[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 87 (Friday, May 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING EDWARD LEWIS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2007

  Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life 
and career of Ed Lewis. Today Ed is being honored by the Greater New 
Haven, Connecticut Chapter of the National Association for the 
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for his many decades of 
leadership in the fight for civil rights, equality and social justice 
in our country.
  Ed is currently the Vice President of Franchise Relations for the 
Charlotte Bobcats in the National Basketball Association (NBA). In that 
role he develops relationships with state and local governments on 
behalf of that organization, and also ensures diversity in the Bobcats' 
business partnerships.
  Ed brings a wealth of professional experience to his current 
position, having served as a leader in the cable television industry 
for many years. Before joining the Bobcats' organization, he was the 
Vice President of Corporate Affairs for BET (Black Entertainment 
Television) on Jazz: The Jazz Channel. Ed also served with distinction 
at Telecommunications, Inc. (TCI); District Cablevision, Inc.; and 
District Cable Advertising. His service with BET networks goes back to 
1993, when he served in roles related to network operations, consumer 
affairs and marketing. Ed received his B.A. from Howard University, and 
his M.A. from Occidental College. He was a National Urban Fellow, Ford 
Foundation Fellow and Associate Administrator for procurement for the 
U.S. Small Business Administration.
  Throughout his career, Ed has been active in professional and 
community groups, and maintains various leadership roles within those 
organizations. He is on the Board of Directors at Theater Charlotte; 
WTVI Public Television; and the Bobby Phills Foundation. Ed serves on 
the advisory boards of the Mint Museum as well as the Mint Museum of 
Craft and Design. Furthermore, he is a member of the Charlotte Rotary, 
as well as 100 Black Men of Charlotte.
  I have known Ed for many years and I salute his unwavering commitment 
to young people. He is an inspirational role model to young African 
American boys and teenagers, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
  Ed's dedication to creating a more just and equitable society has had 
a positive impact on countless lives within and beyond the African 
American community. On this very special day, I join the friends, 
family and colleagues of Ed Lewis in thanking and saluting him for his 
profound contributions to his community, our country and our world.

                          ____________________