[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 87 (Friday, June 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO THE McCOLLOUGH INVADERS IN THEIR 38TH YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2003

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the McCollough 
Invaders, a gospel missionary brass band who this week will be 
celebrating their 38th Anniversary.
  These men are only a few of the many unsung heroes of our community, 
who have given of their time and have never asked for anything in 
return. This group of men began their careers as early as 9 years of 
age. During the 1960s, these boys were encouraged by the late Bishop 
Walter McCollough to make a positive contribution to the community 
while simultaneously improving the quality of their own lives.
  Many came from broken homes where there was no father figure. Their 
grandparents, aunts, uncles, older brothers, sisters, other relatives 
or friends would step in when a parent was not around. In order to make 
ends meet, many of their families depended on public assistance. In 
some cases, these boys were left to themselves to survive on their own.
  Despite these personal obstacles, these young boys devoted their 
lives to ministering music to many in need of relief from the day-to-
day frustrations and anxieties of life. Throughout the 1960s, they 
performed around the country. Their dedication to the peace movement 
and to playing Gospel music helped shaped the America we know today.
  Today the McCollough Invaders are still making history. Some of these 
young men no longer live in New York. However, they continue to 
influence and help others cope with life's frustrations by making 
burdens just a little bit lighter. Some have used what they have 
learned many years ago by working with young Gospel bands and marching 
bands in other inner cities in Washington, DC, and Charlotte, N.C. 
Their travels have taken them as west as California and as south as 
Florida.
  Others have become business leaders or entrepreneurs in the fields of 
finance, healthcare, energy, and technology. Many continue to work with 
youngsters who are mirrored images of themselves almost two scores ago. 
It is certain that these young men have been and will continue to be 
role models for others who will also make significant contributions to 
our communities.
  Though the McCollough Invaders can be heard on any given Sunday at 
the same venue in Harlem, New York at 125th Street and Frederick 
Douglass Boulevard, we join the City of New York on Saturday, June 14, 
2003 as The McCollough Invaders celebrate 38 priceless years of 
providing service to the Harlem community and the world.

                          ____________________