[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 19, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING WANDA YOUNG

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Michigan (Ms. Tlaib) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late Wanda 
Young, former singer of the renowned Motown Marvelettes and resident of 
the Inkster community in Michigan's 13th District Strong.
  Ms. Young made her mark on Motown when she was asked to join the 
local singing group comprised of many of the Inkster High School 
students and alumni.
  The group, now known as the Marvelettes, was quickly signed to the 
Tamla record label, later known as Motown Records.
  They earned Motown one of its biggest hits with ``Please, Mr. 
Postman.''
  Wanda Young sang lead on many of the recordings including the hit, 
``Don't Mess Around with Bill.''
  Ms. Young was an integral part of the Motown music scene and defining 
sound of the 1960s.
  Ms. Young's example has inspired countless women and African American 
performers across our country.
  Please join me in recognizing Wanda Young's contributions to our 
Nation and Michigan's 13th District Strong as we honor her legacy at 
home and across the globe.


                     Recognizing Michelle Martinez

  Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michelle 
Martinez, Detroit resident and environmental justice warrior from 
Michigan's 13th District Strong as she departs as executive director 
from the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition.
  For many years, Michelle has been a pillar of our community, 
advocating for clean air and water, and fighting against environmental 
racism that hurts our neighbors' quality of life.
  Michelle has worked tirelessly, and I firsthand saw this myself, for 
various organizations over the last 15 years and has never wavered in 
seeking justice for the people who live with the effects of pollution.
  I worked closely with Michelle on a number of initiatives when I 
served in the Michigan State legislature, and she has been an amazing 
person to watch grow as an advocate and leader in our State.
  Michelle has always taken a bold approach to making transformative 
change for our communities that is meaningful and has never shied away 
from a challenge.
  So please join me in recognizing Michelle Martinez' outstanding 
contributions to the communities of Michigan's 13th Congressional 
District as we wish her well on her next venture.


  Congress has a Clear Mandate to Protect, Restore, and Expand Voting 
                           Rights in America

  Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to make clear that we, as 
Representatives of the people, have a clear mandate to protect, 
restore, and expand voting rights in our Nation.
  In my hometown of Detroit, election workers and community members 
were intimidated, shouted at, and disrespected for simply counting the 
votes of our community, a majority Black community, in November of 
2020.
  People banged on the windows, Madam Speaker, on the counting room 
just because they didn't want Black and Brown votes to be counted.
  Our community was treated like we were unworthy of making our voices 
heard at the ballot box.
  This should not be so complicated.
  If our colleagues in the Senate fail to pass the Freedom to Vote: 
John R. Lewis Act, their inaction will send a clear message to folks 
that voter suppression is okay. Voter suppression is not okay. It 
simply is not. Intimidating our election workers is not okay. Inaction 
is not an option, and we must deliver for the people.

                          ____________________