2840 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 158, Pt. 2 March 1, 2012 enforcing the decrees of a military dictatorship backed by the Charlie Parker band, which in- troversy and, when the special aired, it earned through brute force and without any demo- cluded the great Charlie Parker himself, Max high ratings. cratic legitimacy. Roach, and Miles Davis among others. At first Belafonte has continued his involvement in As future President Sam Houston and other he was a pop singer, launching his recording the civil rights struggle to this very day. Re- delegates signed the Texas Declaration of career on the Roost label in 1949, but later he cently, Belafonte spoke at the 50th SNCC An- Independence, General Santa Anna’s army developed a keen interest in folk music, learn- niversary Conference. besieged independence forces at the Alamo in ing material through the Library of Congress’ Belafonte did not limit his fight for justice to San Antonio. American folk songs archives. With guitarist the United States. He has spent his life and Four days after the signing, the Alamo fell and friend Millard Thomas, Belafonte soon career advocating for human rights around the with her commander Lt. Colonel William Bar- made his debut at the legendary jazz club The entire world. For example, disturbed by cruel rett Travis, Former Tennessee Congressman Village Vanguard. In 1952 he received a con- events unfolding in Africa as a result of war, David Crockett, and approximately 200 other tract with RCA Victor. famine and drought, Belafonte set in motion Texan defenders. His first wide-release single, which went on the wheels that led to ‘‘We Are the World,’’ the All these men were killed in action, a heroic to become his ‘‘signature’’ song with audience iconic song and music video organized by Mi- sacrifice for Texan freedom. If this tragedy participation in virtually all his live perform- chael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie, that raised were not enough, weeks later Santa Anna’s ances, was ‘‘Matilda,’’ recorded April 27, 1953. millions in support of famine relief efforts in Af- army massacred over 300 unarmed Texans at His breakthrough album Calypso (1956) be- rica. In 1987, Belafonte accepted the appoint- Goliad on March 27. came the first LP to sell over 1 million copies. ment as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador—the In a dramatic turnaround, Texans achieved The album introduced American audiences to second American to hold this position—the their independence several weeks later on Calypso music and Belafonte was dubbed the first was Danny Kaye. April 21, 1836. Roughly 900 members of the ‘‘King of Calypso.’’ Belafonte was also the first Belafonte has continued to devote himself Texan army overpowered a much larger Mexi- African American man to win an Emmy, with globally to civil and human rights issues, fo- can army in a surprise attack at the Battle of his first solo TV special Tonight with Belafonte cusing in particular on the United States and San Jacinto. I am proud to represent the San (1959). Africa. ‘‘My social and political interests are Jacinto Battlefield and State Park. More than a musician and entertainer, part of my career. I can’t separate them,’’ said That battle is memorialized along the San Belafonte was a civil rights activist and tireless Belafonte. ‘‘My songs reflect the human condi- Jacinto River with the San Jacinto Monument. leader. Belafonte’s political beliefs are greatly tion. The role of art isn’t just to show life as The monument is larger than the Washington inspired by the man that he still views to this it is, but to show life as it should be.’’ day as his mentor: singer and activist Paul Monument here in DC. Belafonte’s international civil rights accom- Robeson. He strongly opposed racial preju- Today we give thanks to the many Texans plishments also include his contribution to dice, segregation, and discrimination in the that sacrificed for the freedom we now enjoy. ending the oppressive apartheid in South Afri- United States. Like Robeson and other black God bless Texas and God bless America. ca and securing the release of his friend, Nel- entertainers, Belafonte’s success in the arts f son Mandela, imprisoned for twenty seven and did not protect him from racial discrimination, a half years. CELEBRATING HARRY particularly in the American South. As a result, Belafonte was appointed by President John BELAFONTE’S 85TH BIRTHDAY Belafonte refused to perform in the South from F. Kennedy Cultural Advisor for the Peace 1954 until 1961. HON. LAURA RICHARDSON Also in the 1950s, Belafonte met a young