October 7, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2073 true justice have had and will continue to have INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION REP. BARBARA LEE HONORED BY on our legal system. On behalf of the 9th Con- WITH GOVERNMENT REFORM TO THE 100 BLACK MEN OF SILICON gressional District of California, I salute and GIVE DC CITIZENS A PLACE IN VALLEY thank Judge Horace Wheatley for his invalu- STATUARY HALL able contributions to the people of Alameda HON. ZOE LOFGREN County, the 9th Congressional District, the OF CALIFORNIA State of California and our entire country. HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Friday, October 7, 2005 CONGRATULATING NEW NMA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ms. LOFGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, PRESIDENT DR. SANDRA L. the California Democratic Congressional Dele- GADSON Friday, October 7, 2005 gation is proud to recognize the achievements Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased of our colleague, Rep. Barbara Lee, upon the HON. JESSE L. JACKSON, JR. that Government Reform Committee Chair presentation of the Lifetime Achievement OF ILLINOIS Award by the 100 Black Men of Silicon Valley. TOM DAVIS (R–VA) and House Administration IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The concept of the 100 Black Men was born Committee Ranking Member JUANITA in New York in 1963, when a group of con- Friday, October 7, 2005 MILLENDER-MCDONALD (D–CA) are introducing cerned African American men gathered to ex- a bill with me today to permit two statues hon- Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is plore ways of improving conditions in their my privilege to recognize and congratulate oring citizens of the District of Columbia in community. These visionaries and industry one of my constituents and the 106th presi- Statuary Hall of the Capitol, just as statues leaders included David Dinkins, Jackie Robin- dent of The National Medical Association, Dr. honoring citizens of States are placed in the son, Nathaniel Goldston III, Andrew Hatcher Sandra L. Gadson. historic hall. This legislation would allow the and founding President Dr. William Hayling. Founded in 1895, the National Medical As- city to offer two statues to the Congress on The mission of the 100 Black Men of Silicon sociation, NMA, is the largest and oldest na- behalf of DC residents. As I introduce this bill, Valley is to improve the quality of life of our tional organization representing African Amer- as we have just honored the citizens of New citizens and enhance educational opportunities ican physicians and their patients in the United Mexico, I ask the committee to remember that for African Americans and minorities, through States. The NMA represents the interests of with the placement of their second statute, a its chapters, in all communities—with a par- more than 35,000 African American physicians bill I was pleased to support, I seek equal rec- ticular emphasis on young African American and the patients they serve and is the leading ognition for the citizens of the District of Co- males. They do this by focusing on mentoring, force for parity and justice in medicine and the lumbia. education, health and wellness, and economic elimination of health disparities. Throughout its development. history, the National Medical Association has The District of Columbia was born with the Nation itself. The city has more than two cen- It is fitting that Representative BARBARA LEE focused primarily on health issues related to is being honored for her long record of stand- African Americans and medically underserved turies of its very own rich and uniquely Amer- ican history. It goes without saying that the al- ing for youth and family issues such as crimi- populations, as well as all ethnic groups. nal justice reform as a member of the Public most 650,000 American citizens who live in Many years ago, Dr. Gadson was herself a Safety, Sentencing and Incarceration Reform the Nation’s Capital deserve the honor of hav- patient, facing a battle with colon cancer. In Caucus. Health and wellness has been at a ing two of its history makers represented in her own words, Dr. Gadson stated: ‘‘When my priority for her in Congress as well. She has patients curse a rising wave of pain or strug- the halls of the Nation’s Capital just as citizens fought to establish a United States Health gle to give voice to their suffering, I under- who live in the 50 States have long enjoyed. Service and provide health coverage for all stand because I’ve been there.’’ This experi- Our bill would allow the Mayor and the City Americans. The measure, first introduced in ence has not only influenced Dr. Gadson to be Council to devise the method for determining 1978 by her predecessor, Representative Ron a more sensitive and empathetic doctor, but it the identity of the honorees, who must be de- Dellums, has been a priority for her since her inspired her to improve the quality of service ceased. Mayor Anthony Williams has already election in 1998. Representative BARBARA LEE available to patients everywhere. agreed to find funds in the District’s budget for has also been committed to promoting eco- While working in the Emergency Room at these statues upon the passage of this legisla- nomic development and supporting those who Methodist Hospital in Gary, Indiana, Dr. tion. need it most, including working to secure in- Gadson was shocked to learn that the pre- vestment in housing, transit systems, roads, Every time we allow the District to be ex- dominately poor, African American city had a clean water, and schools to stimulate the cluded from its place among the 50 States, we high prevalence of kidney failure but no dialy- economy and create jobs. sis center. She immediately took action and undermine the Nation’s efforts to spread full We wish to thank the 100 Black Men for established the first freestanding dialysis cen- democracy around the world. While DC resi- their tireless efforts to enhance the quality of ter in northern Indiana. dents have not yet obtained the same political life for all citizens, and to Representative BAR- In her acceptance speech, Dr. Gadson said equality and voting rights as the citizens of the BARA LEE for her deeply held commitment to that as president of NMA, she will work to in- States, they have all the responsibilities of the the principle of human rights. crease its membership and mentorship, advo- States, including paying all Federal taxes and f cate for a national health plan of universal serving in all wars. Today, when our residents coverage, strengthen partnerships with are serving in Iraq, the least we should do is IN HONOR OF DON MILANESE, churches and the media to promote health to give this city its rightful and equal place in VICE PRESIDENT OF LAS awareness, and to launch initiatives in kidney the Capitol. Among our residents now serving POSITAS COLLEGE, ON THE OC- disease that encourage transplantation and their country, the District lost 44-year-old Lt. CASION OF HIS RETIREMENT organ donation. Dr. Gadson, a practicing Col. Paul W. Kimbrough, an African American nephrologist, also made note of the fact that engineer who was supporting Operation En- HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER African Americans make up 13 percent of the during Freedom in Afghanistan. I attended the OF CALIFORNIA U.S. population but nearly one-third of all kid- funeral of 21-year-old Specialist Darryl Dent of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ney patients. ‘‘The crisis of kidney failure in the DC National Guard who was killed in Iraq. Friday, October 7, 2005 the African American community mirrors the There are more than 100 soldiers still serving dilemma of health care disparities,’’ Dr. Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in Iraq from Specialist Dent’s 547th Transpor- Gadson stated. to honor Don Milanese, vice president of Aca- tation Company. Dr. Gadson’s contributions to the health demic Services at Las Positas College in community have been enumerable. As presi- This bill offers District residents the oppor- Livermore, who is retiring after 35 years of dent of the NMA, she will continue to help de- tunity to enjoy the same pride that all other service to the Chabot-Las Positas Community crease health disparities and increase access citizens experience when they come to their College District, the Tri-Valley community, and to high quality healthcare for all Americans. Capital—the opportunity to view memorials thousands of students. We are truly fortunate to have her as a part that commemorate the efforts of deceased Don began his career in 1964 as a graduate of our community, and I congratulate her on local residents who have made significant con- teaching assistant at the University of Cali- her achievement. tributions to American history. fornia at Davis. Following a 2-year stint in the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 08:21 Oct 08, 2005 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07OC8.103 E07OCPT1 E2074 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 7, 2005 Army, he joined Chabot College as an adjunct the head of the coveted ‘‘Committee,’’ the bums and earned gold records for ‘‘Turn Me faculty member teaching political science, group of teens responsible for aiding Horn in Loose’’ and ‘‘Tiger’’ and a gold album for ‘‘The while serving as an assistant administrative the direction of the show. Jerry got into radio Fabulous Fabian.’’ In 1959, Fabian made his analyst in the education section of the Legisla- in 1962 and soon was given the title ‘‘The screen debut in ‘‘Hound Dog Man’’ opposite tive Analyst’s Office in Sacramento. In 1970, Geator With The Heator.’’ He soon coupled Carol Lynley. His role as a homicidal maniac he became the coordinator of Evening and Ex- his growing popularity on the air, which by in a TV production entitled ‘‘A Lion Walks tension Operations at Chabot College. His 1963 resulted in regional syndication of his Among Us’’ directed by Robert Altman solidly warm, supportive manner was felt throughout program on small stations throughout the established his credentials as a versatile and the campus by faculty, staff and students. Delaware Valley from Atlantic City to Allen- powerful actor. His impressive acting credits After 5 years, Don then became the assistant town, with appearances off the air at dances, include featured roles with John Wayne, dean of instruction for Evening and Extension clubs and events. It was not unusual for James Stewart, Jack Palance, Tuesday Weld, Operations at Chabot College’s Valley Cam- Blavat to see 5,000 kids a week in person in George Segal and Karen Black. pus in Livermore. It was here that Don fo- the mid sixties, nor too much of a stretch to Chubby Checker was born in South Caro- cused his talents on shaping the vision he say he would remember 3,000 of their names lina, but grew up in South Philadelphia. By the shared with other college officials: a college the following week. His appearances became time he entered high school, he had learned that would serve the Tri-Valley. His hard work, so frequent that for a time he needed to use dedication, and ability to dream helped estab- a helicopter just to make it on time from one to play the piano at Settlement Music School. lish Las Positas College. In 1992, he accepted gig to the next. Today the helicopter is gone, In June of 1959, Chubby recorded ‘‘The the position of dean of Academic Services at but the frantic schedule is still in place. Twist.’’ Fourteen months later, in the summer the College, and in 1994 the position con- Throughout the year, he can be found some- of 1960, ‘‘The Twist’’ was not only the No. 1 verted to the vice president of Academic Serv- where on virtually any night, and in the sum- song but it introduced the concept of ‘‘dancing ices. mer months he is in weekend residence at apart to the beat.’’ Mr. Speaker, Chubby Don’s talent and wisdom extend beyond Memories At Margate, the New Jersey Shore’s Checker accomplished many ‘‘firsts’’ in the community college curriculum and instruction. hottest night spot which he has owned and record industry. He is the only artist to have 5 He has used his skills to create community operated since 1972. albums in the top 12 all at once; the only artist partnerships to benefit students, the college, Al Martino will celebrate his 68th birthday on to have a song to be No. 1 twice—‘‘The Twist’’ and the community. He has been a driving October 7. The son of Italian immigrants, and the only artist to have nine double-sided force behind the Tri-Valley Educational Col- Martino worked as a bricklayer in his father’s hits. laborative, which brings together business and construction business before being encour- Bobby Rydell, unlike many of the other education leaders to address issues of mutual aged to become a singer by his friend Mario Teen Idols, was a genuine musician. At the interest. Lanza. After singing in local clubs, and win- age of 4 or 5, Bobby used to sit in front of the Above and beyond his accomplishments at ning Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts, he re- TV set trying to impersonate performers like the colleges of Chabot and Las Positas, Don corded ‘‘Here In My Heart’’ for the small BBS Louis Prima, Milton Berle, and Johnny Ray. is revered for his compassionate nature, his record label. It shot to No. 1 in the U.S. chart, His father recognized Bobby’s talent and en- ability to know when to lead and when to fol- and sold over a million copies. This disc was couraged him to pursue a show business ca- low, and his sense of humor. While Don’s also the first ever record to top the New Musi- reer. At 5 he began taking lessons on the skills and knowledge will be greatly missed cal Express UK listings, inaugurated in 1952. drums. Three years later he was an accom- and will leave a void at the college, it is his He continued his illustrious