[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 48 (Thursday, March 22, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FLORA-BAMA AND GULF COAST 
 RESIDENTS SUPPORT OF NEW YORK CITY AND HARLEM AFTER SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2012

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 10th 
Anniversary of the Flora-Bama and Gulf Coast support of New York City 
and Harlem after September 11, 2001.
  In 2002, Joe Gilchrist, owner of the Flora-Bama Lounge in Pensacola, 
Florida brought to New York a group of more than 100 visitors, 
including musicians and songwriters, to pay respect to the ground zero 
site and support New York. Gilchrist also encouraged the group to spend 
money to help uplift New York City's economy and provide moral and 
spiritual support to the victim's families. The group also toured New 
York City fire houses, the Empire State Building and Central Park. The 
visit culminated in a great celebration at the Waldorf Astoria, which 
included performances by Chuck Jackson, and other musicians and singers 
who participated in the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival.
  On Saturday February 4, the Harlem community, along with Joe 
Gilchrist and the Frank Brown Songwriters Festival celebrated the 10th 
Anniversary of the Flora-Bama and Gulf Coast historic visit to New 
York. Musicians, songwriters, business leaders and residents from the 
Flora-Bama and Gulf Coast toured the 911 Memorial site and performed in 
lower Manhattan and in Harlem. This Cultural Exchange was promoted with 
the theme of, ``Merging Manhattan Music with Southern Sounds.'' Kicking 
off the diverse musical tribute were original songs by ``Lil Man,'' an 
eight year old ``Hip Hop'' artist who writes his own songs; stellar 
performances by Michael Jackson impersonator, Jesse Valenca; and Urica 
Rose, an electrifying singer and songwriter, representing the ``New 
Generation of Rock'' performers.
  The group attended Open House events at the world famous Apollo 
Theater, including performances by Ballet Hispanico, the Dance Theatre 
of Harlem, Amateur Night winners and was given a tour by Apollo 
historian Billy Mitchell. The group joined Commander E. Randy Dupree at 
Harlem's historic Colonel Charles Young American Legion Post 398, where 
Flora-Bama musicians joined Hammond B3 Organist and Jazz legend Seleno 
Clark, Percussionist Don Eaton and the Harlem Groove Band for a jam 
session to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of their visit to New York 
City.
  As Dean of the New York Congressional Delegation, I want to extend my 
thanks to Joe Gilchrist and the Frank Brown Songwriters Festival for 
their outstanding economic, moral and spiritual support to Harlem and 
the great State of New York.

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