[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 16 (Monday, February 25, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S997-S998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO THE HEROES

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Madam President, in the past year, America witnessed 
the extremes of both tragedy and humanity. On September 11, 2001, we 
endured the most atrocious and devastating attacks on our soil. After 
such tragic events, we searched for answers and solace and found 
leaders and hope. Amidst the rubble and ashes, have arisen tales of 
heroism, courage and compassion and we, as a nation, have emerged 
stronger and more united. Indeed, African Americans have contributed 
enormously to this outcome. As we celebrate Black History Month and 
honor those outstanding heroes of the past, we should also take this 
time to recognize the leaders of the present and their outstanding 
efforts.
  In the political arena, leadership among African Americans has 
transcended political and racial lines. One need look no further than 
to Colin Powell, our Secretary of State and Condoleezza Rice, the 
National Security Adviser to the President. Both have served the 
country ardently and tirelessly during our war against terrorism.
  In times of economic uncertainty, we can look to Kenneth Chenault, 
the Chief Executive Officer of American Express; E. Stanley O'Neal, 
poised to become CEO at Merrill Lynch; and Richard Parsons, soon to 
become CEO at AOL Time Warner, all models of successful economic 
achievement and leadership.
  From Washington, D.C. to Wall Street, African Americans have left an 
indelible impression on the face of American recovery and strength. Yet 
while these leaders have played their tremendous roles on the national 
stage, African Americans in communities across the country have made 
contributions of innumerable value. Let us not forget that the strength 
of our Nation is inextricably linked to the fabric of our communities.
  In my hometown of San Francisco, Reverend Cecil Williams has served 
for 35 years as the Pastor of the Glide Memorial United Methodist 
Church. Rev. Williams was one of five students to break the race 
barrier at Southern Methodist University in the 1950s and accompanied 
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 1963 civil rights march. Under 
his leadership, the Glide Church has over 9,000 members and has become 
the most comprehensive nonprofit provider of human services in the 
city. The church maintains a wide variety of community outreach and 
assistance programs, such as providing people with three meals a day, 
365 days a year, substance abuse treatment, support against domestic 
violence, job re-entry help and a free health clinic.
  In Los Angeles, one can find the headquarters of Operation HOPE, 
Inc., America's first non-profit social investment banking 
organization, founded by John Bryant. John is also the chairman of the 
board and CEO of the community-based banking organization, which 
strives to bring economic self-sufficiency and revitalization to inner 
city communities. In 1994, John was selected by Time magazine as ``One 
of America's 50 Most Promising Leaders of the Future'' and just last 
year he was the recipient of Oprah Winfrey's Angel Network ``Use Your 
Life'' Award. As a result of his hard work and ingenuity, Operation 
HOPE, Inc. has indeed become a symbol of hope to many.
  Miriam Shipp-Tolliver-El has helped educate an estimated 1,200 
students during her 36 years as a teacher of children from kindergarten 
through eighth grade in the Oceanside Unified School District and 25 
years as an adjunct professor at Palomar College in Oceanside, CA. 
Miriam encountered many racial barriers during her childhood in North 
Carolina. While in high school in the 1940s, she hoped to become a 
Roman Catholic nun, but no convents would accept an African American 
woman. Her next choice of becoming a civil rights lawyer was also 
unfulfilled because law schools in her area would not admit African 
American students. So Miriam became a teacher and a very accomplished 
one at that. She was a co-founder of the North County NAACP chapter in 
Oceanside. She also created a multicultural program in Oceanside 
schools and started black studies classes at the college. Just last 
year, at the age of 73, Miriam was the recipient of the Lifetime 
Achievement Award from the NAACP chapter and a commendation from the 
city of Oceanside for her endeavors and achievements.

[[Page S998]]

  These are but simply a few of the African American leaders that serve 
as wonderful role models present in our communities. Countless others 
serve each day in several capacities such as doctors, counselors, 
police officers and municipal workers and their constant contributions 
have helped make our country as strong as it has ever been.
  As Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of the National Council of Negro 
Women, stated:

       If we accept and acquiesce in the face of discrimination, 
     we accept the responsibility ourselves and allow those 
     responsible to salve their conscience by believing that they 
     have our acceptance and concurrence.

  If the events of September 11 have proven anything, it is that we 
must not harbor hatred nor tolerate discrimination. Now more than ever, 
we must embrace our differences and learn from one another. We have 
proven that we can stand together, united against the face of terror 
and threat of evil, and overcome. That determination, spirit and 
resolve would not be possible without the many contributions of African 
Americans at both national and local levels. I applaud their 
achievements and encourage my fellow Californians to do the same.

                          ____________________