[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 30 (Tuesday, February 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E151-E152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING DR. BARBARA SHANNON-BANNISTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JASON CROW

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 15, 2022

  Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Barbara 
Shannon-Bannister for receiving the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, 
Jr. Award from Aurora Community of Faith, and for her lifelong service 
to our community.
  The Spirit of MLK Award is presented to an individual who emulates 
the values, ideas, dreams, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King,

[[Page E152]]

Jr. This year, Aurora Community of Faith presented the Spirit of MLK 
Award to Dr. Shannon-Bannister for her selfless service as an ally and 
advocate for our community. Devoted to a cause greater than herself, 
Dr. Shannon-Bannister works tirelessly to take risks and address 
critical issues and concerns in the lives of everyday people--just as 
Dr. King did.
  Dr. Shannon-Bannister dedicated her life to serving the community. 
From founding several nonprofit organizations that aid the underserved 
to bringing the Aurora Branch of the NAACP to Colorado, she has long 
been engaged in civil rights advocacy and issues impacting marginalized 
communities. Upon her retirement from a 36-year career with the City of 
Aurora, Dr. Shannon-Bannister has focused her efforts on Grand Design 
Inc.--a nonprofit organization she founded in 1984 to preserve cultural 
and musical traditions of the Black community in Aurora. It is still 
one of the only Black performing arts companies in the city.
  Dr. Shannon-Bannister is a fervent advocate and champion for the 
African American community, and her commitment--and voice--has never 
wavered from aiding those in need. Her extraordinary career and service 
to our community epitomize what it means to live a life for others. In 
honoring the legacy of Dr. King, I can think of no one more deserving 
of the Spirit of MLK Award. I congratulate and thank her for her 
incredible dedication to our community.

                          ____________________