[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 35 (Thursday, March 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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                         HON. GREGORY W. MEEKS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 1, 2007

  Mr. MEEKS of New York. Madam Speaker, this last day of February marks 
the end of Black History Month, the annual celebration commemorating 
the contributions of African Americans to this great Nation. I thought 
it fitting, as its Representative, to pay tribute to the some of the 
many great African Americans that hail from the Sixth Congressional 
District of New York.
  Most people are surprised to learn that since the Harlem Renaissance, 
Queens has been known as the true ``Home of Jazz''--the residence of 
choice for hundreds of our greatest African American jazz artists.
  At the height of their popularity, jazz greats Count Basie, Fats 
Waller, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Lena Horne lived on the 
quiet tree lined streets of historic Addisleigh Park. Musicians Milt 
Hinton, Mercer Ellington and Charles ``Cootie'' Williams made this 
historic neighborhood their home as well.
  A few blocks away, jazz greats John Coltrane, Lester Young, Illinois 
Jaquet and Charlie Mingus lived in Jamaica, Queens. And in nearby 
Hollis, drummer Roy Hanes, vibraphonist Milt Jackson, and trumpeter Roy 
Eldridge lived a city block or two away from each other. Their 
neighbors in Springfield Gardens included brothers Albert and Percy 
Heath, drummer and bass player.
  What songs would Harry Belafonte have made famous without Queensite 
Irving Burgie's song stylings? He wrote or composed 35 of the Caribbean 
crooner's songs including his most famous ``Day-O''.
  Adding to Jamaica's rich history as the home of African American 
artists is the Great Godfather of Soul, James Brown, who lived in a 
stately tudor in Addisleigh Park. His home was within walking distance 
of singer-songwriter Brook Benton--famous for ``A Rainy Night in 
Georgia''.
  During the mid-1970's, the Hip-Hop Era came into existence in the 
United States and pioneering Black youths from Hollis, Queens helped to 
develop and make it famous. Russell Simmons, with his Def Jam record 
label and Phat Farm clothing line, became hip-hop's first millionaire 
mogul. His brother Joseph (Run) Simmons along with Darryl (DMC) 
McDaniels, and Jason ``Jam-Master Jay'' Mizell formed the group Run-DMC 
and are credited with making hip-hop a large part of modern pop 
culture. LL Cool J, known as the Hip-Hop Statesman hails from Hollis, 
Queens as well.
  From the sports world, The Great Joe Louis--World Heavyweight Boxing 
Champion from 1937 to 1949, and Jackie Robinson, the first Black major 
league baseball player in the country, lived in Addisleigh Park. Former 
Knicks' forward Anthony Mason was born and raised in St. Albans.
  The Sixth Congressional District has been home to many African 
American Statesmen, including Ralph Bunche--the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize 
Winner, Roy Wilkins--civil rights leader, Andrew Young--former 
Ambassador to the United Nations, Colin Powell--this Nation's first 
Black Secretary of State and Rev. Al Sharpton--political and civil 
rights advocate.
  I would be remiss if I did not pay tribute to Mr. Clarence Irving, 
founder of the Black American Heritage Foundation and the U.S. Postal 
Service's Black Heritage Stamp Series who lives in Jamaica, Queens.
  When one thinks of original American music, both jazz and hip hop 
come to mind. I represent the district where many of the great artists 
from these genres chose to live.
  When one thinks of African American athletes that broke down barriers 
many of those who come to mind are from Jamaica, Queens.
  When one thinks of African American leadership, some of our most 
dedicated, eloquent representatives have called my district ``home''.
  It is an honor to salute the accomplishments of these distinguished 
and talented African Americans from the district I represent. I look 
forward with hope and encouragement to those that will continue their 
great legacy.

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