[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 3 (Thursday, January 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E29-E30]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MS. BETTY BERRY

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 8, 2015

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of 
Ms. Betty Berry. Ms. Berry was a beloved mother, daughter, and friend. 
With her passing on October 26, we look to Ms. Berry's personal legacy 
of leadership, service, and the outstanding quality of her life's work.
  Born on December 21, 1932, Ms. Berry dedicated her life to community 
service and activism in the city of Oakland, California. She received 
numerous accolades for her leadership and service to the community.
  A longtime friend of Ronald V. Dellums, she led fundraising efforts 
that helped him get elected to the United States House of 
Representatives numerous times and was a staunch supporter of him 
during his time as Mayor of Oakland.
  For all of her work supporting organization dedicated to equality, 
Ms. Berry was known as the consummate fundraiser. She was famous for 
her annual ``100 Men Cooking for a Taste of Freedom'' event, which 
raised money for the National Association for the Advancement

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of Colored People (NAACP) and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).
  Additionally, she was a staunch advocate for workers represented by 
the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) and the 
American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
  On a personal note, Betty was a dear friend for many years. She 
supported all of my efforts for elected office and constantly 
encouraged me. This community will miss Betty's physical presence but 
will always cherish wonderful memories and the results of her hard 
work.
  Today, California's 13th Congressional District salutes and honors an 
outstanding individual, Ms. Betty Berry. Her dedication and efforts 
have impacted so many lives throughout the state of California. I join 
all of Betty's loved ones in celebrating her incredible life. She will 
be deeply missed.

                          ____________________