[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 40 (Thursday, March 21, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E407]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO MILWAUKEE'S COMMUNITY BRAINSTORMING CONFERENCE

                                 ______


                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 1996

  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, it is with pride today that I 
celebrate an important event that will take place in the city of 
Milwaukee. On Friday, March 22, the Community Brainstorming Conference 
[CBC] of Milwaukee will gather to celebrate its 10th anniversary. I ask 
my colleagues to join me in saluting the outstanding achievements of 
this remarkable coalition of leaders from a great community.
  In February 1986, Samuel L. Johnson and Reuben K. Harpole, Jr., 
invited 13 people to a meeting at Saint Matthew's CME Church to discuss 
a series of vital issues facing Milwaukee's African-American community. 
The meeting was highly productive, and it was decided that a public 
forum of community activists should convene on the fourth Saturday of 
each month. The rest is history, and the CBC continues to fulfill its 
mission to this very day.
  From day one, the CBC has represented the essence of grassroots 
political participation, and has made a significant impact at the 
local, State, and national level. Beyond the political arena, the CBC 
is actively engaged in a wide array of activities. In 1994, the CBC is 
actively engaged in a wide array of activities. In 1994, the CBC 
created its foundation to tap the creative talents of African-
Americans, especially the young people in our community. To build on 
this progress, the CBC is moving aggressively to create new scholarship 
and fellowship opportunities.
  Having personally taken part in CBC meetings and projects on many 
occasions, I can personally attest to its unfailing and dedicated 
membership. The men and women of the CBC consistently rise above and 
beyond the call of duty to make our community a better place to live. I 
am proud to have worked with the CBC and have come to rely on the 
policy expertise and good counsel of its membership. As we rapidly 
approach the 21st century, we need the CBC's voice today more than ever 
before.
  Mr. Speaker I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
Milwaukee's Community Brainstorming Conference. I join with the city of 
Milwaukee in wishing this outstanding organization a happy 10th 
anniversary, and wish the CBC continued success in our community.

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