[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 218 (Monday, December 21, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHARLES HOUSTON BAR ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 21, 2020

  Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Charles Houston Bar Association (CHBA) and their 65 years of service 
throughout California's 13th congressional district and the country.
  CHBA was originally founded in 1955 as the Charles Houston Law Club 
and was named in honor of the groundbreaking lawyer and educator, 
Charles Hamilton Houston. Bearing his name, CHBA continues to uphold 
his legacy by fighting for racial equality and social change.
  Located in Oakland, California, The Charles Houston Bar Association 
has been a driving force promoting diversity in the legal profession 
and advocating against racial injustice.
  In 1975, The California State Bar's Board of Governors recognized the 
Charles Houston Bar Association as an official state bar association. 
The CHBA is also an affiliate member of the National Bar Association 
(NBA) and the California Association of Black Lawyers (CABL).
  The CHBA has been a continuous source of legal advocacy in the 
African American community. Their focus on protecting the legal rights 
of the people has kept them on the precipice of change.
  During the early 1980's CHBA partnered with the California 
Association of Black Lawyers to criminalize the KKK. Through their 
efforts California passed legislation that can still be found in the 
penal code today.
  The Charles Houston Bar Association has always fought to protect 
civil rights and advocated for equality. These efforts led to the CHBA 
earning recognition from the National Bar Association as one of its 
Most Outstanding Affiliates in 1977, 1986, 2002, and 2004.
  The CHBA's values and mission are reflected in accomplishments and 
legacies of its members. From California's first African American 
Supreme Court Justice Wiley Manuel to the First African American Vice 
President-elect Kamala Harris, The Charles Houston Bar Association and 
its members continue to dedicate themselves to creating and being the 
engineers of social change.
  On behalf of California's 13th Congressional District, I want to 
extend my sincere congratulations on this important milestone. I thank 
the Charles Houston Bar Association for being a tireless advocate for 
an inclusive community. I wish them continued success in training and 
organizing future generations of leaders to address the issue of 
diversity in the legal profession and the challenges of racial 
inequality.

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