[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 7 (Thursday, February 5, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H365]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    EXPRESSION OF THANKS FOR SUPPORT

  (Mr. MEEKS of New York asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speaker, thank you.
  The first feeling that I have is: God is good. God is good. He has 
truly blessed me, and but by His grace am I here today. He has blessed 
me for an individual who grew up in public housing and a product of 
public education to be able to go on and receive a degree at the great 
institution known as Howard University School of Law, which I am proud 
of; to be blessed with individuals who are really responsible for me 
being here.
  Mr. Speaker, it started with my mother, who is not with us any 
longer, but she is with us. She gave me the strength, the support, and 
the upbringing so that this day could be possible. She gave me the 
vision and the determination to make things happen, and I will be so 
ever thankful to God who blessed me with her as a mother.
  I want to thank my dad, who is here, who always was behind me and 
taught me the lessons of life and family.
  I want to bless and thank my wife, Simone-Marie, who gave her energy, 
her time, and gave me her permission to seek the office of the United 
States House of Representatives.
  My sisters, Rosalyn and Janella, who are here, who worked diligently 
day and night on this campaign, thank you.
  And the Lord blessed me with two beautiful daughters who I am so 
proud of for all that they are doing and how they are growing up. That 
is Ebony and Aja.
  And, as indicated, my mother is not with me, but the Lord blessed me 
with a great mother-in-law, Miss Eleanor Sing.
  Mr. Speaker, let me say thank you, particularly, to my political 
godfather, Bob Simmons, and all of the individuals who are up in the 
balcony who are responsible for that huge victory on February 3. I will 
never forget them, for they are why I am here to represent the 
constituency and the people of the 6th Congressional District.
  I know that I have very big shoes to fill, and I can say that I am 
not Floyd Flake. I am Gregory Meeks. I am going to do the best I can. I 
believe that Floyd Flake was on the right path, the same path of many 
of the Members of this hall that I have admired for a long time. The 
path of Barbara Jordan who sat here. The path of Shirley Chisholm. The 
path of Adam Powell. The path of Brother Dellums. The path of Charlie 
Rangel. The path of Thomas Manton.
  Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with you. I look forward to 
trying to make a difference in the lives of the people of this great 
country. I look forward to living the dream that Dr. King had that all 
of us will be able to walk together, talk together, live together under 
this big tent and this great Nation. Thank you very much.

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