[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 179 (Friday, November 8, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE NAMING OF THE DON H. BARDEN SECONDARY STREET

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 8, 2019

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Don H. Barden 
and celebrate his legacy through the naming of the Don H. Barden 
Secondary Street. Don Barden was an influential leader in Detroit and 
his contributions to our community are worthy of commendation.
  Don Barden was a trailblazer in politics, business, and philanthropy. 
In the 1960s, Mr. Barden served as the first black city councilman in 
Lorain, Ohio, where he learned about the intersection of business and 
politics. Admired by many in Congress, Mr. Barden also developed life-
long friendship with countless mayors, state representatives, and city 
council members, among a variety of other political leaders nationwide.
  Don Barden was also an astute businessman who successfully developed, 
owned, and operated several businesses in multiple industries. Mr. 
Barden was renowned for his work in real estate, broadcasting, 
international trade, and casinos, and received widespread acclaim for 
his efforts. In the 1980s, Mr. Barden became a leader in Michigan's 
cable industry, establishing and operating cable systems throughout 
Metro Detroit. Under Mr. Barden's guidance and expertise, Barden 
Cablevision was designated as one of the nation's largest urban cable 
systems. Later, Mr. Barden became the first black owner of a Las Vegas 
casino after his purchase of Fitzgeralds in 2001. In addition to a host 
of other positions, Mr. Barden also served as President and CEO of 
Barden Companies, Inc.
  Throughout his professional endeavors, Mr. Barden was devoted to 
community involvement and volunteerism. He embedded a mission within 
his businesses to make a difference in the communities where they 
operated and conducted business and encouraged others to follow in 
stride. Mr. Barden was also committed to personal philanthropy, 
supporting countless organizations, people, and entities throughout the 
Metro Detroit region. Mr. Barden will always be remembered for his 
generous and thoughtful heart.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating 
the legacy of Don H. Barden. Mr. Barden was a pillar of Detroit, and 
the naming of the secondary street in honor of Mr. Barden is a touching 
tribute to his life's work. Mr. Barden was cherished by so many within 
our community, and I am glad the street will bear his name for 
generations to come.

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