[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 111 (Thursday, September 5, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1520]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF VENUS AND SERENA WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 2002

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to support the 
passage of House Resolution 94, a resolution to recognize the 
outstanding contributions of Venus and Serena Williams. Venus and 
Serena Williams are two esteemed professional African American women 
tennis players who have broken racial and socioeconomic barriers with 
pride and poise.
  The Williams sisters have accomplished many firsts in the world of 
tennis. Twenty-year-old Venus is the first African-American woman to 
win the Wimbledon Championships since 1958, the first United States 
woman since 1924 to win an Olympic gold medal in both singles and 
doubles, holds the women's world record for the fastest serve at 127 
miles per hour, and 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.
  Nineteen-year-old Serena Williams is only the second African-American 
woman ever to win a Grand Slam singles title, is only the sixth 
American woman to win the U.S. Open singles title since 1968, is only 
the fifth woman to win both singles and doubles Grand Slam titles in 
the same year, and is the first woman to reach the finals in a U.S. 
Open debut since 1978.
  Demonstrating through the spirit of sports, Venus and Serena Williams 
have truly inspired and encouraged people of all backgrounds and ages, 
especially those in their hometown of Compton, California, that 
education, teamwork, fortitude, and self-determination are the 
essential ingredients for success. Venus and Serena Williams are great 
African American leaders and role models who espouse high moral and 
ethical standards, family values, and community service.
  Recognizing the importance of giving back to their community, 
together they have conducted tennis clinics for low-income children, 
raised funds for community development, and joined our Nation's leaders 
in support of seat belt safety campaigns.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the 
passage of House Resolution 94, to recognize the many contributions to 
American society made by Venus and Serena Williams through their 
achievements and community involvement. We are fortunate to have noble 
citizens like Venus and Serena Williams who have demonstrated that 
tennis is a sport for all people.

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