[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               A TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE DONALD M. PAYNE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 15, 2005

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
life and work of a fellow colleague, The Honorable Donald M. Payne of 
New Jersey's 10th Congressional District Mr. Payne was recognized on 
Tuesday, February 15, 2005 as a recipient of the Essex County Dr. 
Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award. It is only fitting that we 
honor our colleague Mr. Payne, in this, the permanent record of the 
greatest freely elected body on Earth.
  Mr. Payne is truly a role model for the African-American community. 
His devotion to advancing human and civil rights on an international 
scale is unparalleled. While he is a proven leader in the Congress, Mr. 
Payne's devotion to improving the community at large began as a result 
of his deep roots in Newark, New Jersey.
  A native of Newark. Mr. Payne attended Seton Hall University. After 
completing his undergraduate education, Mr. Payne pursued graduate 
studies at Springfield College in Massachusetts. His professional 
career commenced in the Newark Public Schools where Mr. Payne taught. 
He went on to hold an executive position with the Prudential Insurance 
Company following his tenure as Vice President of Urban Data Systems, 
Inc.
  In 1988, Donald Payne achieved a milestone not only for himself, but 
for the entire African-American community of New Jersey. He was elected 
to the serve in this great body, the first for an African-American from 
New Jersey. Mr. Payne has used his position as a Member of Congress to 
further the cause of human and civil rights throughout the world.
  His efforts have enabled Mr. Payne to travel throughout the globe to 
represent the United States government. He was one of five Members of 
Congress asked to accompany President and Mrs. Clinton on their six 
nation tour of Africa. As a member of the Balkans Caucus he met with 
NATO officials in Brussels to asses the crisis in Kosovo. This mission 
brought Mr. Payne to the frontlines of the devastation caused by the 
inhumane acts committed there.
  Mr. Payne's diligent efforts to restore democracy and human rights 
throughout the globe have led him to bring to light the recent 
atrocities in Sudan. In the 108th Congress, Mr. Payne successfully 
guided the passage of a resolution declaring genocide in Darfur, Sudan. 
Additionally he saw the Sudan Peace Act come to fruition. This law, a 
comprehensive solution to the war in Sudan as well as a plan for famine 
relief efforts, was the result of more than 2 years work by many 
organizations. Anti-slavery groups, churches and community groups were 
among the organizations involved in working with Mr. Payne on this most 
important issue.
  Mr. Payne has done much humanitarian work on both the international 
and local level. He has served on the board of directors of the 
National Endowment for Democracy, TransAfrica, Discovery Channel Global 
Education Fund, The Boys and Girls Clubs of Newark, The Newark YMCA and 
the Newark Day Center.
  While many of his efforts focus on correcting atrocities in 
developing nations, the implications extend far beyond the regions 
involved. His goal to improve the quality of life for those who cannot 
defend themselves is remarkable. Donald truly exemplifies the notion of 
a global community and that we are all responsible for our fellow man.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to share the responsibility of representing 
communities in Essex County, New Jersey along with Mr. Payne. He is a 
true humanitarian and is more than deserving of the honor bestowed upon 
him today. I ask you to join with a grateful County of Essex and our 
colleagues in recognizing the truly outstanding achievements of the 
Honorable Donald M. Payne.

                          ____________________