[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 30 (Thursday, March 9, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING THE CORNELL BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ON ITS 30TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 9, 2006

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
honor The Cornell Black Alumni Association as they prepare to celebrate 
not only the 30th Anniversary of their revered organization, but the 
100th Anniversary of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
  Founded in 1976, the Cornell Black Alumni Association, CBAA, was 
conceived as an organization devoted to providing a communication 
network for Black alumni. It's current mission is to promote the 
professional development of Black alumni; to provide opportunities for 
alumni to give back to the Cornell community; to provide support for 
current Black students at Cornell through the endowment of scholarships 
and the development of other resources; and to aid in maintaining the 
diversity of the student body at Cornell by assisting the University in 
its recruitment efforts.
  The distinctive attributes of this fine Association speak volumes for 
their ambition, commitment, and drive to inspiring young people to 
pursue higher education, is to be applauded.
  Through their leadership, knowledge, and vigorous enthusiasm, the 
Cornell Black Alumni Association has served the Cornell family and 
community admirably and with great integrity. They have, in the very 
best traditions of Cornell University, reached out and have given back 
whereby their efforts have resulted in countless programs that have had 
a direct and significant impact on alumni and future Cornell students.
  By the same token, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., of which I am a 
proud member has supplied voice and vision to African-Americans and 
people of color around the world since its inception in 1906 on the 
campus of Cornell University. This first intercollegiate Greek-letter 
fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority 
students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially at 
Cornell. However, in time, the Fraternity would succeed in laying a 
firm foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha's principles of scholarship, 
fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity.
  Mr. Speaker, this June as the Cornell Black Alumni Association 
celebrates their 30th Anniversary and the centennial of Alpha Phi 
Alpha, it is my hope that they will seize every opportunity to 
``celebrate the legacy and embrace the future.

                          ____________________