[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 51 (Wednesday, March 25, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E768-E769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        PAYING TRIBUTE TO FLORENCE M. RICE ON HER 90TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 25, 2009

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm that 
I rise to congratulate my good friend Florence Rice as she joins her 
family, long time friends, and the Harlem community together in 
celebration of her 90th Birthday. This momentous and joyous occasion is 
being celebrated with an extraordinary affair today at Noon in the 
Church of the Intercession in my beloved village of Harlem.
  Florence M. Rice was born on March 22, 1919 in Buffalo, New York. She 
is the founder of the Harlem Consumer Education Council. During her 
childhood, Rice spent several years in the Colored Orphan Asylum and in 
several foster homes in New York. Upon completion of the eighth grade, 
Rice left school for work as a domestic seamstress where she became a 
member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. Rice spoke 
out against the discriminatory practices against African American and 
Latino workers. She participated in Harlem Congressman Adam Clayton 
Powell, Jr.'s 1962 congressional hearing, which probed dressmaker 
union's policies and after testifying, she was blacklisted.
  In the 1960s, Rice founded the Harlem Consumer Education Council, 
waging a war

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against corporations who discriminated against African Americans and 
other minorities. The Council organized many successful New York City 
boycotts and picket lines against grocery stores, furniture stores, and 
individuals found to be overcharging minorities. Rice's biggest victory 
was against the New York State Public Service Commission, forcing New 
York Telephone to stop charging low income residents pre-installation 
fees. The Harlem Consumer Education Council investigated over 100,000 
complaints.
  Appointed Special Consultant to the Consumer Advisory Council of the 
Federal Reserve Board in the 1970s, Rice also taught consumer education 
at Malcolm-King College and has lectured to thousands at her workshops 
and seminars. In the 1990s, Rice was responsible for the Bell Atlantic 
Technology Center in Harlem. The center is dedicated to educating 
business people, students, senior citizens and other customers about 
the latest advances in telecommunication technologies. She has lectured 
in several countries, including South Africa where she was named a 
delegate in the first World Consumer Congress.
  Florence continues to work as the first lady of consumer education in 
my beloved Village of Harlem. She is famed for her extraordinary 
commitment, energy, wisdom, discipline, principle, and clear purpose 
which have won the admiration of all who are privileged to come to know 
and work with her. I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity 
to observe and experience her example as a personal inspiration.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in honoring and congratulating Florence Rice on her historic 90th 
Birthday. Her constant dedication and commitment to our community is 
worthy of the highest esteem.

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