[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 12, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S7539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING SENATE CHAPLAIN BARRY C. BLACK

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, Maryland is proud to honor its sons and 
daughters whose accomplishments touch the lives of others. We are 
particularly elated when an individual's talents and achievements are 
recognized throughout the Nation and beyond.
  Chaplain Barry C. Black is one such Marylander, born and raised with 
five sisters and two brothers in Baltimore by a prudent and faithful 
mother, Pearline Black. He has penned his life story in a recent book 
titled, ``From the Hood to the Hill, `` stating that, ``in spite of 
unpromising beginnings, my siblings and I bucked the statistics and 
turned out fine (O)ne of the boys even became a two-star Navy admiral 
and the first African-American Navy chief of chaplains. Later, he was 
selected as the sixty-second chaplain of the United States Senate. I am 
that child.'' These are but a few of the stellar accomplishments in a 
life that serves as inspiration for us all.
  Even though I have only been a Senator for 5 months, I have spent 
several mornings opening the Senate's sessions, and I am always 
inspired by Chaplain Black's serene manner, the conviction in his 
voice, the faith present in his life, and the ministry he has accepted. 
In addition to leading daily prayer before each session of the Senate, 
Chaplain Black and his dedicated staff conduct Bible studies and attend 
to the spiritual needs of our Nation's leaders and the thousands of 
staff members who work in the Senate. His invaluable leadership and 
service to our country are worthy of both recognition and celebration.
  Mr. President, this afternoon the Senate Black Legislative Staff 
Caucus will honor the Reverend Barry C. Black, the Chaplain of the 
Senate, with a resolution and the presentation of a plaque honoring him 
for a distinguished career of leadership and service to the Senate and 
the larger community. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be 
printed in the Record.

   Senate Black Legislative Staff Caucus Resolution Recognizing the 
Service of Chaplain Barry C. Black, the First African-American Chaplain 
                      of the United States Senate

       Whereas Chaplain Black is a spiritual leader who, through 
     his faith in GOD, overcame many obstacles that profoundly 
     impacted him, taking his humble beginnings and used them to 
     set his feet on higher ground;
       Whereas Barry Black was born the fourth of eight children 
     on All Saints Day, November 1, 1948 to parents Pearline Bull 
     Black and Lester Clayton Black in Baltimore, Maryland;
       Whereas Barry Black attended Pine Forge Academy and 
     furthered his education, becoming an alumnus of Oakwood 
     College, Andrews University, North Carolina Central 
     University, Eastern Baptist Seminary, Salve Regina 
     University, and United States International University (now 
     Alliant International University);
       Whereas Barry Black received Master's Degrees in Divinity, 
     Counseling, and Management, a Doctorate degree in Ministry, 
     and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Psychology;
       Whereas Barry Black married Brenda Pearsall on June 17, 
     1973, whom he met during his junior year at Oakwood College. 
     They would later have three children: Barry II, Brendan, and 
     Bradford;-
       Whereas Barry Black was commissioned in 1976 as chaplain in 
     the United States Navy, eventually to become the Navy 
     Chaplain Corps' first African-American Admiral, Deputy Chief 
     of chaplains in 1997, and Chief of Navy Chaplains in 2000;
       Whereas Barry Black was responsible for the spiritual care 
     of servicemen from 190 religious traditions, advised and 
     provided ministry to the Chief of Naval Operations, the 
     Secretaries of the Navy and Defense, and the Commandants of 
     the Marine Corps and Coast Guard;
       Whereas Barry Black served in the U.S. Navy for 27 years, 
     retiring on August 15, 2003;
       Whereas Barry Black's personal decorations include the 
     Legion of Merit Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, 
     Meritorious Service Medals (two awards), Navy and Marine 
     Corps Commendation Medals (two awards), and numerous unit 
     awards, campaign and service medals. He was also selected 
     from one hundred twenty-seven nominees for the 1995 NAACP 
     Renowned Service Award for his contribution to equal 
     opportunity and civil rights;
       Whereas on July 7, 2003, Barry Black was appointed as the 
     62nd Chaplain of the United States Senate by Senate Majority 
     Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), becoming the first African-
     American and the first Seventh-day Adventist to serve in this 
     position: Now, therefore be it
       Resolved, That the United States Senate Black Legislative 
     Staff Caucus recognizes Chaplain Barry C. Black's exemplary 
     achievements; his leadership and personal integrity in 
     service to the United States Senate and the larger community; 
     and his altruism and commitment to public service, touching 
     the lives of many who bear witness to his spiritual 
     leadership.




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