[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 29 (Thursday, February 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E364]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         A TRIBUTE TO THE BIRTH, LIFE, AND LEGACY OF BOB MARLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 15, 2007

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 62nd 
anniversary of the birth, life and legacy of renowned musician, 
champion of peace, and provocateur of thought; Bob Marley. His music 
stirred emotions of love; his life inspired the hope of peace. February 
6, 1945 marked the beginning of his journey as an ambassador of 
humanity. Bob Marley was with us such a short time, but left such a 
rich legacy that on each birthday we ask ourselves what greatness we 
would have seen if he had lived a full life. We are sad that he died so 
young and that after all these years he would have just turned 62 this 
month.
  Bob Marley's international appeal is due to his commitment to the 
unity of mankind. He awakened the consciousness of society as a 
spokesperson for equality in Africa and for the poor and 
underprivileged across the world. His efforts to shine a light on the 
darkest regions across the globe gave a platform to the voiceless to 
let their stories be heard. Bob Marley was an activist of world peace, 
and he encouraged us that if we come together ``we can make it work.''
  Bob Marley's ability to empathize with the plight of the poor and 
destitute is a characteristic that we all must internalize. When we are 
faced with the widening gap of the haves and have-nots, with our 
neighbors affected by Hurricane Katrina, and with the citizens of Haiti 
and Darfur, we must have the compassion and the courage to ensure that 
all are given the opportunity to live fulfilling lives.
  With the revolutionary spirit of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Bob Marley 
empowered us to realize our inner strength and to continually strive 
for spiritual maturity. His famous lyrics in ``Redemption Song'' gave 
insight in overcoming inner dissonance, advising to ``Emancipate 
yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our 
minds.'' His conviction to personal growth was seen in his commitment 
to the principles of his faith, and his unyielding desire for others to 
become fully actualized human beings.
  Having a special talent to recreate the scenes of everyday life, Bob 
Marley gave us the opportunity to experience the joy, love, pain, and 
redemption that characterize our humanity through his music. With a 
message which transcends the reality of which he sung, he speaks to us 
in this day and time as meaningfully as he did when he lived, leading 
us to reflect on the complexities of our world, and the enjoyment of 
the pleasures in our lives.
  His numerous awards and accolades reflect his dedication to creating 
music and a message unhindered by culture, race, time, or space. He and 
his beloved anthem ``One Love'' was voted as the most popular 
international song of the 20th century. Bob Marley's music lives on to 
remind us to strive for peace in our society and within ourselves. 
Because of his contribution to the world of music and the consciousness 
of humanity, I celebrate the birth, life, and legend of Bob Marley.

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