[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 121 (Friday, July 14, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H3602]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING ALBERT VANN
(Ms. CLARKE of New York asked and was given permission to address the
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Ms. CLARKE of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life
and legacy of a New York City icon, the honorable Albert Vann.
After four decades of service as a progressive New York State and New
York City legislator, Councilmember Albert Vann passed away 1 year ago
today.
His contributions have enshrined him as a multigenerational champion
of equity and justice for those needing it most.
He understood the importance of progress and the fight for justice.
He understood what it meant to challenge the White-male-dominated
political machine of his day. He understood where real power comes
from. It comes from the beloved community.
This led him to becoming the first president of the African American
Teachers Association, the first Black teachers' union in New York
State.
He was a friend, a colleague, a mentor, but most importantly, he set
the standard for what it means to serve your community.
To those who are underprivileged, overlooked, left out, or
marginalized, it is with great honor that I stand as a direct
beneficiary of a great man, Councilmember Albert Vann, a true
trailblazer in New York State politics.
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