[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 103 (Wednesday, June 19, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE THURSDAY LUNCHEON GROUP

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GREGORY W. MEEKS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 19, 2019

  Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Thursday Luncheon 
Group, an organization that serves as an effective platform to help 
African-Americans play an equitable role in the formulation, 
articulation, and implementation of U.S. foreign policy.
  When I travel the world, I witness firsthand the importance of having 
an inclusive diplomatic corps reflecting the American people's rich 
cultural tapestry. As the U.S. Department of State's oldest Employee 
Affinity Group, TLG has been instrumental in leading the charge to 
promote diversity within the State Department and the U.S. Agency for 
International Development.
  In 1973, two senior USIA Officers, William B. Davis and Roburt A. 
Dumas, urged their friends at USIA, the State Department, and USAID to 
consider what could be done to encourage a significant role for 
African-Americans in foreign affairs. These foundering members began 
meeting regularly on the first Thursday of every month to discuss 
issues affecting the careers of African American Foreign Service and 
Civil Service personnel and to create space for open exchanges with 
guest speakers. This group of trailblazers understood then, as we fully 
appreciate now, the struggle for representation is often long but 
begins with a dedicated few.
  Nearly five decades later, the Thursday Luncheon Group has over 500 
members, including retired and current Department of State and USAID 
employees, and dedicated members from five other federal agencies. 
Their members have taken prominent roles in the development and 
execution of U.S. foreign policy, including Chiefs of Mission, Career 
Ambassadors, and Assistant Secretaries. TLG members monitor 
recruitment, assignments, employment practices, training and other 
matters of vital interest to minorities at the State Department and 
USAID.
  In addition, TLG works to improve the career development and 
networking opportunities among their members. The organization is 
committed to mentoring entry-level and mid-level officers in an effort 
to prepare them to become the future leaders in international affairs.
  What is most impressive is their commitment to giving back. The 
organization sponsors two paid summer internships at the Department of 
State. TLG also established the Terence A. Todman Book scholarship 
(named after the first African American to be named Career Ambassador, 
the highest rank among the diplomatic corps) for students at eight 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
  With the Thursday Luncheon Group's strong commitment to diversity and 
excellence in international affairs, TLG has set the standard for all 
other affinity to follow. I congratulate the members of the Thursday 
Luncheon Group for forty-five years of service to our country. Our 
country is better because of your service.

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