[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 96 (Tuesday, June 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E905]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING THE D.C. CHAPTER OF THE BLACK DATA PROCESSING ASSOCIATES 
                     (BDPA) ON ITS 37TH ANNIVERSARY

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 16, 2015

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in congratulating the District of Columbia 
chapter of the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) on its 37th 
anniversary of service to the residents of the District of Columbia and 
the national capital region.
  Founded in May 1978 by Norman Mays, the D.C. chapter is the second 
chapter of BDPA formed, preceded only by the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 
chapter, 1977. 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 well-being 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 37th anniversary of the D.C. chapter of the 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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