[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 141 (Wednesday, October 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2000]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO THE SACRAMENTO OBSERVER

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                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 8, 2003

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to The Sacramento 
Observer. On October 11, 2003, the Observer will celebrate its 40th 
Anniversary with an evening of festivities and fellowship at the 
Sacramento Convention Center. As the people of Sacramento gather to 
celebrate this momentous occasion, I ask all my colleagues to join me 
in wishing one of America's leading newspapers a happy birthday and 
continued success in the future.
  With the help of a few committed people, The Sacramento Observer came 
into existence on November 22, 1962 in a small building on the corner 
of 21st and X streets in Sacramento with the publishing of a four-page 
edition. Driven by the visionary leadership of Dr. William Hanford Lee, 
the publisher and founder of The Observer Newspapers, and an unyielding 
dedication to provide the highest quality publications and media 
services to African American audiences in Sacramento, The Sacramento 
Observer has not only become a local institution, but also the most 
honored black newspaper in America.
  Today, The Sacramento Observer has grown from its inaugural four-page 
issue to an average-size weekly publication of approximately 80 pages. 
Only a few of the nation's Black newspapers can match The Observer's 
record of publishing a publication the size of 300 ages or larger. The 
Observer's trademark supplements help inform the community on important 
historical, cultural, and contemporary issues.
  The weekly Observer newspapers, as well as many of The Observer's 
special editions, are recognized as the most stylish and educational 
publications published anywhere. The Observer, recognized as ``The Most 
Honored Black Newspaper in America,'' has received the coveted John B. 
Russwurm Trophy, the highest award in Black journalism, six times--more 
than any other Black newspaper in the nation. It is no wonder why The 
Observer is widely regarded as the most important black newspaper in 
America.
  Playing major roles in the family-owned Observer's tremendous success 
in its first 40 years as a modern-day Black newspaper has been Dr. 
Lee's immediate family. Mrs. Kathryn Lee, and sons, Larry, Billy and 
Roderick (deceased), all have served in dedicated leadership roles at 
The Observer. In addition, there have been the hardworking staff 
members who have been instrumental in the growth of the newspaper. 
People like Joe Stinson, director of advertising sales; Observer co-
founder John Cole, a retired Sacramento businessman; former editors and 
senior writers Wilbur Miller, Dr. Joe Dear, Rick Warren, Bill Davis, 
Shaw Ortiz, Mel Assagi, Larry Hicks, Kevan Carter, Mardeio Cannon, 
Curtis Haynes, Staci Bush, have all lent their considerable talents and 
ideas into making The Observer what it is today.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate The Sacramento Observer on 
its first 40 years of unqualified success. As the friends and fans of 
The Observer gather to celebrate its achievements, I would like to 
especially thank the Lee family and all the people, who through their 
commitment and hard work have given the Sacramento African American a 
clear and powerful voice in our community. I ask all my colleagues to 
join with me in wishing The Sacramento Observer continued success in 
all its future endeavors.

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