[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E689-E690]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           A VISION OF VALUES

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 1, 1996

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, all too often people dwell upon the failings 
of our society, and ignore the true accomplishments of many devoted 
Americans. Nowhere is this more evident than in the case of talking 
about the misfortunes of those who either lose their jobs or simply 
fail to find one all together. I want our colleagues to know about a 
man who believes that success breeds success, and who for more than 30 
years has worked to have that success serve as the foundation for even 
more success. I am talking about Rev. Leon H. Sullivan, the founder of 
the Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America, Inc.
  There are many people in our society who need retraining to gain 
improved skills to find new jobs, and others who need basic training to 
find meaningful jobs. Since 1964, Reverend Sullivan has worked to 
provide comprehensive employment training and placement for 
disadvantaged, unemployed, and unskilled Americans. Many of us 
recognize the symbol, OIC, and have seen it in our congressional 
districts. I am sure, however, that not many fully appreciate the 
effort and devotion demonstrated by Reverend Sullivan over these years.
  The first OIC was founded in an abandoned Philadelphia jailhouse. It 
expanded to more than 70 centers around the country, and 28 centers 
overseas. In its more than 30 years of operation, OIC has trained and 
provided assistance to more than 1.5 million people.
  Particularly at times like these when we are looking for private 
solutions to significant national problems like unemployment, 
Opportunities Industrialization Centers are more important than ever 
before. Growing from his ministry at the Zion Baptist Church in 
Philadelphia, Reverend Sullivan established a day care center, a credit 
union, an employment agency, a community center for youth and

[[Page E690]]

adults, adult education reading classes, athletic teams, choral groups, 
and family counseling services. This wonderful range of programs that 
became OIC goes to the heart of recognizing that the true solution to 
any difficulty lies within each of us personally as we take greater 
responsibility for solving the problems life presents to us, while 
taking the fullest advantage of the opportunities the same life 
presents to us.
  Rev. Leon Sullivan has been rightly honored before for his work, 
having won more than 100 national and international awards, as well as 
the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His position on the boards of 
numerous corporations gives him a unique opportunity to see the kind of 
workers that successful businesses need so that OIC can train the best 
possible candidates.
  Mr. Speaker, as the members of the OIC of Metropolitan Saginaw greet 
Reverend Sullivan at the dedication of their new facility, I ask you 
and all of our colleagues to join me in thanking this great man for 
bringing hope and opportunity to the many that OIC has touched, and 
pledging to work with him and his associates to restore the American 
dream for those who are still waiting.

                          ____________________