Corps, a position he held for five years. He has been honored many times by such di- OF CALIFORNIA Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the latter’s his- verse groups as the American Jewish Con- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES toric visit to New York. From that eventful first meeting until the day Dr. King was assas- gress, the NAACP, the City of Hope, Fight for Thursday, March 1, 2012 sinated, Belafonte and Dr. King maintained a Sight, The Urban League, The National Con- Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise deep and abiding friendship. ference of Black Mayors, the Anti-Defamation today to ask the House to join me in extending Dr. King, Jr., said of Belafonte, ‘‘[his] global League of B’nai B’rith, the ACLU, the State warm wishes to Mr. Harry Belafonte, a great popularity and his commitment to our cause is Department, the Boy Scouts of America, Ha- American who celebrates his 85th birthday a key ingredient to the global struggle for free- dassah International and the Peace Corps. today. dom and a powerful tactical weapon in the He has received awards from the Bronx Harry Belafonte is not only the consummate Civil Rights movement here in America. We Community College for his work with children, entertainer, but he is a tireless civil rights ad- are blessed by his courage and moral integ- the Albert Einstein Award from Yeshiva Uni- vocate. He has used the fame and wealth that rity.’’ versity, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Prize he earned early on in his career as a musician Mr. Belafonte could always be counted on and the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors and actor to support and advance the cause to be there when the need was greatest. He for excellence in the performing arts. He was of civil and human rights. was there to provide the money to secure Dr. the first recipient of the Nelson Mandela Cour- Harry Belafonte was born Harold George King’s release from Birmingham City Jail. He age Award and was honored at the White Belafonte, Jr., at Lying-in Hospital, New York raised thousands of dollars to post the bail House with the 1994 National Medal of Arts City, New York. He was the son of Melvine, a needed to release other jailed civil rights pro- from President Clinton for his contributions to housekeeper, and Harold George Belafonte, testers. He financed the Freedom Rides, sup- our nation’s cultural life. He has received hon- Sr., a Jamaican who worked as chef in the ported voter registration drives, and helped to orary degrees from City University of New Royal Navy. From 1932 to 1940, he lived with organize the March on Washington in 1963. York, Spellman College in Atlanta, Tufts Uni- his grandmother in the village of Aboukir in During ‘‘Freedom Summer’’ in 1964, versity, Brandeis University, Long Island Uni- her native country of Jamaica. When he re- Belafonte financed the Student Non-Violent versity, Bard College and most recently Doctor turned to New York City he attended George Coordinating Committee, SNCC, flying to Mis- of Humane Letters from Columbia University. Washington High School after which he joined sissippi that August with $60,000 in cash and In 2010, the Congressional Black Caucus the Navy and served during World War II. entertaining crowds in Greenwood with his Foundation honored Mr. Belafonte with its At the end of the 1940s, he took classes in ‘‘Banana Boat Song.’’ In 1968, Belafonte ap- prestigious Phoenix Award. acting at the Dramatic Workshop of The New peared on a Petula Clark primetime television Mr. Speaker, Harry Belafonte has devoted School in New York with the influential Ger- special on NBC. In the middle of a song, Clark his life to the cause of freedom, justice, equal- man director Erwin Piscator alongside Marlon smiled and briefly touched Belafonte’s arm, ity, and human dignity. His has been an im- Brando, Tony Curtis, Walter Matthau, Bea Ar- which made the show’s sponsor, Plymouth portant and consequential life. And he is still thur, and Sidney Poitier, while performing with Motors, nervous. Plymouth wanted to cut out going strong. the American Negro Theatre. the segment, but Clark, who had ownership of So on the occasion of his 85th birthday, I Belafonte started his career in music as a the special, told NBC that the performance rise to say Mr. Belafonte: Happy birthday and club singer in New York, a job he took to help would be shown intact or she would not allow thank you for your active faith, your lifetime of pay for his acting classes. The first time he the special to be aired at all. American news- service, your tireless devotion to human rights appeared in front of an audience he was papers published articles reporting the con- and freedom.