[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 190 (Wednesday, December 12, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          PAYING TRIBUTE TO A GREAT AMERICAN, DAZIVEDO WATSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 12, 2007

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 80 
years Dazivedo Watson graced us with his winning charm, political 
acumen, pioneering spirit, and love. His contributions to the African 
and Caribbean American community are bountiful; his contributions to 
his country: limitless. He remains, foremost in my mind, a humble 
public servant, a dedicated family man, and my good, good buddy. It is 
in this regard that I introduce the following laudatory letter, which 
best captures the litany of honors to his name and the essence of his 
brilliant character.
                                                 November 2, 2007.
     Mr. Errol Watson,
     c/o Crown of Life Love Ministry, 222 West 145th Street, New 
         York, NY.
       Dear Errol and Family Members: I was deeply heartbroken to 
     learn of the passing of your dear father, grandfather, uncle 
     and my buddy, Dazivedo Watson. Just a few months ago, we 
     celebrated Dazivedo's 80th Birthday, and now we are saying 
     good-bye to a great friend, devoted family man, ally, and one 
     of Harlem's most distinguished political strategist, novice, 
     and loyal Democrat. Daz, as he was known to all of us, was on 
     the forefront of every political battle, whether as a 
     supporter or adversary, he dedicated his life to winning, and 
     never losing. In every campaign, Daz gave his all.
       Dazivedo will be remembered, not only as an institution, 
     but also as Harlem's gift to the political process. As a 
     political advisor, confidante, and staffer to the late great 
     Harlem Councilman, Frederick E. Samuel, Daz helped to 
     influence African and Caribbean Americans to empower 
     themselves, their neighborhood, and their community. That 
     empowerment led to the election of the first African American 
     Mayor, David N. Dinkins, the first African American State 
     Comptroller, H. Carl McCall, the first African American 
     Lieutenant Governor, David A. Paterson, and the first African 
     American Chairman of the powerful House Committee on Ways and 
     Means, Charles B. Rangel. We are all in his debt.
       Let me also extend my sympathies to the Frederick E. Samuel 
     Community Democratic Club family, and its illustrious 
     leadership, the Honorable C. Virginia Fields, the Honorable 
     Keith L.T. Wright and the Honorable Wilma Brown. Let our work 
     on behalf of the community reflect the legacy of our beloved 
     Dazivedo Watson.
       Your family and our community have endured a great loss 
     with the passing of Dazivedo. My political family, and my 
     office and I will support you during this time of mourning 
     and grieving. Let us celebrate his life and keep his memory 
     forever in our thoughts and prayers.
           Sincerely,
                                                Charles B. Rangel,
     Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means.

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