[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 38 (Friday, March 1, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 COMMEMORATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2024

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 1, 2024

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, as this year's Black History Month ends, I 
rise today to honor two District of Columbia residents who have made 
tremendous contributions to civil rights, Walter Fauntroy and Robin 
Williams.
  Walter Fauntroy served as a key organizer alongside Dr. Martin Luther 
King Jr., helping to organize the Selma to Montgomery marches of 1965. 
Walter was also a noted lobbyist for civil rights, where he played a 
pivotal role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1965. Walter's 
efforts during this critical period were key to ushering in a new era 
of progress and possibility for all Americans.
  Walter was also the second Delegate to the House of Representatives 
from the District of Columbia, a position he held for almost 20 years. 
During his tenure in Congress, Walter was a founding member of the 
Congressional Black Caucus and a champion for D.C. home rule.

  Robin Williams is an associate director at the United Food and 
Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) and a member of the 
National Board of Directors of the NAACP.

  Robin joined UFCW as an employee at the Georgetown Safeway in 1986 
and was elected International Vice President in 2015. As a labor 
organizer, Robin was a lead coordinator for the ``Immigrant Workers 
Freedom Ride,'' which brought together tens of thousands of immigrant 
workers and immigrant rights activists for a tour throughout the United 
States to demand respect for immigrant workers' rights. Robin also 
serves as an Executive Vice President of the UFCW Minority Coalition 
and is a trustee on the board of the Coalition of Black Trade 
Unionists.

  Robin is also a noted community activist. Some of Robin's local 
contributions include developing the D.C. Workers' Rights Board and 
D.C. Jobs With Justice. Robin has been recognized by the AFL-CIO 
Washington Metropolitan Central Labor Council for her impact on the 
National Capital Region.

  Again, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring 
Walter Fauntroy and Robin Williams.

                          ____________________