[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 10, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 ``I LOVE LIFE AND I WANT TO LIVE'' IS THEME FOR THE UNITED BLACK FUND 
                      22D ANNUAL VICTORY LUNCHEON

                                 ______


                         HON. RONALD V. DELLUMS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 1994

  Mr. DELLUMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to once again enthusiastically 
extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and the staff of the United 
Black Fund [UBF] in celebration of your 22nd Annual Victory Luncheon.
  This year I would like to commend the many member agencies and the 
staff of the UBF for their continuous work in serving the needs of our 
community. It is my understanding that the UBF funds over 70 community 
agencies in the Washington metropolitan area. These programs range from 
caring for senior citizens, treating substance abusers, and sheltering 
the young. As a former community worker myself, I have deep 
appreciation and admiration for the commitment it takes to serve the 
people.
  I believe it is important to recognize the contribution of the 
``unsung heroes'' in the community. As you may recall, there was a time 
when the family attended to the needs of the less fortunate in the 
community. Times have changed. Today community organizations are a 
necessity in providing services of all types to those in need. 
Community workers answer the calls of those in distress and unselfishly 
put the concerns of others above their own. This is an attribute of the 
community worker that deserves praise and respect.
  As a Member of Congress, I know that community based organizations 
are doing more with less. As the problems in our community increase, 
the dollars appropriated to address them decrease. On many occasions, I 
have taken to the floor of the House of Representatives, to inform my 
colleagues of the pain and agony suffered by people in our community 
because of lack of funds. Nevertheless, each year the UBF gives me 
reason to be optimistic, because you remind me that the human spirit 
can persevere and overcome obstacles placed in our path. Indeed, we are 
our brothers' and sisters' keeper.
  This year's theme ``I Love Life and I Want to Live'' is of vital 
significance. We must implore our youth to fall in love with life and 
to become productive members of society respecting each other daily.
  Again, I congratulate the UBF in its success in bringing those who 
are in need of help together with those who are willing to offer 
support.

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