[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 50 (Friday, April 22, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E733]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RAY CHARLES POST OFFICE BUILDING

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 20, 2005

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, it greatly pleases me that Congress has 
decided to name the facility of the United States Postal Service 
located at 4960 West Washington Boulevard in Los Angeles, California 
after Ray Charles. He fully deserves this honor, and I congratulate 
Congresswoman Diane Watson for sponsoring this successful and 
appropriate legislation.
  In a career that spanned more than 50 years, Ray Charles enjoyed 
immense fame in the U.S. and abroad. His music unified people, crossing 
all lines of nationality, race, age and class. His music was universal 
in appeal and style, from gospel to country and everything in between. 
Sightless, he uniquely opened the eyes of all people to appreciate the 
beauty and talent of others.
  He saw no differences in the aspirations of all people for freedom 
and justice. He advocated with equal vigor on behalf of African 
Americans for civil rights, freedom for South Africans and security for 
the people of Israel.
  In his own life, he overcame blindness, poverty, racial 
discrimination, and personal failures, including drug abuse, to become 
a beacon of hope for anyone faced with challenges of any kind.
  Ray Charles deserves to have a post office named after him, and more. 
I have introduced legislation that would award him the Congressional 
Gold Medal for his lifetime of achievement and service to the world 
community. I hope Congress supports this legislation and continues to 
honor this great man.

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