[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 2006

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, Black History Month gives us an 
opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the historical accomplishments 
of African Americans. This year's national theme--``Celebrating 
Community: A Tribute to Black Fraternal, Social, and Civil 
Institutions''--reminds us that the strength of the African American 
community is rooted in its fraternal and civic organizations.
  I have been privileged to have the opportunity to work with many of 
African American fraternal and social organizations that are active in 
my congressional district. They all do important work that makes a 
tangible difference to the quality of life in our community.
  This year is the 100th anniversary of Alpha Phi Alpha, and I would 
like to take this opportunity to highlight this fraternity's activities 
and initiatives in my district. Alpha Phi Alpha is dedicated to serving 
others and to inspiring and empowering people to achieve success in all 
aspects of their lives. One of its distinguishing achievements is the 
establishment of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Foundation 
Project, which will pay tribute to one of the most influential figures 
in American history who worked to lead our nation towards greater 
justice and unity. The group's deep commitment to community empowerment 
through its numerous programs supporting education--its scholarship and 
mentoring programs and its efforts to inspire and motivate black youth 
through its Career Fairs and Black Youth Achievement recognition 
programs--have made a difference to countless young people.
  For many years, I have welcomed the opportunity to attend the 
Montgomery County Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's annual Martin 
Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast program. This event, the success of 
which is evident in the consistent growth in the number of attendees 
and the county-wide praise it receives, is a service to Montgomery 
County. This gathering provides an opportunity for our community to 
rededicate itself to achieving equality and justice for all.
  Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's impressive list of members includes 
Justice Thurgood Marshall and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The important 
and productive work of Alpha Phi Alpha and other organizations began 
decades ago, yet there is still much work to be done. We must redouble 
our efforts to provide the African American community, and all of our 
communities, with the tools needed to ensure that each individual has 
the opportunity to achieve his or her full God-given potential. During 
Black History Month, we must recommit ourselves to supporting the 
ideals of Alpha Phi Alpha and other great institutions as we continue 
to strive for a better America.''

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