[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 10, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H3129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RON BROWN FEDERAL BUILDING NAMING

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. I rise to celebrate the life of former 
Secretary of Commerce Ron H. Brown, who was the first African American 
to hold that position, and the first African American to serve as 
chairman of the Democratic National Committee. I want to thank Chairman 
Rangel for bringing this resolution to the floor, designating the 
Federal building located at the United Nations Plaza in New York City 
as the ``Ron H. Brown United States Mission to the United Nations 
Building.''
  At the time of his death in 1996, Mr. Brown was a figure of global 
importance and an advocate for American businesses at home and abroad. 
Through his example, Ron was a pioneer for many African Americans, and 
a role model, and was respected for his leadership, intelligence, and 
public service.
  Born in Washington, DC, on August 1, 1941, and raised in Harlem, New 
York, he spent most of his life working for the people of New York and 
the citizens of the United States. As Secretary, he circled the globe 
spreading goodwill with his enthusiasm.
  I remember traveling with Ron once to Africa as he was cultivating 
opportunities and markets for American products. It was on one of these 
trade missions that he died in a plane crash in war-torn Eastern Europe 
on April 3, 1996.
  Ron left behind a wife, Alma, two devoted children, Michael and 
Tracey, and a record of commitment to the job he loved. Since his 
death, Ron has been recognized with many awards and scholarships, 
including the Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership and 
Responsibility, established by President William J. Clinton; the annual 
Ron H. Brown American Innovator Award, established by the U.S. 
Department of Commerce; and the largest ship in the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration's fleet named in honor of his public 
service, the Ronald H. Brown.
  Please join me today in celebrating the life and service of one great 
American statesperson and pioneer, Mr. Ron H. Brown.

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