[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 111 (Thursday, September 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF CONGRESSMAN DANNY DAVIS FOR HIS WORK WITH THE SAAM 
                               INITIATIVE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 8, 2005

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend 
Congressman Danny Davis for his leadership in launching the State of 
the African American Male Initiative (SAAM). This is a much needed 
initiative to improve the conditions of Black men and boys who continue 
to be marginalized in communities throughout the U.S. Their condition 
in this country is currently in a state of emergency and requires 
governmental, community, and corporate solutions to this crisis.
  The SAAM initiative facilitates dialogue between individuals and 
organizations addressing the issues significantly affecting African 
Americans males. These issues center around health, education, economic 
empowerment, criminal justice and civic participation. The initiative 
will have regional meetings and conferences in New York, NY; Houston, 
TX; Chicago, IL; Miami, FL; Memphis, TN; Detroit, MI; Atlanta, GA; Los 
Angeles, CA; and Oakland, CA. In addition it seeks to ensure a national 
impact through its website and the creation and utilization of 
partnerships with Members of Congress, grassroots organizations, and 
individuals throughout the country.
  Young Black males in contemporary American society face major 
challenges to their development and well-being. I applaud the efforts 
of my colleague in taking an active role in reaching back to other 
Black men and boys to address the issues most affecting them.
  Black males in this country are facing a state of emergency and the 
social and economic indicators of Black male development provide 
profiles of individuals whose quality of life is in serious jeopardy. 
Essentially Black males are becoming an endangered species and more 
must be done to ensure the survival of future generations.
  The SAAM initiative is a good start. It is a positive way for we as 
lawmakers to take a hands on approach in making our communities better 
and safer places. As an African American male this initiative is 
particularly special to me. I know how important it is to have strong 
Black leaders, fathers, activists, and mentors to guide, develop, and 
structure the community and its future generations. I think it is 
incredibly important to equip African American males with the tools 
they need to affect positive change in world events.
  The tireless efforts of Congressman Danny Davis and his staff for 
organizing this effort are to be commended. The SAAM initiative is a 
positive step in moving our country closer to the day when African 
American males will no longer be the first to drop out of school, last 
to become employed, first to get arrested, last to get a quality 
lawyer, first to die, last to see a doctor, first to be homeless, and 
last to get a house.

                          ____________________