[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 336]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 CELEBRATING THE PRINCIPLES OF KWANZAA--A TRIBUTE TO DR. E. ALMA FLAGG

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                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 6, 1999

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to inform my 
colleagues of a special event and a special person. In the African 
American community Kwanzaa, a festive, non-religious celebration, is 
held reflecting upon our rich heritage. It begins on December 26 and 
lasts for seven days. Each day focuses on one of seven principles; 
unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, 
cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
  The Beta Alpha Omega Chapter (Newark, NJ) of the Alpha Kappa Alpha 
Sorority in cooperation with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center 
sponsored the Second Annual Kwanzaa Festival honoring community elders. 
The person chosen to be honored on the first day of the 1998 Festival, 
December 17, was Dr. E. Alma Flagg. Dr. Flagg is truly deserving of 
this honor. She has spent most of her years in New Jersey working for 
the betterment of many. On May 2, 1995, I had the privilege and 
pleasure of bringing Dr. Flagg and her work to the attention of my 
fellow American citizens through remarks printed in the Congressional 
Record. It is not often that we are able to pay such important homage 
to the same individual within a short period of time. Dr. Flagg is one 
of the very few for whom a school has been named while still active.
  Last year, Kwanzaa was recognized by the United States Postal Service 
with the printing of a postage stamp. Established in 1966, this 
celebration of family, community and culture is taking an important 
place in our diverse culture. I would like to thank Dr. Mabel B. Perry 
and Mrs. Greta D. Shepherd, Tribute Coordinators, for affording me this 
opportunity and bringing attention to this important commemoration.
  As I stated on Tuesday, May 2, 1995, ``Mr. Speaker, I am sure my 
colleagues would have joined me as I gave my best wishes to an 
outstanding human being and consummate role model, Dr. E. Alma Flagg''.

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