[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 73 (Thursday, May 24, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E936]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               HONORING REVEREND DR. J. ALFRED SMITH, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2001

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and salute Reverend Dr. 
J. Alfred Smith, Jr. for his many years of service to Allen Temple 
Baptist Church and the City of Oakland.
  As the Co-Pastor of Allen Temple Baptist Church, Reverend Smith Jr. 
helped lead the Allen Temple Family to new heights with its spiritual, 
social and economic justice agenda. He has exemplified, in a 
magnificent way, steady, enlightened and inspirational leadership.
  Reverend Smith Jr. has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Services 
and African American Studies from Antioch University. He has also 
earned his Master in Divinity from the Graduate Theological University 
and a Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary.
  While pursuing his graduate degrees, he was an instructor at San 
Francisco State University, U.C. Berkeley, the Pacific School of 
Religion, and the Allen Temple Leadership Institute. Reverend Smith, 
Jr. has educated students about Black Religion, Black Philosophy, 
African American Children and Their Families, the Mission of the Church 
and Church Administration of Social Justice.
  Aside from his role as an educator, he has played a pivotal role in 
contributing to the betterment of the City of Oakland. He has served as 
an Urban Employment Analyst in the Office of Economic Development and 
Employment; he has worked with the Oakland Crime Prevention Unit; he 
has served on the advisory board for fair housing; and he has been an 
advocate for the homeless.
  Reverend Smith Jr.'s activism is not bounded by the City of Oakland. 
He has led a study tour and has participated in peace discussions in 
Israel and Palestine. He has traveled to London to be a keynote speaker 
for the Progressive Baptist Churches of the United Kingdom. He has 
traveled to Western Africa and China on a cultural exchange mission.
  Reverend Smith Jr. has received numerous awards and has received 
worldwide recognition for his advocacy for social, political and 
economic justice. He has often been quoted by the media for his wisdom 
on particular issues.
  On a personal level, I have relied on Reverend Smith, Jr.'s insights 
on the major issues confronting the human family for several decades. 
His clarity, his wisdom and his vision have meant so much to me and my 
predecessor, Congressman Ronald V. Dellums. It is with a deep sense of 
gratitude and a profound sense of love and affection for Reverend 
Smith, Jr., his wife, Mrs. Elaine Smith, and his entire family that I 
wish him well, good luck and God's blessings as he embarks upon the 
next chapter of his life.
  I proudly join Reverend Smith's family, friends and colleagues in 
thanking and saluting him for his years of service and commitment to 
improving the human condition.
  Thank you Reverend Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Jr.!

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