[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 4, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   ROSS ANDERSON--BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 4, 2020

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true 
``Man of Vision,'' Mr. Ross Anderson. He was born and raised in Tampa, 
Florida and has left an indelible mark in our hometown. Mr. Anderson 
graduated from Hillsborough High School and the University of South 
Florida. He received his graduate degrees from Columbia Southern 
University and Waldorf College, respectively. While Mr. Anderson takes 
great pride in his distinguished education and vocation, he is most 
proud to be the father of James Elaissaint-Anderson and Henry Tillman 
Jr., and the grandfather of Jasmine Tillman.
  Mr. Anderson saw a profound need in our community for mentorship 
directed towards young men whom he often refers as ``our boys.'' His 
vision for mentorship led him to leave his career as a successful 
corporate executive. In 2006, one year into his tenure as a teacher, 
Mr. Anderson helped found Men of Vision at Sligh Middle School. In 
2010, Men of Vision, Inc. was established with the concept of ``Action 
& Vision can change the World.'' The effort starts at the commnunity 
level but knows no limits in its outreach. In Mr. Anderson's world, 
``our boys'' enhance their personal development, and by doing so, 
address the physical and social needs of their communities. It also 
follows that they then promote better relations among all people 
through a framework of friendship and service, and provide an overall 
vision for the future.
  Men of Vision is open to young boys and men from ages 10 to 19, fifth 
grade through post-secondary school. The group is organized into 
elementary, middle and high schools throughout the community. 
Membership is open to young men regardless of race, color, ability, 
creed, gender, national origin or religion, reflecting the diversity of 
Tampa Bay, the community it serves. The impact has been tremendous.
  Mr. Anderson serves as a guide, mentor and advocate for ``our boys,'' 
some who may be on the brink of hopelessness. By boosting these 
individuals and turning them instead into confident contributors and 
leaders, Mr. Anderson lifts our community one Man of Vision at a time. 
He has dedicated his life to ensuring that Tampa's future generations 
believe they can make a difference in the community in which they live 
by focusing on serving others and respecting themselves as vital 
members of our community. Nearly 100 percent of Men of Vision complete 
high school and many continue higher education.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of Florida and my neighbors 
across Tampa Bay I am proud to honor Ross Anderson this Black History 
Month. Mr. Anderson's untiring efforts and selfless devotion are a 
shining beacon to all of us, especially the young people in our 
community. The time and energy he has invested into developing our 
youth and making Tampa Bay a better place to live are unmatched. His 
legacy will live on in history through the hundreds of young men and 
the community at large that he has inspired and impacted.

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