[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 23, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E202-E203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 22, 2010

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and sincere 
admiration that I rise to celebrate Black History Month and its 2010 
theme--The History of Black Economic Empowerment. With the current 
economic struggles facing our nation, it is fitting that this year's 
theme focuses on honoring those individuals and organizations that have 
had an immense impact on society during our most difficult times. 
Throughout our nation's history, time and time again, African American 
communities have found strength and purpose in coming together to rise 
above unfortunate circumstances, and I rise today to pay tribute to 
those who have demonstrated such remarkable leadership.
  The theme for this year's Black History Month, The History of Black 
Economic Empowerment, is a reminder that in striving for a greater 
society, we must examine the past. Few organizations can match the 
impact that the National Urban League has had on promoting economic 
empowerment in our nation's urban communities. The National Urban 
League has been a cornerstone of communities across America in carrying 
out its mission, to enable African Americans to secure economic self-
reliance, parity, power and civil rights. As the National Urban League 
celebrates a remarkable milestone, its 100th anniversary, we take this 
time to remember the outstanding contributions of those visionaries who 
sought to bring about hope during the bleakest of times and to 
recognize those who have carried on their work.
  As the Representative for the First Congressional District of 
Indiana, I have had the pleasure of representing the Urban League of 
Northwest Indiana and the honor of knowing one of the organization's 
most influential members, Ms. Eloise Gentry. Ms. Gentry passed away on 
August 20, 2009, after leading the Urban League of Northwest Indiana 
for more than thirty years. While Ms. Gentry is missed by all of 
Northwest Indiana, the impact she has had on her community, not only as 
the president and chief executive officer of the Urban League but also 
as an educator in the Gary Community School Corporation and in her many 
other community service undertakings, will continue to resonate for 
generations to come. As an educator, activist, and community leader, 
Ms. Gentry has touched thousands of lives.
  As her obituary read, ``First and foremost, Eloise Gentry was an 
EDUCATOR.'' I cannot think of a more fitting one-word description. From 
those she taught in the classroom to those she worked closely with at 
the Urban League to those whose lives she improved through her work, 
everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Ms. Gentry learned from her, 
if not by her words then by her example.
  While we have lost a pillar of our community, Eloise Gentry's lasting 
impression and the efforts of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana 
continue on today. Under the leadership of newly appointed president 
and chief executive officer, Vanessa Allen, the Urban League of 
Northwest Indiana, along with the more than one hundred local 
affiliates across America, continues to strive to provide economic 
empowerment and educational opportunities for African Americans while 
seeking to ensure their civil rights.
  It is the efforts of organizations like the National Urban League and 
its affiliates that allow us to reflect on what makes the United States 
of America so special. While the United States is made up of people 
from so many different racial, religious, social, and ideological

[[Page E203]]

backgrounds, it is the vision and leadership of people like Eloise 
Gentry, who have sought to improve the quality of life for all 
Americans, that has made America what it is.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in recognizing the tireless dedication of the members of organizations 
such as the National Urban League, who continue their selfless work 
today, and I ask that you join me in remembering a true hero, Ms. 
Eloise Gentry, one of Northwest Indiana's finest citizens.

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