[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 11, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE IDAHO FALLS AFRICAN AMERICAN ALLIANCE

 Mr. RISCH. Madam President, Martin Luther King, Jr., dreamed 
of a world of peace and equality, and honoring his legacy is a central 
priority of the Idaho Falls African American Alliance, or AAA. Today, I 
recognize the accomplishments of the Idaho Falls AAA and highlight 
their 15th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Banquet.
  The Idaho Falls AAA was formed in 2006, when a few members of the 
community became aware of a local African-American high school student 
in need of funds to travel to a regional debate competition. One of 
these individuals was the current Idaho Falls AAA president, David 
Snell. Growing up, his mother told him, ``You should never be a part of 
a community that does not feel your presence. It is your personal 
responsibility to make sure your community is better because you were a 
part of it.'' The group worked together to raise $300 and sponsored the 
trip for the talented debater.
  This experience sparked a movement as the group realized they could 
make a difference in the community and help other kids in need. AAA 
members also recognized an opportunity to promote diversity in the 
community, expand awareness of the contributions of African Americans 
and other minorities, and begin to build a sense of understanding 
between cultures and ethnicities.
  Martin Luther King, Jr., influenced their mission, and they soon 
organized an annual MLK Banquet to provide the community an opportunity 
to learn from prominent African-American leaders. Over the past 15 
years, guests have included Dr. Walter Massey, past president of 
Morehouse College; Pete Miller, former Undersecretary of Energy; 
Freeman Hrabowski, voted one of TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential 
People of 2012; and Idaho State Senator Cherie Buckner-Webb.
  This year's AAA banquet will feature keynote speaker USAF Capt. 
Daniel ``Fuzz'' Walker, the first African-American pilot qualified to 
fly the F-22 stealth fighter plane, and grandson of one of the original 
Tuskegee Airmen.
  Ms. Michelle Amos, system engineer for NASA's Perseverance, the 2020 
Mars rover, will also deliver remarks over Zoom. Ms. Amos won an All-
Star Award at NASA's Women of Color Government and Defense Technology 
Awards Conference, is the former chairperson of NASA's Black Employee 
Strategy Team, and is currently a public affairs spokesperson for the 
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  The organization has faced some challenges but has also received 
generous support from the Idaho Falls community. Many local businesses 
provide donations and services making the MLK Banquet possible each 
year. The proceeds from the annual event are used to support their 
mission to ``further the educational, economic, cultural and 
development growth of the Idaho Falls African American Community.''
  The Idaho Falls AAA serves to bring people together in times that can 
feel divisive. I commend the AAA and its membership for its work to 
help make Idaho Falls a better community.

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