[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 14 (Thursday, February 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E137-E138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 FAREWELL TO THE HONORABLE KWEISI MFUME

                                 ______


                         HON. RONALD V. DELLUMS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 1996

  Mr. DELLUMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor an esteemed Member of the 
House as he departs to fulfill the role of chief executive officer and 
president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored 
People. As I bid farewell to my colleague, I am saddened, but I rejoice 
and am pleased that my friend goes forward to guide and nurture our 
Nation's premier civil rights organization in its continued struggle on 
behalf of those less fortunate. He leaves an indelible mark on the 
institution and in the hearts of many. He has set himself apart as a 
distinguished Member of the House.
  Since the 1960's, Kweisi Mfume has been a staunch supporter of civil 
rights and economic development and economic empowerment through his 
seven-point plan to revitalize urban areas. As a member of the Banking 
and Financial Institutions Committee, Kweisi has proposed amendments to 
voice the concerns 

[[Page E138]]
of public housing residents, and has sought to strengthen the Community 
Reinvestment Act.
  As chair of the Congressional Black Caucus he heightened 
substantially the CBC's influence on major policy issues of concern, 
both domestically and internationally. In his efforts to ensure 
security, growth, and development for the African-American community, 
Kweisi has exercised his adeptness to build coalitions. His 
resourcefulness and ability to make allies is only one of his 
tremendous leadership qualities.
  He leaves a legacy of leadership, commitment, and responsibility that 
must be carried on and preserved in this institution. He serves as an 
example to our youth and others who aspire greatness.
  In fondly remembering his first days in Congress and his dear 
colleague advising Members of the correct pronunciation of his name, 
today we all know who he is and how to pronounce his name, and now we 
all cheer for his future and success.
  Go forward my friend and do good work.

                          ____________________