[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 105 (Tuesday, July 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1763]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE AND WORK OF LEONARD E. BRISCOE, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 14, 2009

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in 
remembrance of Leonard Briscoe who passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 
2009 at the age of 69.
  Mr. Briscoe was a trailblazer in the African American community in 
North Texas. In 1971, he was elected to the Fort Worth City Council, 
making him the second African American to serve in this position. A few 
short years later, in 1976, he was elected to the Texas State House of 
Representatives where he served during the 65th Legislature and chaired 
the Select Committee on Minority Business Enterprise.
  As a businessman, advocate, and engaged citizen, Mr. Briscoe was 
acutely aware of the needs of the minority communities in North Texas. 
In a period of political turmoil, he encouraged other African Americans 
to become involved in the political process and was a leading advocate 
for affirmative action. He understood the dire consequences of 
inadequate housing for low-income families, and served as Chairman of 
the Fort Worth Community Development Council. Through this 
chairmanship, he helped to develop the city's first housing program 
funded by the Housing of Urban Development Department under the 
Community Development Act of 1974.
  After leaving the Texas State House of Representatives, Mr. Briscoe 
continued his work to ensure that low-income people and minorities had 
access to respectable and affordable housing. His business built over 
twenty housing developments in the Southern part of the country with 
the help of over $13 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and 
Urban Development. Because of this, the Department named him 
``Entrepreneur of the Year'' in 1984.
  I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in remembering the life 
and work of Leonard Briscoe, a community organizer, activist, and 
entrepreneur, who helped so many people across North Texas and the 
country.

                          ____________________