[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 43 (Thursday, April 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E523]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BRENDA CLACK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 2006

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, April 8th, the Flint Club of 
the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's 
Clubs, Incorporated will present Representative Brenda Clack with the 
Sojourner Truth Award at the 45th annual luncheon in my hometown of 
Flint, Michigan.
  Founded in 1935 the National Association of Negro Business and 
Professional Women's Clubs, Incorporated seeks to provide a forum for 
the development of women in the business community and professions. The 
members come together to provide a place for the exchange of ideas and 
to encourage new entrepreneurs to succeed in their dreams. They embody 
the sentiments expressed by Sojourner Truth before the 1851 Women's 
Rights Convention, ``If the first woman God ever made was strong enough 
to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to 
be able to turn it back and get it right-side up again.''
  At the annual luncheon, the Flint Club honors a member of the 
community that has exemplified the commitment to the ideals of the 
association and the persevering spirit of Sojourner Truth. This year 
the Flint Club has chosen Michigan State Representative Brenda Clack to 
receive this prestigious award.
  Brenda moved to Michigan after attending Tennessee State University. 
She quickly made her mark in the Flint community through her 
involvement with the NAACP, Urban League, the United Teachers of Flint, 
the Michigan Education Association, and as a member of Vernon Chapel 
AME Church. A lifelong educator, she spent 32 years teaching History 
and Economics in the Flint Public School System before being elected to 
public office.
  In 1995 she was selected as Michigan's Economic Teacher of the Year, 
the following year she received the Flint Optimist's Outstanding 
Achievement in Education Award and she was inducted into Phi Beta 
Kappa's Hall of Fame. Elected to the Michigan House of Representatives 
in 2002, Brenda serves the constituents of the 34th House District. 
Besides serving on several House Standing Committees, she founded the 
``Flint Speaks Out Against Violence'' task force and was appointed by 
Governor Jennifer Granholm to serve with the National Governors 
Association Policy Academy. Brenda's community involvement is 
highlighted by her work mentoring students, celebrating grandparents 
raising their grandchildren, and collecting blankets for the needy. 
Brenda is married to Floyd Clack, a former State Representative and 
former Genesee County Commissioner. She is mother to Michael and Mia.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and 
applaud the accomplishments of Representative Brenda Clack as she is 
honored for her kinship and inspiration to the Flint area.

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