[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 23, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S4002]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE NAACP ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 41ST ANNUAL FREEDOM 
                              FUND DINNER

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate and 
extend warm greetings to the Detroit chapter of the National 
Association for the Advancement of Colored People [NAACP] on the 
occasion of its 41st Annual Freedom Fund Dinner, to be held on April 
28.
  The struggles of the NAACP have had an immeasurable impact on local, 
national, and world events, advancing educational, housing and 
employment opportunities for America's voiceless. The Detroit chapter 
of this organization in particular has shown a commitment to both local 
and national action in the interests of its neighbors and community. 
The rewards of these efforts are shared by all throughout Michigan and 
our entire Nation.
  Of course, Mr. President, we must continue to pursue every means by 
which to improve the quality of life for all Michigan residents. 
Ensuring that all of our citizens share in the resurgence of Michigan 
as a national and world leader is an important priority to me, as it is 
to the Detroit NAACP. My voice echoes with the many members and 
supporters of the Detroit NAACP in their calls for more jobs, better 
schools, and safer communities.
  It is clear to me that the NAACP stands, as it always has stood, for 
self-determination, hard work, and leadership. I think Frederick 
Douglass best captured this philosophy when he said: ``The whole 
history of the progress of human liberty shows that all concessions yet 
made to her August claims have been born of earnest struggle. . . If 
there is no struggle there is no progress.''
  I am sure that all concerned citizens who hope and pray for a unified 
America where we can celebrate opportunity and justice join me in 
extending our sincere best wishes to the Detroit chapter of the 
NAACP.

                          ____________________