[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 204 (Tuesday, December 19, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF THE CONNECTICUT LEGISLATIVE BLACK AND PUERTO 
                              RICAN CAUCUS

                                 ______


                        HON. BARBARA B. KENNELLY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 18, 1995

  Mrs. KENNELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give recognition to an 
organization that has helped countless residents in my State for 20 
years: the Connecticut Legislative Black and Puerto Rican Caucus.
  The Caucus was formed in January 1976, under the leadership of its 
first chairman, Representative Clyde Billington, Jr., of Hartford. In 
subsequent years, this leadership was provided by distinguished 
legislators Maurice Mosley of Waterbury, Walter Brooks of New Haven, 
William Dyson of New Haven, Abraham Giles of Hartford, Eric Coleman of 
Bloomfield, Ernest Newton of Bridgeport and Wade Hyslop of New London.
  The Caucus membership includes 13 African-American and Puerto Rican 
members--currently 10 Representatives and 3 Senators. These hard-
working, dedicated members strive not only to find solutions to 
problems, but to promote the cultural diversity we are so fortunate to 
have in Connecticut.
  Throughout its 20-year history, the Caucus has worked to improve the 
lives of African-Americans and Latino Americans. The Caucus promotes 
the growth of minority-owned business, and works to expand economic and 
educational opportunities in our communities. It seeks to advance the 
cooperation and effectiveness of legislatures in U.S. States, 
territories, possessions, and commonwealths, and to make them more 
accountable and accessible to all residents. It places as one of its 
highest priorities the fulfillment of goals of the African-American and 
Latino American communities.
  Among other accomplishments, the Caucus was instrumental in 
persuading the State of Connecticut to divest from South Africa; in 
calling attention to the plight of Haitians; and in calling for the 
appointment of African-American Curtissa Coffield to the State Supreme 
Court.
  My home State has reaped enormous benefits from the work of the 
Connecticut Legislative Black and Puerto Rican Caucus. Its current 
chairwoman, Annette Carter, heads a team of dedicated leaders who work 
hard to help all of us. As the Caucus continues its work and 
accomplishments into the next century, my State and the Nation will 
benefit. I thank the Caucus for its endeavors and applaud its mission.

                          ____________________