[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 195 (Tuesday, December 11, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H10086]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING JERSEY CITY POET LAUREATE RASHAD WRIGHT

  (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rashad Wright on 
becoming Jersey City, New Jersey's first poet laureate in more than a 
decade.
  Rashad is a 24-year-old Poetry Slam Champion and recent graduate of 
New Jersey City University. Rashad has spent the past 6 years 
performing poetry and inspiring people throughout my district.
  His poetry challenges society to improve lives. His spoken word and 
his written word are full of power that exceeds his 24 years of age.
  In a piece of prose, titled, ``Between Lines,'' Rashad writes: ``As a 
poet, it feels like the souls of black folks fire through my lips.''
  He speaks truth through art and helps elevate everyone who listens. I 
am proud to honor a man whose creativity and passion pull people into 
poetry.
  Poet laureate Rashad Wright's story is just the beginning. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in celebrating Rashad for his accomplishments.

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