[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 77 (Thursday, May 8, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING 2025 BLACK HISTORY MONTH LUMINARIES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MAXWELL FROST

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 2025

  Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, Black History is American History.
  The annual observance of Black History Month is more than a 
chronological account of our past, it is that of our present and our 
future.
  It's about the joy, the culture, the resistance, the fight, and how 
far Black Americans have come in this country.
  Celebrating our Black communities and Black history is so important, 
especially now, in times like this where values of diversity, equity 
and inclusion are under attack.
  But despite that we move forward in the steps of our ancestors and in 
the steps of joy and resistance. That is why it is my honor to 
recognize the 2025 Black Luminaries of Florida's 10th Congressional 
District who have transformed lives and inspired generations, these 
luminaries are:

       Dr. Laine Powell--Founder and Executive Director of Tech 
     Sassy Girlz.
       Ms. Eloise Abraham--Executive Director of Guardian Care 
     Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
       Lashea C. Reaves--Executive Director of 8 cent in a Jar.
       Inez Long (posthumously)--Long-time President and CEO of 
     the Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF) Florida, and co-
     founder of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs.
       Dr. Jeffrey Redding--2019 winner of the prestigious Grammy 
     award, The Music Educator Award and a UCF Director of Choral 
     Activities.
       Mr. Omari Jones--Boxing Bronze medalist from the 2024 
     Olympics.
       Alvin Cowans--President/CEO at McCoy Federal Credit Union.
       Gene Martin--Founder & Executive Director--Route 7.
       Retired Elder/Reverend Henry L. Postell, II.--Owner of 
     Postell Mortuary.

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