July 29, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1713 this nation in the 1960s. As the Vietnam War, les Magic Johnson Theatres during Memorial cal ‘‘Purlie’’ and introduced Melba Moore the Civil Rights Movement, and school deseg- Day weekend. and Cleavon Little. regation threatened to divide our nation, Ossie Ossie Davis, a WWII veteran himself, not The film career of Ossie Davis is legendary. only stars in the film, but had taken a per- Beginning with ‘‘No Way Out’’ in 1950 with stepped forward as a champion of integration, sonal interest since becoming aware of this Sydney Poitier, Davis has appeared in dozens equality, and civil rights. From the Broadway true adventure of the USS Mason in 1995. The of feature films from ‘‘The Cardinal,’’ ‘‘The stage to the motion picture screen to the men of the USS Mason were the only Afri- Hill,’’ and ‘‘The Scalphunter’’ through recent streets where injustice lay, Ossie Davis was can-American sailors to take a navy warship movies such as ‘‘Dr. Doolittle,’’ ‘‘Do the there to demand that each and every person into combat in WWII. Like Ossie Davis, they Right Thing,’’ and ‘‘On The Bus.’’ He di- be treated as an equal, as a brother. With his served in a segregated military, but found rected ‘‘Cotton Comes to Harlem’’ in 1970 and deep voice that spoke from wisdom and expe- strength in the midst of struggles against continued to direct and produce movies and plays. Mr. Davis did not neglect television. rience, he would discuss the challenges to the racism from their camaraderie and pride in their own excellence. Beginning in 1965 in the title role of ‘‘The attainment of equal treatment and fairness that Ossie Davis’ character, Lorenzo DuFau, Emperor Jones,’’ he’s given award-winning is the constitutionally mandated birthright of passes the story of his time on the Mason on performances in ‘‘Teacher, Teacher, King,’’ every citizen born in this great country. He to his grandson (Albert Jones) and two and ‘‘Miss Evers’ Boys’’ to name a few. He’s would discuss how to achieve that level of friends, who then become the 1940’s sailors in been a regular on ‘‘Evening Shade’’ with his equality and would challenge those around a dramatic movie that depicts the events of friend Burt Reynolds. the men’s service on the USS Mason. As a Davis’ partnership with his wife actress/ him to aid in his crusade. writer Ruby Dee has produced such notable Ossie Davis was selected to be the speaker , the men shepherded con- voys across a perilous Atlantic infested with achievements as the television special at the first annual Congressional Black Cau- ‘‘Today Is Ours,’’ ‘‘Martin Luther King: The cus dinner, I recall, because we wanted to Nazi U-boats. They faced the storm of the century and were instrumental in saving a Dream and The Drum,’’ ‘‘A Walk Through have someone who, as a celebrity and a high- . In spite of enduring racist incidents the 20th Century with Bill Moyers’’ and the series ‘‘With Ossie and Ruby.’’ ly respected civil rights leader, would be both in a segregated Navy, they found an unex- Mr. Davis received many honors and cita- entertaining and inspirational. Ossie, in a pected welcome in Northern Ireland. In tions including the New York Urban League speech that is still remembered and quoted ‘‘Proud’’ Stephen Rea plays the Derry man Frederick Douglass Award and the NAACP today, set us on a course to sustain the who welcomes them and Darnell Williams is Image Award. With Ruby Dee, he received achievements of the civil rights era and to the war correspondent, Thomas Young, who The Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement build upon them. He exceeded our collective traveled with the Mason. Award and in 2002 The President’s National Tommy Hilfiger’s attention was first at- expectations. Medal of Arts at the Kennedy Center. tracted by the book and documentary done Ossie was one of the noblest individuals I Mr. Davis died of natural causes in Miami by Mary Pat Kelly, but he felt the story Beach, Florida on February 4, 2005. knew. He lived a life of dignity and pride that should be a dramatic feature if it were to was so exemplary that one wanted to emulate reach a wide audience. SHORT SYNOPSIS him. In his chosen profession of acting, he The events of 9/11 convinced him to finance Proud is a memory piece told by WWII vet, was a true legend that used his position to ad- the film himself. ‘‘We need our heroes,’’ he Lorenzo DuFau (Ossie Davis). As a sailor on vance positive images of the Black male and said. the USS Mason, he was a member of the only to challenge those who would accept the sub- Hilfiger’s daughter, Ally, became the pro- African American crew to take a US Warship jugation of an entire group based on their ducer and Mary Pat Kelly the writer/direc- into combat. As DuFau tells his wartime ex- tor. Ossie Davis was the first to sign on. ‘‘He race. He has a history of over one hundred periences to his grandson and two college blessed the movie