[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 65 (Monday, May 20, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E859-E860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN HONOR OF THE 75th ANNIVERSARY OF THE NAACP BAYONNE BRANCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 20, 2002

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Bayonne branch 
of the NAACP on its 75th Anniversary. The ``Freedom Fund Dinner `` took 
place on Saturday, May 17, 2002, at the Hi-Hat Caterers. In addition to 
celebrating this momentous anniversary, the Bayonne NAACP honored eight 
exemplary citizens, including: Mario Joseph Depeine, Howard Fitch, Jane 
R. Roberts, Nancy Barnes, Willie J. Graham, Kathleen R. McQuilla, 
Richard Burroughs, and John R. McGee. Nationally renowned Emmy Award-
winner Gil Noble was the featured speaker.
  Founded in 1927 by Mr. Ferdinand Smith, the NAACP Bayonne branch has 
helped gain political, educational, and economic status for minority 
groups, and continues to actively promote social justice and a better 
life for all Americans.
  Over the past 75 years, the Bayonne branch has proved to be an 
integral part of the Civil Rights Movement by successfully facilitating 
tile integration of several institutions and organizations throughout 
New Jersey. This dynamic Association participated in the March on 
Washington in 1963, organized numerous desegregation demonstrations, 
and helped introduce multi-ethnic textbooks in schools. It continues to 
serve as a resource that preserves the legacy of the Civil Rights 
Movement and

[[Page E860]]

educates younger generations on the profound influences of this time in 
history.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the NAACP for 75 years of 
making real differences in the lives of our people. I wish them well in 
the future as we continue to make Bayonne a community that fosters 
social justice and equality for all.

                          ____________________