[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 148 (Thursday, September 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1405]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LASKER `LAS' BELL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. FRENCH HILL

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2016

  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
one of Arkansas' greats in the entertainment industry, Lasker `Las' 
Bell, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 88.
   Las moved to Camden, Arkansas in search of work, and after an 
honorable discharge from the U.S. Army was hired to host El Dorados 
KJWH radio's first soul music radio show.
   Moving to television, he pitched his American Bandstand-like show 
the Las Bell Variety Show that became part of the weekly lineup on 
KTVE. At the time, Las was the only Black television host between 
Memphis and Dallas, and became the first Black interviewer for Channel 
10 News in Arkansas.
   Las was also involved in the community, serving on the executive 
board for the Arkansas Council on Human Relations in Ouachita County. 
He was also appointed to the Human Resources Commission by Governor 
David Pryor, and reappointed under Governor Frank White.
   Las left a lasting impact on our state and will be greatly missed by 
all of Arkansas.
   I extend my respect, affection and prayers to his family and loved 
ones.

                          ____________________