[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 3, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF KEN LIVINGSTONE

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 2008

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Ken 
Livingstone, former Mayor of London, and in recognition of his 
outstanding leadership, vision and advocacy on behalf of the many 
diverse communities that make up London's social fabric.
  Ken Livingstone carries with him a rich history of public service and 
advocacy in England. Mayor Livingstone was born in Lambeth, London, 
England, in 1945. He began his political career in 1973 when he became 
a Labour member of the Greater London Council (GLC). While serving as 
leader of the GLC from 1981 to 1986, Mr. Livingstone fought against 
discrimination, and in 1985, sat beside Jesse Jackson at an Anti-
Apartheid rally. In 1987, following his career as leader of the GLC, 
Mr. Livingstone served as the Labour Member of Parliament for Brent 
East for 14 years.
  In 2000, Mr. Livingstone was elected as the Mayor of London, the 
first person to hold this office and he would serve in that position 
until May 2008. As the first Mayor of London, a truly international 
city that attracts people from all over the world, he continued his 
legacy of challenging all forms of discrimination and of fostering 
multiculturalism. He enthusiastically celebrated London's 
multiculturalism by hosting several city wide events, such as a 
Hanukkah ceremony at City Hall. He also honored the contributions of 
England's Irish community by hosting a Saint Patrick's Day festival and 
celebrated the end of Ramadan with London's Muslim community by hosting 
the ``Eid in Traflagar'' event.
  During the June 2005 London bombings, he demonstrated his leadership 
by initiating several campaigns dedicated to fostering inter-cultural 
understanding and united London's unique and diverse social fabric. Mr. 
Livingstone is also the author of two books, If Voting Changed Anything 
They'd Abolish It and Livingstone's Labour.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of former Mayor 
Livingstone as a champion of human and civil rights and in recognition 
of his leadership and advocacy on behalf of London's diverse 
communities.

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