[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 75 (Wednesday, May 9, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E618-E619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN CELEBRATION OF THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE YPSLANTI CAMPAIGN FOR 
                      EQUALITY'S LANDMARK VICTORY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 9, 2018

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ypsilanti 
Campaign for Equality (YCFE) for twenty years of striving for a more 
equal society. Their efforts enrich the lives of Michigan residents 
through their grassroots activism.
  The Ypsilanti Campaign for Equality was formed in 1998 to protect the 
rights of all Ypsilanti residents. Later that year, the city passed a 
human rights ordinance that protected against discrimination based on 
`race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or 
disability.' The ordinance protected from a wide range of 
discrimination including in jobs, labor unions, and access to houses, 
goods and services. Despite passing handily in 1998, opposition groups 
set out to overturn it, and YCFE stood strong against these efforts. 
Their grassroots organizing garnered a victory and the anti-
discrimination initiative was upheld.
  Although the fight against the 1998 overturn proposal took place 20 
years ago, members of the original Ypsilanti Campaign for Equality 
continue to live in southeast Michigan today and promote ideals of 
equality and equal opportunity for all. As we gather tonight to 
celebrate their continued dedication to standing up against 
divisiveness, we honor the bravery and courage of our friends and 
neighbors.

[[Page E619]]

May we all learn from their actions and continue their work in our own 
communities.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me celebrating the 1998 
landmark victory in protecting the civil liberties of all Ypsilanti 
residents. We are grateful for the courageous Michigan residents that 
spoke out and stood up against hatred in all forms and continue to do 
so today.

                          ____________________