with his presence,’’ said friends, the young men are transformed into films, plays, television series, and other pro- Kelly and Hilfiger. ductions that cover the range of experiences USS Mason sailors. They fight for their Ossie Davis attended a test screening of country, but also have to battle the racism of the Black male in America today. ‘‘Proud’’ in Washington, DC, with his grand- inherent in a segregated Navy. They perform Ossie who was always working, always rais- son, Jamal Day, who plays trumpet on the heroically and receive an unexpectedly warm ing important issues, left us in the film on movie score. Davis wore his USS Mason ball welcome in Ireland. The crew was rec- which he was working at the time of his death, cap and told the audience he wore it all the ommended for commendations in 1944, but an inspiring story that serves as a metaphor time so interviewers would ask about it and they were never awarded. The grandchildren he could tell them about the film. take up the fight, and the long overdue com- for the struggle by African-Americans for Davis died of natural causes in Miami equality of opportunity and inclusion. We are mendation is awarded to the surviving crew Beach, Florida on February 4, 2005. He had members in 1995. fortunate in the Harlem community to have intended to help promote the film. Ossie’s film to screen as a highlight of our ‘‘We’re pleased that those who admired f celebration of Harlem Week. Ossie Davis will see him in a role that so em- THE USA PATRIOT AND TER- The movie Proud, which was released two bodies his own life as an artist and activist,’’ RORISM PREVENTION REAU- said Kelly. months after his death, is a heroic story about THORIZATION ACT OF 2005 (H.R. an all-Black crew on the U.S. warship Mason 3199) during World War II. Ossie and his fellow cast OSSIE DAVIS (LORENZO DUFAU) members tell the important story of how the As USS Mason veteran, Lorenzo DuFau, HON. BETTY McCOLLUM War and a segregated Navy changed them. Ossie Davis, himself a WWII veteran, forms the head of the movie ‘‘Proud.’’ He is the OF MINNESOTA True to his nature, Ossie Davis made this ex- grandfather who passes the story of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES perience a personal investment in the struggle ‘‘men of the Mason’’ on to his grandson and Thursday, July 28, 2005 for justice and equality in Black America for thus insures that his shipmates will live on. his audience. This movie allows Ossie one ‘‘I am a part of American history,’’ he says. Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speak- last opportunity to tell the story of Black Amer- ‘‘Proudly we served and I want that ac- er, I rise to express my opposition to the reau- ica in this country. It is also our last oppor- knowledged.’’ thorization of the USA PATRIOT Act. tunity to witness this great man in action. As an actor, writer, producer and director, We live in a world in which vital issues of Ossie Davis has himself shaped American I submit for the RECORD the press release national security, homeland security and intel- history and insured that the richness of Afri- announcing the movie and describing how it ligence gathering need to be balanced with can-American experience is presented with the most fundamental freedoms and civil lib- came to be made. I look forward to attending artistry and joy. the screening of Proud in my community next Born in Cogdell, Georgia, Mr. Davis at- erties granted to the American people by our week and encourage everyone to take time tended Howard University and began a ca- Constitution. Terrorism is a real threat to our out and see this wonderful film. reer as an actor and writer with the Rose security, but laws that empower over zealous [From THEntertainment, April 18, 2005] McClelland Players in Harlem in 1939. He government officials to enter the private lives joined the Army after Pearl Harbor and PRESS RELEASE ‘‘PROUD’’ of individuals and ‘‘sneak and peak’’ based on served with great distinction as a member of suspicion is also dangerous. There was an op- (Written/Directed by Mary Pat Kelly) a medical team in West Africa. (Produced by Ally Hilfiger) portunity to find a common sense, bipartisan In 1946, Mr. Davis made his Broadway agreement on protecting our security and our NEW YORK.—The late Ossie Davis com- debut in ‘‘Jeb,’’ the first of many roles that pletes a final mission when the included following Sydney Poitier into the liberties that has been ignored by this legisla- THEntertainment film ‘‘Proud,’’ which will lead of ‘‘Raisin in the Sun.’’ Mr. Davis used tion. screen at the Tribeca Film Festival, April his backstage waiting time to write ‘‘Purlie There are sixteen provisions of The USA 23rd, is released by Castle Hill Productions Victorious’’ in which he starred in 1961. The Patriot Act that the Bush Administration pro- in the New York, Washington and Los Ange- artistically acclaimed play became the musi- poses to make permanent without sunsets.

