[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 104 (Tuesday, June 15, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E643-E644]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO COURTNEY HALE, CALIFORNIA'S 24TH CONGRESSIONAL WOMEN OF THE 
                                  YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 15, 2021

  Mr. CARBAJAL. Madam Speaker, each year, through the Women of the Year 
Award, my office extends special recognition to women on the Central 
Coast who have made a difference in our community. I would like to 
recognize one outstanding Woman of the Year Award recipient, Courtney 
Haile of San Luis Obispo, California.
  Courtney brings a bold and honest voice to community advocacy and her 
work on equity, justice, and belonging. As a student, Courtney explored 
media representation, race, and gender, and examined Black identity 
development in predominantly white communities. She dreams of a more 
equitable and inclusive world for people of color to live in, and she 
is measurably helping to create such a world on the Central Coast. In 
response to the death of Philando Castile and others, she co-founded 
R.A.C.E. Matters, a grassroots organization amplifying racial justice 
and centering Black voices through art and culture. As Executive 
Director, Courtney is a driving force for the organization's creative 
endeavors, cultural programs, and organization of local racial justice 
events. Courtney executes and stands by her vision with class, grace, 
and intelligence.
  Courtney participates in a range of community activities and most 
enjoys collaborating with community partners to create bold, beautiful, 
and engaging experiences. In her mission to help people honor and 
better understand the needs and contributions of the Black members of 
our community, Courtney spearheads the visionary art series, BELONGING, 
and

[[Page E644]]

produced two original documentary films, Restrictions Apply, about San 
Luis Obispo's history of housing discrimination and Kut To Be the Best: 
The Last Black Barbershop in San Luis Obispo, as a tribute to Black 
owned businesses and the importance of the cultural spaces created by 
them.
  Courtney's work through R.A.C.E. Matters has opened the eyes of the 
community to the talents, contributions, and value of our Black 
citizens. Given that our county is but 2.2 percent Black, this is a 
tall order, but Courtney has been able to shine her light and lead the 
way toward this vision. San Luis Obispo County is better off because 
Courtney Haile lives here.
  I am honored to recognize Courtney for her continued commitment to 
improving our community and the residents of San Luis Obispo County. I 
ask all Members to join me today in honoring an exceptional woman of 
California's 24th Congressional District, Courtney Haile, for her 
incredible service to her community.

                          ____________________