associa- Mr. Torres decided to follow in his father’s United States would be better able to under- tion for the Advancement of Colored People, footsteps and establish a career in accounting. stand and work with other nations. NAACP, Kweisi Mfume, Mitchell was selflessly Together they are the driving force of the firm Today, only one percent of U.S. under- committed to uplifting his people and was Torres and Associates. graduate students participate in a study even referred to during his chairmanship of Mr. Torres has been a member in good abroad program during their degree program. the CBC as ‘‘the Little General.’’ standing of the Brooklyn Caribe Lions’ Club This statistic shows the United States is failing Parren is remembered in Congress as a since 1995 and has received numerous rec- to take advantage of a valuable tool that soft-spoken yet eloquent speaker with a large ognition awards from Lions Club International. should be used to enhance our standing in the presence. Former Chair of the Senate Foreign Among those honors include; the Progressive world and to improve our Nation’s security. Relations Committee Richard Lugar asserted it Melvin Jones Fellowship and the Robert J. Mr. Speaker, as economic competition and was Mitchell’s impassioned plea for sanctions Uplinger award from District 20–K1. national security continue to defy geographical against South Africa that persuaded him to ac- Mr. Torres has been a presenter at many boundaries, the need for our students to gain cept a tougher measure than the Senate origi- orientation sessions and workshops speaking international knowledge greatly increases. nally backed in 1985. in both English and Spanish. He has served That is why, Mr. Speaker, I urge my col- Parren, along with other family members District 20–K1 as Chairman of International leagues to support the Paul Simon Study have dedicated their careers to public service Understanding and Cooperation, Leadership, Abroad Foundation Act. and specifically to representing the people of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:01 Jun 07, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A06JN8.011 E06JNPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with REMARKS June 6, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1215 Baltimore for many years. His brother, Clar- HONORING LEE HAYES OF THE at Saint Richard School where she currently ence Mitchell, Jr., the late civil rights activist, TUSKAGEE AIRMEN teaches third grade. She has proven herself a was the chief lobbyist for the NAACP for 30 wonderful teacher, colleague and friend. Not years and was instrumental in the passage of HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP only does she teach at Saint Richard School, several civil rights bills. Two of his nephews, OF NEW YORK but she also makes a tremendous contribution as member of the Liturgy Committee, a Eu- Clarence M. Mitchell III and Michael B. Mitch- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ell, Sr., were elected as Baltimore city council- charistic Minister, a Praxis Pathwise Mentor, men and Maryland State senators. His neph- Wednesday, June 6, 2007 and a member of the Retreat Committee. ew, Keiffer Mitchell, is currently serving as a Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, Likewise, her services to Saint Clarence Baltimore city councilman and plans to cam- I rise to honor and recognize a great American Church as RCIA Leader, Eucharistic Minister, paign for the upcoming mayoral election in patriot and World War II hero, Lee Hayes, of PSR Teacher and Pre-Cana organizer while at Baltimore city. His legacy of inspiring others to the renowned Tuskegee Airmen. the same time raising three beautiful children, serve the public still lives on. In 1941, the formation of the all African- is truly admirable. She has been married to In remembering the life of Parren Mitchell, I American squadron based in Alabama, the her beloved husband, Patrick, for 30 years. am grateful to have known him personally and Tuskegee Airmen, was largely regarded as an Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join am confident that America is a better place ‘‘experiment’’ by the U.S. military to test the me in honoring Catherine Bohan for her long because he lived. combat readiness of an all-black fighting and successful career as an educator and for squadron. These brave servicemen dem- her dedication to and care for the future gen- f onstrated exceptional selflessness and patriot- erations of Northeast Ohio. f HONORING THE COMMITMENT OF ism as they fought two wars for our country— HERB HICKS one against the enemy overseas and the other CALLING ON THE GOVERNMENT against segregation and discrimination at OF CHINA TO STOP GENOCIDE home. AND VIOLENCE IN DARFUR, HON. JEFF MILLER Among the honors bestowed upon the SUDAN OF FLORIDA Tuskegee Airmen include 150 Distinguished IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Flying Crosses, 744 Air Medals, 14 Bronze SPEECH OF Wednesday, June 6, 2007 Stars, and 8 Purple Hearts. Most recently, HON. AL GREEN they were awarded the Congressional Gold OF TEXAS Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I Medal, the highest honor that the legislative IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rise today to honor Herb Hicks as he cele- branch can bestow. brates his 40th year of perfect attendance as I am proud to call one of the Tuskegee Air- Tuesday, June 5, 2007 a Rotarian. A dedicated man, Hicks has been men a friend and neighbor. His name is Lee Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I present for over 2,000 weekly Rotary meet- Hayes. He was raised on Long Island and is wish to support H. Res. 422, a