[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 17, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE LATE HONORABLE RON BROWN

                                 ______


                               speech of

                         HON. RONALD V. DELLUMS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 16, 1996

  Mr. DELLUMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a dear friend, a 
visionary, a dream-maker, and trailblazer; the Honorable Ronald H. 
Brown. Although I am deeply saddened by his sudden passing, I am 
inspired and encouraged by the legacy Ron has left for all citizens of 
the United States. Ron Brown was not only a personal friend, but a 
friend of our country.
  Elected the first African American Chairman of the Democratic 
National Committee, he utilized his experience and successes, in 
reuniting the Democratic Party and ensuring a victory for President 
Clinton.
  As the first African American Secretary of Commerce, Ron not only 
pursued the expansion of American trade opportunities, but also sought 
to extend the American Dream to improve the quality of life for all 
people throughout the world. His vision for the Department of Commerce 
included providing economic opportunities for all Americans, opening 
and expanding markets globally, and generating jobs through his 
national export strategy which allows U.S. companies--big and small--to 
maximize their export potential. In addition, he wanted to ensure an 
enhanced technology base and infrastructure and utilization and growth 
for the Information Superhighway. In doing so, he transformed America 
into an export superpower, creating over $80 billion in foreign 
agreements for U.S. businesses. A champion of civil rights, he fought 
for diversity within the Department, as well as increased opportunities 
for minority-owned businesses.
  Ron was a trailblazer. The list of accomplishments which inspires not 
only African Americans, but all working men, women, and minorities is 
commendable. He, as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was an effective 
communicator, a passionate civil rights advocate, keen political 
strategist, skilled negotiator, and compassionate bridge builder. A man 
of action, Ron Brown not only dreamt, but more importantly, realized 
his dreams for himself and others.
  I will personally miss our heart to heart conversations and political 
discussions, Ron's enthusiasm for life, and most of all, his infectious 
smile.
  As my friend, the Reverend Jesse Jackson so eloquently described him, 
``We must remember Ron Brown--freedom fighter, social servant, patriot, 
dream-maker . . . A monument to his success is opening the door for 
coming generations.'' We must always hold a special place in our hearts 
for Ron Brown. Ron was truly a man for all seasons who we will sorely 
miss. Thank you, Ron, for all you've done. We love you, brother.

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