[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 159 (Wednesday, November 12, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO REPRESENTATIVE FLOYD FLAKE OF THE SIXTH CONGRESSIONAL 
                          DISTRICT OF NEW YORK

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 1997

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, my departing words 
for a good friend, Congressman Floyd Flake are marked with good wishes 
and sadness. While Allen A.M.E. Church is gaining a great minister who 
will work full-time for his congregation, the United States House of 
Representatives will be losing a man of conviction, compassion, and 
remarkable legislative skill. I will miss him, as will this body, not 
only as a lawmaker but as a valued friend.
  Congressman Flake has brought together the spirituality of the 
church, the innovation of the private sector, and the laws of the 
Government to produce economic revitalization for his congregation and 
the entire Sixth Congressional District.
  November 7, Congressman Flake said his formal goodbye to the House of 
Representatives. For the first time, he told Members as well as the C-
SPAN viewing audience about his inspirational road to success in the 
ministry, academia, and Congress. Never until that day had he told 
people about his long days of work and long nights of studying to earn 
his undergraduate degree or his doctorate of ministry. This is how we 
will remember Congressman Flake. We will remember a man who did not 
speak about his difficult road to success, rather, he spoke proudly 
about his service to God, his family, his district, and his country.
  Congressman Flake was born in Los Angeles on January 30, 1945, and 
came to Houston, TX, to attend public school. After growing up in the 
great State of Texas, he studied at Wilberforce University in Ohio, 
earning his undergraduate degree. He continued to broaden his 
educational experiences in graduate programs at Payne Theological 
Seminary and Northeastern University. In 1994, he earned his doctorate 
of ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH.
  Congressman Flake evolved from student to educator, serving as dean 
of students and university chaplain at Boston University in 1976. He 
served as the director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Afro-American 
Center at Boston University from 1973 to 1976. From 1970 to 1973, he 
served as the associate dean of students, director of student 
activities at Lincoln University. Moving to business, he served as a 
market analyst for Xerox and as a sales representative for Reynolds 
Tobacco Co. He also served as a social worker for an early child 
development/Head Start program.
  Mr. Speaker, Congressman Flake has lent his talents, energy, and 
concern for others to many activities. Congressman Flake always says 
that he has been blessed to have enjoyed so many successful endeavors. 
Personally, I would say that he has blessed so many people in so many 
areas.
  Legislatively, I will remember his work on the Committee on Banking 
and Financial Services and increasing investment opportunities for 
undeserved communities through the Bank Enterprise Act and the Reform 
of the Community Reinvestment Act.
  Congressman Flake has done more than lecture and preach about the 
merits of self-sufficiency and job creation. Through his church, he has 
created local jobs, affordable homes, schools and multiservice centers 
that provide health care.
  Mr. Speaker, it has truly been a pleasure to serve with the 
Congressman from New York's Sixth Congressional District. It will be 
even more of a pleasure to hear and witness his continued work in 
helping his community. Along with the many other Members of this body, 
I would like to give Congressman Flake my wishes of good luck and 
blessings.

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