[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 128 (Tuesday, July 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN MEMORY OF RONALD ``KARTOON'' ARTWINE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MAXINE WATERS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 2023

  Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, Kartoon was a special human being. He could 
have been another unfortunate statistic in Watts but Kartoon was 
determined that his life could, and would, be better. He was also 
determined to be a change agent in his community, making the lives of 
others better as well. He helped negotiate the crucial gang truce 
between Bloods and Crips and would assist local residents find housing 
and get into rehab, changing their lives forever.
  I first met Kartoon through his friend Greg Brown at Project Build, 
an important social services organization I helped found many years 
ago. Kartoon was a larger-than-life, grassroots community activist who 
always had a positive outlook, a contagious laugh and could ``spit a 
poem'' better than most. With the right assistance, he got his life 
together and became both a substance abuse counselor, a successful 
Hollywood location scout and a supportive father who dearly loved his 
entire family.
  Kartoon left a lasting impression on everyone who met him. When 
attending an important community meeting or rally and blessing us with 
a poem, you knew Kartoon was in the room, and we were glad he was 
there.
  Kartoon blessed us with poetry. Here is my poem to Kartoon:
     To the family & friends
     of my friend Kartoon
     I join with you today
     To honor and remember
     The very special one
     Known to everyone as Kartoon
     Kartoon our dear friend
     And loved one who has left us way too soon.

     Kartoon the Poet with
     The great big smile
     It seems Kartoon was
     Only with us for a short while
     Our Kartoon was well known
     By so many in Watts,
     And all over Los Angeles and many more
     He has left us to grieve and
     Wonder as he closed the door

     I suppose the heavenly one up above knows best
     But now its time to let Kartoon rest.
     Kartoon lived a life of
     Fun, woes, and uncertainty
     He experienced both the good and the bad times
     But he sure loved life and people of all kinds
     Oh Kartoon and how he laughed
     He was full of jokes, he bluffed and he played
     But he always stayed
     I have been wondering and thinking,
     Now how is Kartoon going to conduct himself up yonder
     But we really don't have to worry, speculate or ponder
     One thing we know for sure
     Kartoon will be the center of attention with his rhymes so 
           pure
     Kartoon always showed up
     Whenever we called
     And he never missed he helped us all
     There is much more that I could say
     But I think Kartoon would say let's leave all of that for 
           another day
     Goodbye goodbye, my dear Kartoon,
     Now it is your time to soar, to lift your wings
     It is your time to fly
     You go on and, on in your glory,
     And don't you look back
     I've told you why.
     You've got it! You are the man!
     You, go on up there,
     And give God a hand.

                          ____________________