[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 130 (Monday, October 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        SALUTING EDWARD KUSSMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2004

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me 
in saluting Mr. Edward Kussman, a civil rights activist and a good 
friend, who is being honored on October 15, 2004, by the Fair Housing 
Council of the San Fernando Valley. Mr. Kussman, who moved to Pacoima 
in 1956, is a remarkable man with many accomplishments and I have been 
greatly honored to work with him over the last 20 years on many 
important community issues.
  For more than seven decades, Ed has unwaveringly fought to end racial 
and other forms of discrimination and to improve opportunities in 
education, housing and employment. He is a founding member of the Fair 
Housing Council of the San Fernando Valley and has been an active 
member for the past 45 years. He has also served seven consecutive 
terms as President of the San Fernando Valley Chapter of the NAACP, was 
President of the Pacoima Chamber of Commerce, served for 25 years as a 
board member of the San Fernando Valley Neighborhood Legal Services, 
was the Past President of Northeast Valley Health Corporation, and is 
currently the Commissioner of the Los Angeles County Commission on 
Aging. His civic involvement is as impressive as it is extensive.
  Ed began his fight against racial inequality in a time when African 
Americans were excluded from accessing many forms of employment and 
denied entry into public places. His fight for equal rights was 
instrumental in the state of California's passing the historic Rumford 
Act prohibiting discrimination in housing. His influence is far 
reaching and continues to play an essential role in the lives of 
community members. He is an influential member of my Senior Advisory 
Council and has been a trusted counselor to me on many important 
issues.
  Born in New Orleans, Ed attended Straight University, Louisiana Frank 
Wigins Trade Tech, and UCLA. He has taken an active part in his 
community and has earned many awards including Man of the Year Award 
from Beta Pi Sigma Zeta Chapter, the NAACP Freedom Award and Los 
Angeles's Urban League Award.
  Edward Kussman is married and has four daughters.
  Mr. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, I ask you to join me in 
saluting Edward Kussman for his impressive career, dedication to the 
people of California and his many years of making a difference.

                          ____________________