[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 101 (Thursday, July 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1571]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  TRIBUTE TO REVEREND JAMES A. HARRIS

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                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2006

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my 
constituent, the Reverend James A. Harris, on his 80th birthday, which 
he will celebrate on August 25, 2006.
  Reverend Harris has led a life of distinction and accomplishment. 
After growing up in Des Moines, Iowa, he served as a combat pilot with 
the famed Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. He went on to receive 
Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees at Drake 
University and later earned post-graduate degrees at Drake Divinity 
College, Oklahoma A&M University, and American University.
  Reverend Harris's numerous accomplishments and contributions to our 
community include his service as the first African American male 
President of the National Education Association (1974-75) and as a 
principal in the D.C. Public School system from 1975-88. He is a 
lifetime educator and scholar and a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi 
fraternity. His career as a founder and pastor of Faith Community 
Baptist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland has enabled him to make a 
difference in countless lives. Named one of the ``100 Most Influential 
Black Americans'' by Ebony Magazine in 1975, Reverend Harris has been 
known for his humility and service to Montgomery County, Maryland for 
more than 25 years. His leadership has had a tremendous impact on 
countless individuals throughout our community.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this opportunity to thank Reverend 
Harris for his many years of service to our community and to our 
nation. I extend my heartiest congratulations to him on the occasion of 
his 80th birthday, and I hope his celebrations this year and in the 
years to come are filled with the love and happiness of his family and 
friends.

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