VerDate Aug 04 2004 04:05 Aug 01, 2005 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A28JY8.226 E29JYPT1 E1714 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 29, 2005 The bill before the House made 14 of these Among its key provisions, the ADA prohibits been the constant target of Castro’s machin- provisions permanent with two of the provi- employers with 15 or more employees from ery of repression. He has been harassed by sions scheduled to sunset in ten years. discriminating against qualified individuals with the tyrant’s thugs and, now, unjustly incarcer- The purpose of a sunset is to allow Con- disabilities. It calls for the removal of barriers ated as a political prisoner for his peaceful ac- gress oversight over the implementation of the to access for people with disabilities to a wide tivities. law. By making these fourteen provisions per- range of public accommodations, including Eight years before, in 1997, after co- manent, Congress abdicates its responsibility restaurants, lodgings, places of entertainment, authoring the important and historic work ‘‘La to review these provisions in favor of granting hospitals, doctors’ offices, pharmacies, grocery Patria es de Todos’’ (‘‘The Homeland Belongs power to the executive branch. As co-equal stores, and all other retail and service estab- to All’’) with Martha Beatriz Roque, Felix branches of government, I strongly believe lishments. It also requires the removal of bar- Bonne Carcasses and another Cuban patriot, Congress has a responsibility to check the riers to access for people with disabilities to Vladimiro Roca, Mr. Go´mez Manzano was ar- power of the executive branch, not cede au- various public services, including public trans- rested by the dictatorship and sentenced to thority that can threaten the civil liberties of portation. Additionally it mandates that tele- various years in the gulag. During his unjust our citizens today and tomorrow. communications be made accessible to those imprisonment, and after being released, Mr. Provisions in the Patriot Act continue to with speech and hearing impairments through Go´mez Manzano never wavered in his com- allow for government access to business the use of special relay systems. mitment to bring freedom, democracy and records, private e-mail accounts, library read- Over the last 15 years, there is no question human rights to the Cuban people. Unfortu- ing lists and the monitoring of Internet habits. that the ADA has ushered in significant nately, in an additional act of extreme and Credit card information and other private change. One need only look around to see the despicable repression by the dictatorship, Mr. records including medical, employment and signs of progress: curb cuts, wheelchair lifts, Go´mez Manzano, along with dozens of others, personal financial records can also be mon- Braille signs, and assistive listening devices at was arrested once again on July 22, 2005, be- itored. Virtually every aspect of an individual’s movie theaters. The ADA has made transit fore he could attend a peaceful demonstration life can come under profound scrutiny by gov- systems and communications systems more in front of the French Embassy in Havana to ernment officials based on suspicion. This to accessible. And, perhaps most importantly, the protest the resumption of the European me is frightening and to millions of honest, ADA has begun to change society’s attitudes Union’s policy of so-called engagement with hardworking Americans. toward people with disabilities. the terrorist regime in Havana. Fighting terrorism, organized crime and Despite this important and widespread I have never had the honor of personally narco-terrorism is critical to keeping our com- progress, the promise of the ADA remains meeting Mr. Go´mez Manzano, but I can cer- munities and families safe. The men and unfulfilled for far too many. A major focus of tainly say that I know him quite well. I have women in law enforcement from local, state the ADA, for example, was to improve employ- spoken to him by telephone during various and Federal agencies—and throughout the ment opportunities. However, the evidence Congressional hearings and other public criminal justice and counter-terrorism sys- shows that there has been little change in the events dedicated to highlighting the suffering tems—have my deep admiration and respect. employment rate of people with disabilities. and oppression of the Cuban people. He is a Their job is difficult, but this legislation fails to Only 32 percent of people of working age who great patriot, a man of the law, a man of provide additional resources to confront have a disability are employed. And today, peace, and an apostle of freedom for Cuba. threats and keep