[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 92 (Thursday, June 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1495]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CELEBRATING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ANNUAL FATHER'S DAY ``REAL MEN 
                                 COOK''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 18, 2009

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 20th 
anniversary of Father's Day Real Men Cook, which takes place 
simultaneously in 10 leading cities throughout the nation, in the 
Bahamas, on the continent of Africa, in London and Paris, and of course 
in my Congressional District in Harlem, New York.
  Founded by Kofi and Yvette Jackson Moyo in 1990, Real Men Cook has 
become the largest family celebration in the country, presented 
annually on Father's Day. Real Men Cook includes average dads and 
father figures, leading celebrities and elected officials, like Eddie 
and Gerald Levert, and Marc Morial, President of the National Urban 
League, and I have cooked, served and hosted Real Men Cook events. 
President Barack Obama as a United States Senator is among the 
thousands of men who have rolled up their sleeves and donned a Real Men 
Cook bandana, apron or chef's hat to make a difference and change the 
way Father's Day is celebrated for the benefit of others.
  Today, Real Men Cook is the leading urban Father's Day experience. It 
is a food tasting family celebration featuring men volunteering to cook 
for and serve in their communities. Proceeds from ticket sales are 
enjoyed by partnering non-profit organizations throughout the ten 
cities. I am pleased to announce that the Real Men Cook event in my 
Congressional District will take place in the plaza of our historic 
Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Harlem State Office Building, featuring Iron 
Chef Dizzar and other renowned Harlem culinary artists. The proceeds 
raised from this event will benefit Harlem Congregations for Community 
Improvement, Inc.'s Computer Clubhouse for children ages 10 to 18, the 
New York City Mission Society and Real Men Cook Charities.
  Madam Speaker, let me also thank and recognize our sponsors Mr. 
Willie Walker and the New York State Office of General Services; Lucile 
McEwen, President and CEO, HCCI; Affinity Health Plus; TD Bank; MACY's; 
and WBLS for continuing to make a difference for all of my 
constituents, especially our children and families struggling during 
these tough economic times.
  Happy Father's Day to all of the participating fathers for giving up 
Father's Day pampering to make a difference, not only in my district, 
but throughout this nation and the world.

                          ____________________