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 12:11 Mar 22, 2017 Jkt 019102 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR12\E01MR2.000 E01MR2 rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD March 1, 2012 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 158, Pt. 2 2841 TRIBUTE TO BISHOP JOSEPH hometown of Paterson, New Jersey. I was [From the Monterey Herald, Jan. 22, 2012] WILSON PARKS humbled to have the honor to speak at Bishop DAVE AND WENDY BANKS TEACH VILLAGERS Parks’ memorial service. Having known DURING PEACE CORPS EXPERIENCE HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR. Bishop Parks throughout my career in public (By Amy E. West) OF NEW JERSEY service, I can confidently say that his life was When Carmel’s Dave and Wendy Banks met in the 1960s, they talked about joining the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES a life well-lived. The job of a United States Congressman in- Peace Corps. What they didn’t realize was it Thursday, March 1, 2012 volves much that is rewarding, yet nothing would take them more than four decades to Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to make it happen. compares to recognizing and commemorating After marrying, raising kids and retiring, recognize Bishop Joseph Wilson Parks, for his the achievements of truly selfless individuals they said to each other, ‘‘You know what we contributions to the State of New Jersey and like Bishop Joseph Wilson Parks. talked about long ago? Maybe we should try to our nation. On February 15, 2012, Bishop Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our col- it.’’ Parks passed away at the age of eighty-one. leagues, Bishop Park’s family and friends, all The retired couple returned to Carmel in As a spiritual leader, mentor, and community those whose lives he touched, and me, in rec- 2010 after spending more than two years in servant, Bishop Parks dedicated himself to ognizing Bishop Joseph Wilson Parks. Tanzania, educating villagers about HIV pre- bettering the lives of others. vention, biology and English. f Surprisingly, they integrated well into the Bishop Parks was born on January 7, 1931 Tanzanian culture. in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. He was one of McKINNEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY: ‘‘If you have gray hair, you’re in,’’ said six children of Ernest R. Parks and Lura V. CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF Dave Banks, 70, a retired pharmacist. (Barber) Parks. Although he began high FIRST-RATE EDUCATION Their Tanzanian village of about 1,000 peo- school in Wilkesboro, NC, Bishop Parks ulti- ple not only respected their elders, but also mately received his high school diploma from respected the customs of one another. The Harren High School in New York City. HON. SAM JOHNSON village, Maringo, had two major tribes, and In 1945, Bishop Parks joined the Mt. Olive OF TEXAS Catholic, Muslim and Lutheran faiths lived IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and celebrated traditions together, which Fire Baptized Holiness Church in Harlem, New impressed the Bankses. York. At the young age of seventeen, Bishop Thursday, March 1, 2012 ‘‘I think a lot of places in the world could Parks became one of the first Junior Deacons Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, take an example from Tanzania,’’ said at Mt. Olive and would later go on to serve as Wendy Banks, 69, a retired teacher. it is my privilege to congratulate McKinney a Senior Deacon for ten years. Bishop Parks Tanzanians subsist on less than a dollar a Christian Academy on 20 years of providing was a member of Mt. Olive Fire Baptized for day, and at least 10 percent of the population first-rate education to the young people of twenty years. lives with HIV. The stigma of the disease, es- North Texas. On November 27, 1951, Bishop Parks was pecially with women, inspired the Bankses As the school’s mission statement says, to start a life skills club to teach how to pre- drafted into the United States Army. For eight ‘‘McKinney Christian Academy exists to honor vent the spread of HIV and brainstorm ways years, he proudly served his country during Jesus Christ by teaching students to live bib- for HIV-inflicted villagers to support their the Korean War and would ultimately receive lically through education of mind, body, and families. an Honorable Discharge. High school students from the club per- spirit.’’ Over the past two decades, it has done After returning home, Bishop Parks went on formed skits and raps for the younger school just that for hundreds of students. to work in the printing industry for thirty-eight kids, and persuaded even Muslim girls to do On the first day of classes back in 1992, years. During his time in the printing industry, condom demonstrations. just 13 children walked through the doors. Primary education, required in Tanzania, he was a proud and active member of the Currently, 510 students from pre-kindergarten is free, but tuition for high school costs Local 1—Amalgamated Lithographers of through the twelfth grade are being served at about $100 a year. Educating boys takes pri- America. McKinney Christian by a devoted, skilled fac- ority over girls, but the headmaster in On January 30, 1954, Bishop Parks married ulty and staff. Maringo worked hard to keep the ratio at 50 the love of his life Anna B. Harmon Parks. percent. Bishop Parks went on to graduate from In fact, the local paper recently named To stay in school, girls commonly find Manhattan Bible Institute in New York City, re- McKinney Christian’s lower school principal, older men to finance their education in ex- ceiving his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s Ms. Debi Sass, and a top-notch teacher, Mr. change for sexual favors. ‘‘Babu’’ Dave and degree in 1968. He also received an Honorary Jeff Anderson, 2011 Principal of the Year and ‘‘Bibi’’ Wendy worked to teach the women to Teacher of the Year for the area. say, ‘‘No, not without a condom.’’ Doctorate from Fuller Normal Industrial Insti- ‘‘You just don’t know if you get through,’’ tute in Greenville, South Carolina. In 1965, McKinney Christian is honored to have former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee Wendy said. Bishop Parks was ordained as a reverend and The headmaster also requested their help appointed pastor of St. Peter F.B.H. Church in join them at a special anniversary celebration teaching in a high school with 500 students Paterson, New Jersey. this month, and while I will be in Washington, and only two teachers. Dave taught biology In 1973, Bishop Parks and his family moved D.C. during the occasion, it’s a pleasure to and Wendy taught English to 80 freshmen to Paterson, New Jersey, where he continued welcome the Governor to the Third Congres- each. To start the school’s first library, the cou- to serve his church. Upon moving to Paterson, sional District of Texas. To the McKinney Mustangs—parents, stu- ple called for donations from Monterey Pe- Bishop Parks became an active community ninsula residents, who mailed nearly 3,000 advocate throughout Paterson. Bishop Parks dents and teachers alike—congratulations on being a part of such an exceptional institution. books. To cover shipping costs of nearly $55 was a member of the Paterson Pastors’ Work- a box, the community raised $5,000. shop, St. Joseph’s Hospital Pastoral Care Keep up the good work. The couple’s family also offered support. A Team and instituted numerous ministries that God bless you, God bless Texas, and may ganddaughter requested soccer balls—used or benefited the community. God continue to bless the United States of new—instead of gifts for her 10th birthday, On November 24, 1994, Reverend Parks America through great folks like you. and shipped them with pumps to Tanzania. One of the couple’s daughters raised money was ordained as a Bishop of Sounds of Praise f to finance two girls’ education for three Pentecostal Ministries, under the auspices of years. the Bishop Chandler David Owens, Chairman TANZANIA MISSION FULFILLS The couple brought with them a laptop, of the Church of God in Christ. DREAM FOR CARMEL COUPLE printer, solar charger, shortwave radio and a For those lucky enough to have known power strip, which proved especially useful Bishop Parks personally, they knew that his HON. SAM FARR in a village that had just one room with elec- tricity and many villagers with cellphones family and faith meant everything to him. I OF CALIFORNIA know that he will be missed by his children, that needed charging. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wendy Banks was struck by villagers’ re- family, friends, and congregants, but most of Thursday, March 1, 2012 sourcefulness. ‘‘They can do so much with so all by his wife Anna B. Harmon Parks. little,’’ she said. On February 25, 2012 the memorial service Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I submit the fol- One memorable side trip seems to bear this and funeral for Bishop Parks took place in our lowing. out. To get to a larger city a few hours away,

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