[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 51 (Friday, April 19, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E588]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO RAKI NELSON

                                 ______


                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 18, 1996

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to acknowledge Raki Nelson, a 
young man who is destined to achieve greatness. Raki is the 1996 
Watkins Award Winner, and has been honored as the premier African-
American student-athlete in the country.
  Raki has committed to attend Notre Dame University as a wide receiver 
on a full football scholarship. He has achieved recognition for not 
only his dazzling display on the football field, but his contributions 
to his community. As the recipient of the Watkins Award, he is being 
honored for exemplifying leadership. Franklin Watkins was one of the 
founding fathers of the National Alliance of African-American Athletes. 
The alliance lists a host of professional athletes who support the 
organization's endeavors, including Reggie White, Green Bay Packers; 
Charlie Ward, New York Knicks; and Royce Clayton of the St. Louis 
Cardinals.
  Raki's sterling career as a wide receiver ended with 185 catches for 
34 touchdowns which generated 3,132 total yards. However, the hallmark 
of his efforts was his community action poster. He and a fellow team 
member distributed and autographed posters for grade school and midget 
football programs throughout his home State of Pennsylvania. I am 
pleased to recognize one of college football's future stars, and a 
shining light in his own community.

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