[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 116 (Tuesday, July 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1458]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF DON AND LORRAINE PROVOST

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 15, 2008

  Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I along with Ms. Lee rise today to pay 
tribute to Don and Lorraine Provost, stalwarts of the Oakland 
community. On August 2, 2008, the 24 Hour Children Center's Annual 
Scholarship Luncheon will recognize Don and Lorraine's exemplary and 
legendary contributions and commitment to their community.
  This husband and wife team has worked tirelessly to make a positive 
difference in the lives of others. Don and Lorraine are co-founders and 
actively involved as President/CEO and Vice President, respectively, of 
the College Awareness Program (CAP), a community based organization 
that encourages, recruits and places high school students in 
historically Black colleges and Universities and other colleges 
affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. CAP has been in existence 
since 1993. CAP's activities include College Awareness Night, where 
students meet with college representatives; Financial Aid Seminars; 
exposure for high school students to travel to the college and 
universities to experience the life of a college freshman; and 
continued support services, which provide an extended support system to 
students in need. The Don and Lorraine Kennix Provost Scholarship, 
administered by Stillman College, is an example of the Provost's 
commitment to insure deserving students are provided an opportunity to 
attend college.
  Don is retired as a Transportation Planner for the State of 
California. Lorraine is currently the Executive Director of the Alameda 
County Commission on the Status of Women, which focuses on issues of 
equity for women and girls. She was instrumental in launching the 
Junior Commission to allow young girls to fully participate in policy 
and activities of specific interest to their age group.
  Lorraine's contributions include the Commission's Women's Hall of 
Fame and the Day of Remembrance which focuses on domestic violence, 
gender and racial equality. She is currently acting moderator of Black 
Presbyterian Women of Northern California.
  Don and Lorraine are longtime political activists and come from a 
family tradition of activism and social responsibility. They have a 
myriad of accomplishments to which they can point related to their 
community advocacy in local, state and national organizations. We are 
the beneficiaries of Don and Lorraine's activism and are proud to 
recognize each of them as our longtime mentor and friend.
  Their children, Chad and Shani, are following the tradition of their 
parents who have lead by example. We are proud to join the family, 
friends and admirers who will pay tribute to Don and Lorraine Provost 
and recognize and appreciate how much they have given of themselves to 
help others reach their goals.

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