resolution call- ings. a current resident of Amagansett, New York. ing on the government of the People’s Repub- Hicks helped found the Cantonment Rotary At 88 years young, Mr. Hayes was born in lic of China to use its unique influence and Club in 1948. He later became the club’s fifth Mannboro, Virginia. In the 1930s, Lee’s family economic leverage to stop genocide and vio- president. Furthermore, Hicks has received moved to eastern Long Island, where he at- lence in Darfur, Sudan. This resolution high- the honor of being named a Paul Harris Fel- tended East Hampton High School. lights China’s inaction regarding the genocide low in Rotary, a privilege reserved for those Lee Hayes developed an interest in flying in Darfur and I am particularly proud to be a who have donated $1,000 to the club. At 93 planes at a young age, while keenly aware of cosponsor of this resolution. years of age, Hicks is the last charter member the sad racial realities of the time. In his own Since the conflict began 4 years ago, of the civic organization; yet he continues to words: ‘‘I never thought much about whether 400,000 persons have been murdered and 2.5 play an important role at his local Cantonment or not blacks fly airplanes . . . It didn’t occur million displaced. Thousands are still dying Rotary Club. to me that we didn’t, and the more I thought from the ravages of war each month in an Paul Frederick, current president of the about it, the more I wanted to do it.’’ area roughly the size of Texas. This campaign Cantonment Rotary, explained, ‘‘Herb is one After the Army drafted him and after scoring of terror in the region has been labeled ‘‘geno- of the exemplars in this club. He leads by ex- a 94 on the preliminary examination, Mr. cide’’ by our Government. ample and attendance to Rotary functions is Hayes impressed his instructors by quickly China is Sudan’s largest trading partner and one thing this club stresses. No one in this learning to fly the B–25 bomber. Mr. Hayes the main foreign investor in Sudan’s oil indus- area has a longer perfect attendance record.’’ never entered combat, as the war ended try. China National Petroleum Corporation has He also pointed out that Hicks hosts an an- shortly before he finished his pilot training. He a 40 percent share in the international consor- nual picnic for Rotary members and family. was honorably discharged and returned to tium extracting oil in Sudan, and it is building Hicks is very clear on his priorities, saying, East Hampton. refineries and pipelines, enabling Sudan to ‘‘I think Rotary is important. I put church first Madam Speaker, it is truly an honor to rep- benefit from oil-export-revenue since 1999. Al- and Rotary second in my life.’’ Hicks admits to resent Lee Hayes in the U.S. House of Rep- though most Western oil companies have cutting many business meetings short in order resentatives. On behalf of a grateful nation, I withdrawn from Sudan under pressure from to be present for his 12:15 p.m. Wednesday encourage my colleagues to join me in hon- human rights organizations, Chinese compa- meetings. However, for circumstances that oring Lee Hayes and the Tuskegee Airmen for nies have turned a blind eye to the brutal way were unavoidable, Hicks had a backup plan. their extraordinary bravery and contributions to in which Sudan forced 2.5 million of its citi- Rotary International allows missed meetings to our Nation. zens from oil-rich lands without compensation. be made up by attending other local Rotary f Nor have these companies shown concern club meetings. Hicks divulged, ‘‘I have at- that Sudan uses oil revenue to purchase arms tended make-up meetings everywhere in the IN RECOGNITION OF CATHERINE for its wars against its population. United States.’’ BOHAN Mr. Speaker, countless people have spoken In total, Hicks has been a member of Rotary out against the tragedy taking place in Darfur, for 59 years. The dedication exemplified can HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH but now it is time for elected leaders to de- only be explained by Hicks as he said, ‘‘I like OF OHIO mand that action be taken to end this geno- the fellowship and I like what Rotary does, I IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cide in Darfur. If we fail to take action it is like- like its world-wide outreach and I believe in its ly that future generations will view our inaction principles and high ethical standards.’’ To put Wednesday, June 6, 2007 as complicity. I am hoping that our govern- it simply, Hicks asks, ‘‘If you are not going to Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise ment will do everything in its power to stop attend, why belong?’’ today to honor Catherine Bohan, for her out- this genocide. Additionally, it is my strong de- Madam Speaker, I would like to offer my standing efforts in educating children, and for sire that the international community, including congratulations to Hicks as he has not only her lifelong commitment to family, colleagues, China, do everything in its power to end this set a precedent for the Rotary, but also has and friends. genocide as well. challenged the commitment of those before Cathy has educated and enlightened our H. Res. 422 calls on the People’s Republic me today. I take pride in Hick’s determination, children and prepared them for life’s journey of China to acknowledge and condemn the vi- and I wish him all the best. for approximately 40 years, including 13 years olence taking place in Darfur, cease all military

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:01 Jun 07, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A06JN8.016 E06JNPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with REMARKS