[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 105 (Wednesday, September 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE OF REVEREND MICHAEL YOSHII

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 8, 2004

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Michael 
Yoshii, a clergyman in the city of Alameda, California. Reverend Yoshii 
has quickly become an integral part of Alameda's Asian community as a 
champion in the struggle for both human and civil rights. Reverend 
Yoshii will be honored for his outstanding contributions at a reception 
in his honor on Saturday, October 16, 2004.
  A third-generation Japanese American, Reverend Yoshii has been a 
strong advocate and spokesperson for a number of important issues, such 
as housing for the poor, racial diversity, and civil liberties. 
Reverend Yoshii has also helped to initiate discussion forums among 
Alameda's citizens, in an effort to encourage those of different ethnic 
and cultural backgrounds to become better acquainted.
  Reverend Yoshii has also been responsible for the creation of several 
school and community programs. In particular, he was instrumental in 
the establishment of the Alameda Multicultural Community Center. This 
center offers services to the Alameda community ranging from yoga 
classes to children's art classes. Reverend Yoshii has also contributed 
to the creation of several youth projects, including the Asian Pacific 
Youth Institute and the Asian Pacific Peer Counseling Project.
  Several years ago, Reverend Yoshii worked alongside community members 
in lobbying the Alameda School District and the Alameda Board of 
Education to conduct a diversity audit. The diversity audit produced 
new hiring goals to increase diversity among the district's workforce. 
Reverend Yoshii has also helped reinvigorate programs like the 
Organization of Alameda Asians, which promotes voter registration for 
the Alameda community. He also was the convener for the Coalition of 
Alamedans for Racial Equality (CARE), a community response to racial 
controversy within the Alameda Police Department. Currently, CARE has 
evolved into a multicultural training program for students to address 
issues surrounding identity, culture, and racism.
  I join in congratulating Reverend Yoshii for his commitment in 
creating new multicultural relationships in Alameda. I am confident 
Reverend Yoshii will continue to be an invaluable resource to the city 
and a tremendous asset.

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