[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 135 (Thursday, October 1, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1867]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO BOBBY RUSH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 1998

  Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and 
congratulate a dear and close friend of mine, the national and 
international known Mr. Bobby Rush. On November 9 at the House of Blues 
in Los Angeles, California, Bobby Rush will receive the Blue 
Foundation's second annual ``B.B. King Blues Hero'' Award during the 
Lifetime Achievement Ceremony.
  The B.B. King Blues Hero Award was established in 1997 by the Blues 
Foundation to recognize a Blues artist whose career has been 
characterized by community service and charitable activity. As the 
recipient of the award, Bobby will receive an honorarium, as is 
characteristic of his goodness and concern for young people, is 
donating his honorarium to a program to provide computers for 
Mississippi classrooms.
  While Bobby Rush is known for his amazing stage show and outstanding 
performances on the 21 releases that span his career, few people know 
of Rush's dedication to his community in Jackson, Mississippi. For 
years Bobby has taken time off the road to use his tour bus to 
transport people to the polls on Election Day, participates in voter 
registration drives, and encourages young people to be civic minded and 
help in their communities, which I truly appreciate. He also has played 
functions to raise money for sickle cell anemia research, child care, 
school band uniforms, and musical equipment for local students.
  Bobby Rush promotes the Blues by participating in the Blues in the 
Schools programs nationwide. During Black History Month, Bobby visits 
schools throughout Mississippi and Alabama. He also volunteers his own 
home as an emergency shelter for children leaving the Hinds County 
Youth Correctional Facility in Raymond, Mississippi.
  With professional accomplishments and personal acts of humanitarism 
such as these, I am truly proud and honored to stand here and extend 
congratulations to my friend Mr. Bobby Rush. He is truly a credit to 
America, his community, and his art.

                          ____________________