[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 87 (Tuesday, June 2, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E816]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE NATIONAL BLACK DATA PROCESSING ASSOCIATES (BDPA)

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2015

  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 40th anniversary of service to the 
residents of the District of Columbia and the national capital region.
  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, and has 45 
active chapters across the United States.
  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 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 wellbeing of its members.
  BDPA continues to promote professional growth and technical 
development for 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 40th anniversary of the National Black Data Processing 
Associates, in congratulating BDPA for its 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 ``Evolution of IT--
Embracing the Digital Future,'' on August 18-22, 2015, at the 
Washington Hilton Hotel.

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