[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING THOMAS ATKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 2026

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Thomas Atkins, who 
served as a dedicated member of my staff for almost 20 years, where he 
worked tirelessly to advance my agenda for all residents of the 
District of Columbia.
  Thomas has an extensive political background, having served as the 
National Volunteer Coordinator on the Jackson for President Campaign 
'84 and as a Political Director with the Campaign for Military Service. 
He also served as a leader in the environmental movement and the peace 
movement and has worked for justice on important political issues. He 
has made a positive impact on D.C. and the world.
  As his colleagues will attest, Thomas works with commitment and 
passion. In my office, his deep dedication to the arts and education 
were invaluable when he served as the Coordinator of the D.C. 
Congressional Art Competition Committee. His leadership, enthusiasm and 
commitment ensured successful competitions, which brought together 
locally, nationally and internationally renowned educators and artists 
to serve as committee members and jurors. Through his leadership, the 
committee was able to offer mentorship to aspiring young artists and 
facilitate scholarships to esteemed institutions like the Savannah 
College of Art and Design (Savannah, Georgia) and the Corcoran School 
of the Arts & Design (Washington, D.C.). The committee also hosted 
grand receptions and student art exhibits at prestigious venues, 
including the Smithsonian Institution, the National Building Museum, 
the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport 
and notable galleries throughout D.C.
  Thomas has held several professional roles. He worked in the 
entertainment industry, where he served as the Personal Representative 
of Hal Jackson, a founder of Inner City Broadcasting Corporation 
(ICBC), and his daughter Jane Jackson Harley, Talent Coordinator of the 
Apollo Theater and the Founder of Kemit Productions in New York City. 
He is an avid art collector and has traveled extensively around the 
world. His collection, the TERA Gallery, has been exhibited in the 
United States and abroad.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to recognize Thomas 
Atkins for his service and dedication. We all wish him the best in his 
well-deserved retirement.

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