[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 196 (Wednesday, November 18, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1045]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. GEORGE V. RAINEY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 18, 2020

  Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of 
Mr. George V. Rainey who passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at 
the age of 89. He was the oldest Zulu king of the Zulu Social Aid and 
Pleasure Club.
  A New Orleans native, Mr. Rainey attended New Orleans Public School 
System and graduated with the first senior class at Booker T. 
Washington School in 1949. He would later join the U.S. Army where he 
served in the Korean War. In 1967, Mr. Rainey started Rainey's 
Restaurant and Catering, which quickly became a staple in the city. For 
several decades it was one of the most prominent Black-owned 
restaurants in the area that served both the New Orleans Jazz and 
Heritage Festival and Essence Festival.
  In 1972, Mr. Rainey joined the Zulu Social Aide and Pleasure Club 
where he served in a variety of capacities for more than 45 years. In 
1978, he was elected Big Shot and starting in 1991 he served as the 
organization's vice president for five years. In his service as a Board 
member for more than two decades, he was integral to the production of 
Zulu's poster series and its successful pursuit of corporate 
sponsorships.
  In 2005, when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, Mr. Rainey 
returned home to assist families in need. Along with Bishop James 
Nelson Brown of Fisher Community Church and the 82nd Airborne Division 
cooks, he worked courageously for two months to feed the victims of 
Hurricane Katrina.
  Mr. Rainey was a treasure to the city of New Orleans. That is why he 
was honored by President George W. Bush and the Jefferson Award 
Foundation. He lived a fulfilled life doing what he loved to do for so 
many years. I am grateful for his service. I send my sincere prayers, 
condolences, and strength to the Rainey family during this difficult 
time. May his soul rest in peace.
  Mr. George V. Rainey's wife, Jeanne died in 2005. He is survived by 
three daughters, a son, and six grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. George V. 
Rainey.

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