[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 127 (Thursday, October 12, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN OBSERVANCE OF LOVELIFE WEEK, OCTOBER 16 TO 22, 2000, BY THE LOVELIFE 
                    FOUNDATION, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 11, 2000

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to observe the third anniversary of the 
death of teenager LoEshe' Lacy, and to recognize the great 
accomplishments of the LoveLife Foundation, founded by her father in 
her memory.
  On October 27, 1997, LoEshe' Lacy was an innocent victim to a 
shooting across the street from her high school. The name LoEshe' is 
lbo/Nigerian and means ``Love Life.'' Donald Lacy founded the LoveLife 
Foundation in her honor to work with at-risk youth, and to help garner 
a greater appreciation for the value of human life.
  In its brief three-year history, the projects and successes of the 
LoveLife Foundation have been both numerous and varied. One 
particularly successful program is the LoveLife Arts and Media Training 
Academy. This program trains youth to produce television, radio, and 
theatrical performances that specifically address violence and its 
devastating effects on the community. The public service announcement, 
``Precious Gift'', produced through this program, has received several 
national television awards, including a National Public Television 
Award, a Bay Area Cable Ace Award, and a Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame 
Award. The student written and performed play, ``Legacy for LoEshe' '' 
has aired repeatedly on local television.
  The Mayor of Oakland has credited the LoveLife Foundation's efforts 
with contributing significantly to a 32-year low in the city's murder 
rate in 1999.
  The LoveLife Foundation will observe LoveLife Week October 16 through 
22, 2000. The Foundation requests that people observe this week by 
performing random acts of kindness to family, friends, and even perfect 
strangers.
  Mr. Speaker, I am inspired by the dedication and commitment Mr. Lacy 
and members of the LoveLife Foundation have shown to improving Oakland 
and preventing more senseless deaths like that of LoEshe' Lacy.
  I want to thank the LoveLife Foundation for its efforts to increase 
appreciation for the value of human life, and I encourage people 
everywhere to honor this great organization by observing LoveLife Week.

                          ____________________