[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 63 (Thursday, May 16, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E824]]
    ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF BARBARA WILLIAMS-SKINNER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 2002

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge, with praise and 
admiration, Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, president of the Skinner 
Leadership Institute (SLI). Dr. Williams-Skinner has just earned her 
Doctor of Divinity degree at Howard University while continuing to make 
generous contributions to the residents of the District of Columbia and 
to our country. Dr. Skinner was a very effective former executive 
director of the Congressional Black Caucus, and continues to play an 
important role in coordinating the Caucus Foundation's Prayer 
Breakfast, which annually brings together more than 3000 African 
American leaders in government, business, and entertainment from across 
the country.
  Most recently, under Barbara Skinner's leadership, SLI has helped to 
prepare hundreds of District youth to become leaders by emphasizing to 
teenagers the importance of equipping themselves with tools necessary 
to make important contributions in a new global community. She chairs 
the Community Equity Empowerment Partnership and Urban Leadership 
Academy, a program designed to mobilize young citizens to rebuild urban 
communities through a comprehensive educational-based leadership 
development initiative. This training program assists youngsters in 
maximizing their career potential by offering them long-term employment 
and economic opportunities. Since Fall 2000, the Urban Leadership 
Academy has trained approximately 500 youth from grades 9 through 12 at 
Ballou and Anacostia High Schools in the District of Columbia. SLI has 
also provided financial and technical support to four learning centers 
throughout the District, serving over 250 students.
  Barbara Williams-Skinner's service to the youth of the District of 
Columbia builds upon the vision she shared with her late husband, Tom 
Skinner, a renowned evangelist and champion in the struggle against 
racism, who dedicated his life to promoting morality and understanding 
among young people. Just as Tom Skinner attempted to bridge the gap 
between black and white faith communities, Barbara Williams-Skinner 
continues their joint legacy, finding new and innovative ways to 
minister to a diverse array of cultures.
  Most notable among Dr. Skinner's other significant contributions to 
the District is her service to Howard University. Dr. Skinner has been 
intimately involved with the campus ministry at Howard, helping 
students organize prayer groups and community service activities. She 
continues to encourage Howard University students to volunteer as 
mentors to young people in the city's poorest wards. After years of 
such efforts at Howard, it is most appropriate that she has recently 
received her Doctorate of Ministry degree from its School of Divinity 
last Sunday.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in honoring Dr. Barbara 
Williams-Skinner, whose dedication and energy continue to make a 
significant impact on the youth of the District of Columbia and on our 
Nation.

                          ____________________