[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 113 (Thursday, August 1, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONGRATULATING THE NATIONAL BLACK DATA PROCESSING ASSOCIATES

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 1, 2013

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in congratulating the National Black Data 
Processing Associates (BDPA) on its 35th anniversary of service to the 
residents of the District of Columbia and, the national capital region 
and its 45 active chapters across the United States.
  Founded in May 1975 by Earl Pace and the late David Wimberly, BDPA 
was formed out of a concern shared by both men that minorities were not 
adequately represented in the information technology industry. The 
first BDPA chapter was organized in Philadelphia, PA in 1977. A year 
later, the second chapter was organized in Washington, D.C., and 
shortly thereafter, the third chapter was organized in Cleveland, OH. 
In 1979, BDPA was restructured as a national organization.
  As the oldest and largest African American information technology 
(IT) organization, comprised of over 2,000 African-American IT 
professionals as well as, science, technology, engineering and math 
(STEM) college students, BDPA's vision is to be a powerful advocate for 
their stakeholders' interests within the global, technology industry. 
Its mission is to be a global member-focused technology organization 
that delivers programs and services for the professional well-being of 
its stakeholders.
  BPDA continues to promote professional growth and technical 
development for the young people and those entering into information 
and communication technology (ICT) in academia and corporate America. 
We also appreciate BDPA and its 45 chapters for continuing to provide 
ICT opportunities for STEM students and professionals.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
celebrating the 35th anniversary of the National Black Data Processing 
Associates, in congratulating them on their outstanding accomplishments 
and commitment to the residents of the District of Columbia and around 
the country, and in welcoming those attending the BDPA Annual National 
Technology Conference and Career Fair titled ``Diverse Opportunities In 
The Age of Convergence by Bringing Jobs Back to D.C.,'' on August 14-
17, 2013, at the Washington Hilton Hotel.

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