March 21, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E551 unlawful for franchise companies to sell fran- to assist humanity and with his background in prevention dollars. The epidemic varies from chises and distributorships, and then take psychology, determined that the ministry State to State, and from locality to locality. back those franchises without fair compensa- would be the perfect place to impact the lives What works best to prevent HIV infections in tion. of his fellow brothers and sisters. After years San Francisco may not be what is most effec- Franchises employ more than 8 million peo- of studying the ministry, he emerged to found tive in Baltimore. This local approach is con- ple nationwide, and account for more than 35 the City of Angeles Church of Religious sistent with efforts to place decisionmaking in percent of U.S. retail sales. Current trends Science in 1985. Shortly thereafter, he found- the hands of states and localities, rather than suggest this explosion will continue, providing ed the Children's Charities and Scholarship pursuing a one-size-fits-all solution. a certain urgency to our cause to correct in- Foundation, thereby fulfilling a lifetime commit- In my work focusing on the needs of women equities and unfair trade practices sooner, ment to creating a viable organization dedi- in the HIV epidemic, the effectiveness of com- rather than later. cated to helping children. In the ensuing munity-based prevention programs has been Many issues deserve exploration such as years, the church and its foundation have demonstrated time and time again. Providers proper disclosure by franchisors and parent made innumerable contributions to the Los with a history of service to women's commu- companies. Our basic goal, however, should Angeles community. nities understand that prevention efforts must be to prevent unfair practices that do not prop- Dr. O.C., as he is affectionately known by acknowledge and respond to the issues of low erly recognize or compensate for the equity his congregation, continues to give concert self-esteem, economic dependency, fear of ownership rights that many franchisees and performances and ministers to people through- domestic violence, and other factors which are distributors have in their franchises, and ulti- out the world. Because of his commitment to barriers to empowering women. mately devalue franchising as a successful humankind, he serves as a perfect role model Our bill is a comprehensive approach to HIV way of conducting business. for individualsÐboth young and old. I am prevention. I urge my colleagues to join us as f proud to have this opportunity to commend cosponsors of this important legislation. him for his distinguished contributions to our f TRIBUTE TO DR. O.C. SMITH society, and on behalf of the citizens of the 32d Congressional District, I salute him and HONORING JOSIE POITIER FOR 39 HON. JULIAN C. DIXON wish him many more years of sweet, soulful YEARS OF OUTSTANDING AND OF CALIFORNIA music and fellowship as he continues to pro- CONTINUED SERVICE TO THE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES vide outstanding leadership as the spiritual COMMUNITIES WITHIN DADE COUNTY Thursday, March 20, 1997 head of the City of Angeles Church of Reli- gious Science. Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, April f HON. CARRIE P. MEEK 19, the men's club of the City of Angeles OF FLORIDA Church will sponsor a roast of church pastor, COMPREHENSIVE HIV PREVENTION IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Dr. O.C. Smith. Dr. Smith, better known to ACT OF 1997 many as the multiple Grammy nominee and Thursday, March 20, 1997 singer of the million seller standard, ``Little HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my Green Apples,'' is the founder of the City of OF MARYLAND pleasure to recognize Josie Poitier, from Lib- Angeles Church of Religious Science. In rec- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES erty City, who has contributed greatly to the ognition of his numerous contributions to the communities of my district. For 39 years, Ms. Thursday, March 20, 1997 church and to the Los Angeles community, Poitier has volunteered her time, effort, and and in appreciation of his lasting contributions Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, today I am in- hard work creating many programs that have to the music industry, I am pleased to have troducing legislation, along with Congress- helped unite the community. She is an out- this opportunity to recognize Dr. Smith today. woman NANCY PELOSI and more than 100 of standing individual who has generated re- Prior to embarking on his legendary musical our colleagues, to provide a comprehensive spect, helped shape community pride, and career, O.C. attended and graduated from approach to HIV prevention. manifested hope that was once lost. Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, earn- Our country faces 40,000 new HIV infec- The Miami Herald recognized Josie Poitier ing a degree in psychology. Following gradua- tions each year. The HIV epidemic is leaving in an article titled ``Building Bridges Between tion, he entered the U.S. Air Force and Spe- no population untouched, and it is spreading Communities,'' published January 20, 1997, cial Services, where as an entertainer he particularly rapidly among our young people, which commemorated her honorable civic toured bases all over the world. Looking to women, and people of color. Women are the service. I would like to submit a portion of this break into the music business after his tour fastest growing group of people with HIV; inspiring article for the RECORD. with the Air Force had ended, O.C. settled in AIDS is the third leading cause of death in ‘‘Every morning,’’ says Josie Poitier, ‘‘I go New York City. During the winter months, he women ages 25 to 44. Low-income women outside to pick up my paper and I look up at made the rounds in many of the small clubs and women of color are being hit the hardest the sky and pray, ‘Lord, let me help some- in the city, giving nightly performances. In the by this epidemic. African-American and Latina body today.’ ’’ summer months, he would travel to the re- women represent 75 percent of all U.S. For the last 39 years, Poitier has found nowned ``Borsch Belt'' hotels in the Catskills, women diagnosed with AIDS. plenty of people to help—from senior citizens where he entertained audiences with some of Our bill authorizes funding for family plan- who had never been on an airplane until she took them to the Bahamas, to the people his most soulful hits. ning providers, community health centers, sub- from a myriad of heritages she invites to her O.C.'s big break occurred when he learned stance abuse treatment programs, and other now famous Good Friday/Passover brunch to that the great Count Basie was looking for a providers who already serve low-income share in a spirit of community. replacement for the legendary Joe Williams. women, to provide community-based HIV pro- And that’s only two of the projects of her O.C. was selected and for the next 3 years, grams. These provisions were part of my page-long list that includes: coordinating a he toured with the ``Count'' developing a huge, women and AIDS prevention bill from the last holiday turkey meal for the elderly at St. loyal following throughout the United States. Congress. Our bill also creates a new program Mary’s Towers, pulling together an anti-drug He left Basie's orchestra to pursue a solo ca- to address concerns about HIV for rape vic- workshop for 18 inner city schools, making sure her neighborhood’s lights are all work- reer and struck gold with his memorable hits tims. ing properly and promoting scholarships and of ``Little Green Apples,'' ``Hickory Holler's The legislation also authorizes programs to a college education for black youth. Tramp,'' and ``Daddy's Little Man.'' He sang build on the HIV Prevention Community Plan- Ask her why she does it, why she runs so the theme song from the motion pictures, ``The ning Process implemented by the Centers for hard, and Poitier will tell you it’s because Learning Tree,'' and ``Shaft's Big Score.'' Disease Control and Prevention in 1994. Simi- the elderly are lonely and their children are Other well known hits of his include ``Help Me lar provisions were included in previous legis- too busy to visit, and because, in South Flor- Make It Through the Night,'' ``For the Good lation introduced by Congresswoman PELOSI, ida, there’s a need to build ‘‘a bridge between Times,'' ``That's Life,'' ``Don't Misunderstand,'' who worked to reform the CDC prevention people.’’ ‘‘This opened a lot of avenues,’’ she says of ``Dreams Come True,'' and ``What `Cha Gonna programs and to develop the community plan- the brunch that started at her Liberty City Do.'' ning process. This process has ensured that home 11 years ago and has grown to 200 peo- Several years into his highly successful mu- States and local health departments, in part- ple who gather at Holy Redeemer Catholic sical career, Dr. Smith opted to redirect his ca- nership with community planning groups, Church. ‘‘Everyone comes together as one, reer focus to the ministry. He felt a great need make the decisions on how best to target their like a family.’’ E552 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 21, 1997 Poitier, 52, a volunteer specialist with the pay tribute to Mr. Mark Richard Nichols of the in Saginaw, MI. He served in that capacity Miami Police Department, plunged into ac- Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, who will be from 1939 to 1952. His civilian service, as with tivism when she was 12 and the Youth Club recognized on April 12, 1997, as man of the so many of our citizens, was interrupted by was formed in Overtown to keep kids busy year by the East Valley Jewish Community World War II. From 1942 to 1946 he ex- and off the streets. She became a member and as a result, Poitier says, she developed Center of Palm Desert, CA. changed the front lines of prosecution for the ‘‘respect’’ and a commitment to help the po- Mr. Speaker, it is truly fitting that Mark Nich- battlelines of war. lice department improve relations with the ols is being honored for all of his work as a As Captain in the Armored Infantry Battal- community. tireless advocate in his community. For almost ion, 14th Armored Division under General Pat- Throughout the years, Poitier has served two decades, Mark Nichols has worked for the ton, he served his country admirably. Mr. on several city boards and today is president Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, helping the Burns was recognized for his valor not once, of her neighborhood Crime Watch. Beyond tribe become self-sufficient and maintain a but several times. He was awarded many hon- that, friends say, it’s the small things strong cultural heritage. Since 1989, Mark has Poitier does for other people that make a big ors including the Combat Infantryman Badge, difference, like remembering the loss of served as the chief executive officer of the the Bronze Star, three Battle Stars and earned someone’s loved one when she is leading a tribe, where he had earned a national reputa- the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in bat- prayer tion as an outspoken advocate on behalf of tle. When the war was over, he put his legal ‘‘It’s my business to remember,’’ Poitier Native American sovereign rights. background to work as a special prosecutor in simply says. It is the work of people like Mark Nichols the Nuremberg Trials. Her goodwill doesn’t stop at home. that reminds us of the importance of being in- Six years after his military service, Thomas She helps her daughter Vandetta, who is volved in one's community. Mark understands Burns became interested in polities. He was working on a master’s degree in business, that an investment in education of a person, is and son-in-law Harold Scott care for their elected to the Michigan State House of Rep- twins, Harold and Vaniecia. ‘‘My Josie,’’ the an investment in the future of our country. In resentatives and served honorably from 1952 children call her. Whenever she can, Poitier his service on the University of California to 1956. Following