[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 35 (Thursday, March 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN MEMORY OF HAROLD YEE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 18, 2004

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay final tribute to civil rights 
leader and community activist Harold Yee, who passed away on February 
5th in San Francisco. Harold was an extraordinary leader and visionary 
who empowered San Francisco's Asian American community to dramatically 
expand and solidify its economic and political strength.
  Born in China in 1932, Harold immigrated to the United States in 1939 
where he grew up in East Los Angeles. He received his bachelor's degree 
in pomology from UC Davis in 1956, and his master's degree in economics 
from UC Berkeley in 1961. Beginning as a researcher for the U.S. Food 
and Drug Administration, Harold discovered his passion for community 
development, eventually leaving the FDA in 1971 to found ASIAN, Inc.
  Through ASIAN, Inc., Harold strengthened the San Francisco Asian 
American community economically, socially and politically. ASIAN, Inc. 
helped launch many minority-owned small businesses in San Francisco, 
trained young professionals for the rigors of running their own 
businesses, and encouraged the development of trade associations. 
Harold leaves a rich legacy, including more than 100 non-profit 
organizations and agencies.
  Harold was a fierce advocate for the civil rights and equality of 
Asian Pacific Americans. He founded the Chinese American Voter 
Education Committee to increase political awareness and participation. 
His contributions to the Asian American Community and to the City of 
San Francisco are immeasurable.
  Harold's boundless energy and enthusiasm for life were contagious. He 
was a mentor and a friend to countless people, who greatly benefited 
from his wisdom, support and friendship. It is with sadness and 
appreciation that I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, Wilma, 
his daughter, Catherine, and his son, Robert. To his family and 
friends, thank you for allowing him to give his time to the community 
he loved.

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