our communities safe. It in- people with disabilities are still three times Mr. Speaker, it is completely unacceptable stead creates endless opportunities for the more likely to live in poverty. that, while the world stands by in silence and violation of civil liberties and the freedoms we Furthermore, we can still find disparities for acquiescence, Mr. Go´mez Manzano lan- deeply cherish as a nation. the disabled in education, housing, and tech- guishes in the gulag because of his belief in Many people speak of sacrificing some of nology. It is for this reason that we need to freedom, democracy, human rights and the our freedoms in the name of security. This is take greater steps to ensure that the disabled rule of law. We cannot permit the brutal treat- a formula that empowers terrorists and en- community not only has access to, but is also ment by a demented and murderous tyrant of courages the very enemies of freedom. It is participating in gainful elements of all pro- a man of peace like Mr. Go´mez Manzano for the wrong approach. I applaud my Republican grams and facets of society. I call on my fel- simply supporting freedom for his people. My colleagues who have joined Democrats in low colleagues to join together in a bipartisan colleagues, we must demand the immediate working for a common-sense Patriot Act that effort to find ways we can strengthen the ADA and unconditional release of Rene Go´mez protects our security and our liberties. It is my and fulfill our commitment to our disabled Manzano and every political prisoner in totali- hope that as this bill moves to conference communities. tarian Cuba. committee with the Senate that the extremes f f in this legislation are tempered by a wisdom ´ that embraces the American people’s respect FREEDOM FOR RENE GOMEZ ON THE INTRODUCTION OF A BILL for privacy and desire for freedom. MANZANO TO EXCLUDE SOLID WASTE DIS- POSAL FROM THE JURISDICTION f HON. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART OF THE SURFACE TRANSPOR- AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES OF FLORIDA TATION BOARD ACT (ADA) 15TH ANNIVERSARY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, July 28, 2005 HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ HON. MIKE ROSS OF OF ARKANSAS Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Speaker, I rise today to speak about Rene Go´mez Manzano, a political prisoner in totali- Thursday, July 28, 2005 Thursday, July 28, 2005 tarian Cuba. Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I am proud Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, on July 26, 1990, Mr. Go´mez Manzano is a lawyer and a dis- to be joined by a number of my New Jersey President George H. W. Bush signed into law tinguished member of the pro-democracy op- colleagues to introduce legislation that will the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act. position in Cuba. Along with fellow Cuban pa- close a glaring loophole in current law that al- This legislation was the world’s first com- triots Martha Beatriz Roque and Felix Bonne lows railroads to brazenly flout the critical Fed- prehensive declaration of equality for people Carcasses, he is a leader of the Assembly to eral, State, and local environmental protec- with disabilities. Promote Civil Society. The Assembly is an tions that keep our rivers clean, our air clear, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) umbrella organization of over 300 groups of and our families healthy. was the next step in the civil rights revolution Cubans who have asserted their independ- In my district, a small railroad has recently that began with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. ence from the totalitarian state. On May 20, begun operation of a solid waste transfer facil- The ADA extended broad civil rights protec- 2005, the Assembly carried out a meeting of ity for construction and demolition debris. tions to America’s 54 million citizens with a approximately 200 Cubans who publicly dem- These sites are open to the air, polluting the disability. To the over 97,000 working disabled onstrated their rejection of totalitarianism and surrounding neighborhoods with wind-blown Arkansans, this legislation has helped to es- their support for democracy and the rule of debris, and have extremely poor stormwater tablish greater options for individuals who are law in Havana. Mr. Go´mez Manzano was one controls, if any at all, allowing rain to leach willing and able participants in our commu- of the primary architects of that historic, admi- through the trash piles and into sensitive wet- nities. rable accomplishment. Accordingly, he has lands. I have seen video of these sites, which

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