[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 43 (Wednesday, April 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RACE RELATIONS IN NORTHEAST OHIO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM SAWYER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 17, 2002

  Mr. SAWYER. Mr. Speaker, in 1993, The Akron Beacon Journal in Akron, 
Ohio published ``A Question of Color,'' a year-long Pulitzer Prize 
winning series on race relations in Northeast Ohio. As part of the 
series, The Akron Beacon Journal called on local organizations to join 
together to discuss ways to improve race relations in the community. 
This effort became known as the Coming Together Project.
  Nine years later, the Coming Together Project has grown tremendously. 
What began as a local effort to address growing disparities between 
blacks and whites in the areas of housing, income, and educational 
opportunities, has expanded into a national effort to promote 
diversity, racial harmony, and cultural awareness. The Coming Together 
Project established programs that provide people with the opportunity 
to discuss issues that have historically divided them. Through 
educational workshops and seminars, the Coming Together Project 
promotes dialogue and helps foster community-building relationships.
  On Wednesday, April 17, 2002, the Coming Together Project will hold 
its inaugural Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon in honor of the 
organization's founders, community volunteers, and supporting groups. 
The Coming Together Project and its 250 participating member groups and 
corporations deserve recognition for their dedicated work to improving 
communities across the country through diversity programs.

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