[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 111 (Thursday, September 5, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1511]]
        HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF VENUS AND SERENA WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 2002

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Speaker, Congressman Davis, and 
Congresswoman Millinder-McDonald for bringing this resolution to the 
floor. I am proud to join my colleagues here today in support of this 
resolution recognizing the extraordinary sisters: Venus and Serena 
Williams.
  As a member of both the Congressional Black Caucus and the Women's 
Caucus, I am especially delighted to participate in honoring the 
Williams sisters for their remarkable contributions not only to the 
sport of tennis, but also to their community and indeed communities all 
across our nation. These women are truly making a difference. They are 
breaking down barriers on the courts and in under-served communities.
  Their record is staggering: together the Williams sisters have won 
over 43 professional titles. Venus is the first African-American woman 
to win the Wimbledon Championships since 1958. She is the first United 
States woman since 1924 to win an Olympic gold medal in both singles 
and doubles, and holds the women's world record for the fastest serve 
at 127 miles per hour. She is one of only seven women to win the 
singles titles in both the Wimbledon Championships and the U.S. Open in 
the same year.
  Serena is the second African-American woman to win a Grand Slam 
singles title. She is the sixth American woman to win the U.S. Open 
singles title since 1968, and is only the fifth woman to win both 
singles and doubles Grand Slam titles in the same year. Since 1978, 
Serena is the only woman to reach the finals of the U.S. Open while 
debuting at the tournament.
  In Compton, where they were raised, the Williams sisters are renowned 
for their service to their community. It is not unusual to find them 
passing out tennis rackets, conducting tennis clinics for low income 
children, or otherwise contributing to community development and 
helping to create an outlet for young people.
  Their community service, however, extends far beyond Compton and 
California. Through their work, they have changed the lives of many 
young people, including young people right here in Washington, DC. I 
applaud the Williams sisters' efforts and encourage my colleagues to 
vote for the passage of this resolution.

                          ____________________