[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10022]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                  REGARDING BLACK ORIGINAL INDIVIDUALS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 18, 1999

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, in a time where our 
young African-American males are depicted in the news as at-risk youth, 
criminals, drug dealers, and high school dropouts, we forget that there 
are positive young men among them who are changing their environment 
for the better. As a matter-of-fact, many young African-American males 
are succeeding in our society and are making their communities both 
proud and strong.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with tremendous pride that I rise to pay tribute 
to eight young African-American gentlemen in my district who are using 
their energy, talent, and intelligence to serve others in their 
community. I truly believe that their accomplishments have cut through 
the dark and gloomy media depictions of African-American males.
  Mr. John Kemp, Mr. Brandon Collier, Mr. Clayton Redmon, Mr. William 
Hudson, Mr. B.J. Armstrong, Mr. Rodrick Coaxum, Mr. Zandrian Harp, and 
Mr. Andre Griffin are all members of ``Black Original Individuals.'' 
Better known as BOI, they formed this organization from a part of an 
entertainment group already established called Dream Entertainment.
  BOI has been designed by these young men to take the social and 
financial benefits of hosting parties and turn them into a business 
practice that serves them and their community in a positive manner. 
Besides teaching them successful business skills, their operation is a 
great example of teamwork, strategic planning, communications skills, 
and volunteerism. I am confident that these young men will continue to 
apply these lessons throughout their lives.
  Mr. Speaker, what is particularly notable of their work is that they 
have been using the profits to fund future enterprises and use the rest 
of the money to set up a scholarship fund that will be open on a 
community-wide basis for minorities. This is a great example of humble 
and positive individuals giving back to others.
  Mr. Speaker, not too long ago some high school students in my area 
had an experience contrary to the gentlemen I cite today. During the 
fall, hundreds of students disrupted parts of the Dallas area with 
dangerous underage drinking, noise violations, littering and basic 
disrespect for our community.
  I would like people to focus on these gentlemen as a contrast to the 
youth that I just mentioned. Instead of destructive parties, BOI has 
controlled and safe settings where fun is the focus. Instead of 
violating the law, BOI works within the parameters of rules. Instead of 
littering our community with beer cans and spreading bottles across 
lawns, BOI is spreading a message of positive change and service 
throughout our community.
  Mr. Speaker, some of these young men, Mr. Collier and Mr. Redmon in 
particular, will be heading to college. As they prepare to write what I 
am sure will be another successful chapter in their lives, they are 
also passing down their business lessons to the youngest of their 
members. I commend Mr. Collier and Mr. Redmon for teaching the young 
for the benefit and sustenance of the group as a whole. Quite often we 
hear about the successful, both young and old, forgetting to pass their 
lessons and experiences to those who will come after them. I am pleased 
that this is not the case with the members of BOI.
  On behalf of the constituents of the 30th congressional district, I 
thank BOI for their service to our community and wish them continued 
success.

                          ____________________