[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 80 (Thursday, May 31, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING THE GARY NAACP'S 47TH ANNUAL LIFE MEMBERSHIP BANQUET

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 31, 2012

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to stand 
before you today to recognize and commend the members of the Gary, 
Indiana, branch of the National Association for the Advancement of 
Colored People (NAACP). On Saturday, June 2, 2012, the Gary NAACP will 
hold its 47th Annual Life Membership Banquet at the Genesis Convention 
Center in Gary, Indiana.
  This annual event is a major fundraiser for the Gary NAACP. The funds 
generated through this event directly support the organization's many 
outstanding programs and advocacy efforts. Through its membership and 
the support of the community, the Gary NAACP is able to serve the 
people of Northwest Indiana and continue the mission started by the 
national organization in 1909 by working diligently to combat 
injustice, discrimination, and unfair treatment for all people in 
today's society. In addition, the banquet serves to update and keep the 
community aware of the NAACP's activities and formally honor its new 
life members.
  The keynote speaker at this year's event will be Reverend Dr. Michael 
Eric Dyson. Dr. Dyson is a Georgetown University professor of sociology 
and a political analyst for MSNBC. Dr. Dyson has been able to 
positively influence the lives of numerous individuals through his 
remarkable career and his noteworthy dedication to charitable 
endeavors. In addition to his outstanding professional career, Dr. 
Dyson is well-known as a social activist, renowned orator, and 
prophetic preacher.
  This year, the Gary NAACP will honor twelve outstanding individuals 
from Northwest Indiana who will join the hundreds of other outstanding 
civil, community, and religious leaders that have previously been 
recognized as life members. For 2012, the distinguished individuals who 
will be inducted as life members of the Gary NAACP are: Indiana Supreme 
Court Justice Robert Rucker, Dr. Judy Ball, Shontrai Irving, Esq., Gage 
Brown, Kamden Brown, Shante Brown, Zachery Brown, Stephen Mays, Dr. 
Linda Peterson, Renee Ceaser-Patterson, Kennedy Winfrey, and Kya 
Winfrey.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in paying tribute to the newest life members of the Gary branch of 
the NAACP, as well as Attorney Karen Pulliam, the current Gary NAACP 
president, and all members of the organization for their extraordinary 
efforts and for their tremendous leadership. These outstanding men and 
women have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all 
residents of Indiana's First Congressional District, and for that they 
are to be commended.

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