career on both plished cabaret performer, playing drums and love of the college, students, faculty, and staff stage and screen. doing imitations. At 9, he was a regular on that will be missed the most. Frankie Avalon was the first and most suc- Paul Whiteman’s television show that was Mr. Speaker, I wish Don Milanese the best cessful of the teen idols from Philadelphia. He broadcast from Philadelphia and performed on of luck in retirement. I hope he finds joy in this was encouraged to perform from the time he it for 3 years. By the time he was a teen, he next chapter of his life in equal measure to the was a child, beginning from when he was tu- was playing drums in a dance band Rocco joy he has given his colleagues in his working tored on the trumpet by his father. By the time and the Saints. Rydell’s million seller, ‘‘Wild life. he was 12, he had joined Rocco and the One’’ was released in early in 1960. ‘‘Swingin’ f Saints, a dance band that featured another School’’ b/w ‘‘Ding-A-Ling’’ was a springtime boy from the CR Club, drummer Bobby Rydell. hit and third million seller. That summer A TRIBUTE TO THE PHILADELPHIA The combo played parish bazaars, shows at ‘‘Volare’’ was released. The song had been MURAL ARTS PROGRAM AND the Sons of Italy Hall, weekend sock hops in pulled from a previous unsuccessful session of THE SOUTH PHILLY MUSICIANS school gyms, and weekend dances at teen MURAL songs in a big band style to introduce Rydell clubs. ‘‘Venus’’ was Avalon’s biggest hit selling to an older audience. more than a million copies in the spring of HON. ROBERT A. BRADY 1959. Three more million sellers in a row, Mr. Speaker, Eddie Fisher received his first OF PENNSYLVANIA ‘‘Bobby Sox To Stockings,’’ ‘‘Just Ask Your wide exposure as frequent guest performer on Eddie Cantor’s early-fifties TV broadcasts. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Heart,’’ and ‘‘Why’’ followed. In 1960, he co-starred with Alan Ladd in Later responsible for million-selling records Friday, October 7, 2005 ‘‘Guns of the Timberland’’ and appeared in during the fifties, including ‘‘Any Time,’’ his Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I John Wayne’s ‘‘Alamo.’’ Appearing in a num- signature song, ‘‘O My Papa,’’ and many oth- rise to honor the Philadelphia Mural Arts Pro- ber of other films Avalon did not have a star- ers. In 1953 Eddie Fisher was given his own gram, which will dedicate the new South Phila- ring role until 1963’s ‘‘Drums of Africa.’’ In the 15-minute TV show called ‘‘Coke Time,’’ spon- delphia musicians mural at 9th and Wharton early sixties there was a nationwide surfing sored by the Coca-Cola company. This show Streets in my district on Saturday, October 8. craze and Hollywood did a number of movies proved to be so popular that Coke then of- As everyone knows, Philadelphia has long on the subject. Avalon, along with Annette fered Eddie a $1 million contract to be their been one of the capitols of popular culture. Funicello, were leading stars in these movies. national spokesperson. A deal of that mag- This mural will honor seven of the icons of Starting in 1963 he appeared in ‘‘Beach nitude was almost unheard of at this time and that culture, Jerry Blavat, Al Martino, Frankie Party,’’ ‘‘Muscle Beach,’’ ‘‘Beach Blanket helped push Fisher towards being one of the Avalon, Fabian, Chubby Checker, Bobby Bingo,’’ etc. most popular singers by 1954. At the height of Rydell and Eddie Fisher. Mr. Speaker, Avalon’s friend, Fabian was an his popularity, during the 1950s, Fisher was, Mr. Speaker, I am proud that this mural will overnight singing sensation, a film star with along with Perry Como and Elvis Presley, include one of the pioneers of rock and roll, over 30 films to his credit and the producer of RCA Victor’s top-selling pop vocalist. His my dear friend Jerry Blavat. Jerry was at- his own concert series. Fabian Forte was ac- many hits during this period, all well remem- tracted to the music business because of his tually discovered at the age of 14 sitting on his bered, include: ‘‘Anytime,’’ his first big hit, ‘‘Oh, love for the music, not for fame or wealth. He front steps in Philadelphia. At 15, he won the My Papa,’’ ‘‘Wish You Were Here,’’ ‘‘I Need was a dancer on the original Bandstand tele- Silver Award as ‘‘The Most Promising Male You Now,’’ ‘‘Dungaree Doll,’’ ‘‘I’m Walking Be- vision program, hosted by Bob Horn. He be- Vocalist of 1958.’’ By the time he was 18, he hind You,’’ ‘‘Heart,’’ ‘‘Games That Lovers came a favorite with the viewers and rose to had recorded dozens of hit singles, eight al- Play’’ and ‘‘Somebody Like You.’’

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