his term, he was appointed takes the children to her volunteer work. chancellor's executive roundtable, Mark has to the Michigan Public Service Commission ‘‘And they help,’’ she said. ‘‘I make sure worked to make sure education is accessible and eventually became its chairman in 1962. they know what I do. It enriches them.’’ and affordable for every person that desires to In 1962, Mr. Burns found his final calling. Josie Poitier has demonstrated her commit- learn. Mark has also dedicated himself to This time when he ran for office it was for the ment to strengthening and linking the commu- helping those who are the most vulnerable in Michigan Court of Appeals. Elected appellate nities in Dade County. Her enthusiasm and our society. He is the president of the Desert judge in 1968, Judge Burns served honorably exceptional service to the community are spe- Chapter of the American Diabetes Association, in that capacity for the next 18 years. In 1981, cial qualities. By any standard, she is a re- he volunteers at Martha's Kitchen/Food and he was elected Judge of the Year by the markable individual who is greatly appreciated Shelter for the homeless, and he serves as Michigan Trial Lawyers Association. He was a by so many. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of our en- the telethon sponsor for the Arthritis Founda- member of the Society of Irish American Law- tire community, I offer Josie Poitier my deep- tion. yers and the Michigan Supreme Court Histori- est thanks for her outstanding service and our What Mark Nichols has accomplished, and cal Society. what this award represents, is the recognition best wishes for her continued success. Thomas M. Burns was predeceased by his of the difference one individual can make if f son Thomas, who, as a lawyer and brew- they put their mind to it. It is the devotion, master, founded one of the first micro brew- TRIBUTE TO PENINSULA HIGH dedication, and spirit of Mark Nichols that eries in Michigan. Judge Burns is survived by makes him such a unique person. We are his wife, Alice, and his daughters, Bridgett proud to call him our friend. HON. JANE HARMAN Spence and Mary Neer. Mr. Speaker, we respectfully request that OF CALIFORNIA the Members of the U.S. House of Represent- Mr. Speaker, from his distinguished back- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES atives join us in honoring the work and life of ground it is easy, even for those who never Thursday, March 20, 1997 Mr. Mark Nichols. The community of Palm had the pleasure of knowing Judge Burns, to   Desert, CA, is truly fortunate to have a person envision his leadership. His resume pays only Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay partial tribute to his distinction as a man and tribute to the Palos Verdes Peninsula High like Mark Nichols as a community leader. His commitment and dedication has improved the as a public servant. Judge Burns was not dis- School's Academic Decathlon team, which tinguished solely by the titles he held, but by took fourth place statewide and first place in quality of life for so many people in our coun- try. the manner in which he fulfilled his respon- its division during last weekend's California sibilities. Academic Decathlon held in Pomona, CA. f Drawing from his vast experience, Judge This nine-member team earned 44,540 Burns served as a vanguard of civil rights. His points in events designed to test academic LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP opinion always focused on the welfare of his knowledge in areas ranging from economics to REMEMBERED community. One lawyer in my community re- science. They came away with 29 gold, silver, membered that Judge Burns ``was able to sim- and bronze medals for various events and HON. JAMES A. BARCIA plify things, so much so that most complicated overall performance. In addition, one of the OF MICHIGAN issues could be explained in layman's terms.'' team members, Chris Luhrs, scored the most IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES And he did so without ever failing to lose his points of any student in Peninsula's division. Thursday, March 20, 1997 sense of humor. I am proud to represent these intelligent and talented students, and I ask my colleagues to Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Mr. Speaker, my community, and our Na- join me in congratulating them and their fami- pay tribute to a member of my community who tion, would benefit if there were more out- lies for their achievements. passed away this week after a long bout with standing individuals like Thomas M. Burns. He cancer. Judge Thomas M. Burns will leave a is an outstanding role model and a shining ex- f great void, not only to his family who mourns ample of positive community leadership in our HONORING MARK NICHOLS this loss, but to the City of Saginaw, the State complicated and often cynical world. In all of of Michigan and our Nation. his various roles as prosecutor, legislator, HON. DALE E. KILDEE Thomas Burns was a unique spirit in many judge and father, Judge Burns instilled in oth- respects. His dedication and deep commit- ers a devotion to life and service that was OF MICHIGAN ment to public service distinguished his ca- deeply evident in his words and deeds. HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES reer. He graduated fro St. Stephen's High Judge Thomas M. Burns enriched our lives, OF CALIFORNIA School in 1932, attended Bay City Junior Col- bettered our community and showed the rest IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lege and graduated from the Detroit College of of us, by example, what public service is all Law in 1939. From the beginning of his long about. I urge my colleagues to join me in pay- Thursday, March 20, 1997 career, he dedicated his life to the community. ing tribute to an outstanding individual who will Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it gives my col- Almost 60 years ago, Thomas Burns started be missed by his family and all those whose league, Mr. TORRES, and me great pleasure to his career as an assistant prosecuting attorney lives he has touched.