[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 19 (Wednesday, January 30, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING JAMES BELT AT CONGRESSMAN VELA'S BLACK HISTORY MONTH 
                              CELEBRATION

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                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 30, 2019

  Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of James 
Belt, a native of Harlingen, for his work and service in the great 
State of Texas.
   Mr. Belt earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the Pan 
American University, Edinburg, in 1968, and his Juris Doctorate from 
Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University (TSU) in 
1977. After law school, he opened his law practice in South Dallas, 
where he served the African American community for almost 40 years. A 
lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of 
Colored People, Mr. Belt was also a member of the National Bar 
Association, the Texas Bar Association, J.L. Turner Legal Association, 
and the American Inns of Court.
   As founder of the Dallas Black Criminal Bar Association, he was a 
well-respected leader and advocate for the advancement of his 
community, and inspired others to help those in need. He served on the 
TSU Board of Regents, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Board, and the 
Texas Rural Foundation Board. He was the co-publisher of the Dallas 
Examiner. Mr. Belt received the ``Living Legends'' award from the J.L. 
Turner Legal Association, and was recognized as ``Business Man of the 
Year'' by the alumnae chapter of TSU in 2010.
   I am pleased to honor James Belt for his legacy of unselfishness and 
generosity. Mr. Belt's devotion to serving others makes him an 
outstanding role model for the people of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. I 
ask my colleagues to join me in honoring James Belt, and recognizing 
his surviving family and friends on this special occasion.

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