[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 116 (Wednesday, August 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING MINISTER LOUIS FARRAKHAN AND THE NATION OF THE ISLAM ON 
      RE-OPENING OF THE SALAAM RESTAURANT IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO.

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                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 1, 2012

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Minister 
Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam for implementation of a 
tremendous economic development project in the Auburn-Gresham community 
of Chicago, Illinois.
  After being closed for twelve years, on Sunday July 1, 2012, at 706 
W. 79th Street, 17 Ward, where the Honorable Latasha Thomas is 
Alderman. The Nation of Islam re-opened the beautiful five (5) million 
dollar renovated Salaam Restaurant. In the Webster Dictionary, Salaam 
is defined as meaning peace. And peaceful it is.
  The Nation is reported to have spent in excess of $5 million dollars 
to renovate the facility and make it a top of the line, first class 
community venue.
  The Salaam has already attracted family gatherings, dinner parties, 
ministers meetings, business group meetings and visitors from across 
the nation.
  At one meeting with ministers, Minister Farrakhan is reported to have 
said to the group ``We built the Salaam restaurant with steel and 
concrete, that's why we could close it for twelve years and come and 
find it still here! Because brothers and sisters; for you, there is 
nothing too good.''
  For you, we call this, ``The Palace of the People.'' ``From our 
bakery, we intend to give out your daily bread, freshly baked bread 
made of the finest ingredients. The Salaam restaurant also has 
wonderful vegetarian cuisine. But for those who just must have a 
tenderloin steak, or lamb, come on here to the Salaam.''
  ``Up stairs on the second floor is a private banquet hall, along with 
the Ministers' private dining room and adjacent is a piano room.''
  Currently the restaurant employs forty people and is eager to expand. 
Many people have called this magnificent creation the ``jewel of 79th 
street'' and is a wonderful place for tourist and visitors when they 
come to Chicago.''
  Once again, my hat is off to Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation 
of Islam for putting their money where their mouth is and adding 
another level of pride for Alderman Latasha Thomas and the people of 
the 17th Ward in the City of Chicago.

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