[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 92 (Monday, June 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1060]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING BARBARA WILLIAMS-SKINNER

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 18, 2012

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, who is being honored by 
President Obama as a Champion for Change. Dr. Williams-Skinner is being 
commended for her dedication to addressing the needs of low-income men 
and boys.
  Dr. Williams-Skinner has worked tirelessly through her organization, 
the Skinner Leadership Institute, to promote leadership building and 
evangelism. The organization prides itself in its holistic approach, 
which builds moral character, technical skills, and spiritual growth. 
Using this approach, the organization trains youth, ministry, and 
political leaders. Her work with young men, in particular, highlights 
the importance that she places on fatherhood within the family.
  As former Executive Director of the Congressional Black Caucus, Dr. 
Williams-Skinner helped to coordinate the Congressional Black Caucus 
Prayer Breakfast, which today attracts leaders from across the Nation. 
Since 1992, she has worked through the Leadership Institute to empower 
the communities around her. She has helped to train up-and-coming 
leaders, many of whom are today the stalwarts of their communities. The 
Skinner Leadership Institute hosts bi-weekly prayer walks through the 
halls of Congress, and its African American Leadership seminars have 
helped to foster a sense of community among African American leaders. 
Dr. Williams-Skinner has also served as a board member of Operation 
Push, the Christian Community Development Association, and the 
Neighborhood Learning Center.
  Mr. Speaker, the work of faith-based leaders should not go unnoticed. 
Dr. Williams-Skinner's commitment to cultivating spiritual maturity and 
public service has shaped leaders that help to reconcile the spiritual, 
moral, and technical needs of our country. These leaders will help 
build strong communities. Her work not only benefits today's leaders, 
but helps to secure leaders of the future. Her accomplishments and 
contributions to our Nation are indisputable. I applaud Dr. Williams-
Skinner's leadership, and I wish her continued success with the Skinner 
Leadership Institute.

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