[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25685]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          A TRIBUTE TO BEBASHI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 9, 2005

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
BEBASHI, as it commemorates its 20th Anniversary as the first minority-
based AIDS Service Organization in the United States. It was created in 
1985 in reaction to the growing rates of HIV/AIDS in the African-
American community of Philadelphia. Initially established as a 
volunteer program focused on street outreach, BEBASHI has developed 
into a full-service agency offering counseling, testing, case 
management, support groups, a food bank, and housing counseling.
  BEBASHI has improved the lives of people in our region and beyond 
through its research, advocacy and community service programs. I 
applaud this remarkable organization as it leads the way to better 
lives in the 21st century.
  I also extend my best wishes and deep appreciation to the two 
exemplary individuals who will receive BEBASHI's John Allen Blue Award 
at the BEBASHI Gala on November 22, 2004. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie 
and State Senator Vincent Hughes will be recognized for their long-term 
outstanding leadership and support to the HIV/AIDS community. They and 
BEBASHI are to be congratulated for their achievements and for leading 
the Nation by example to work towards further improvement in HIV/AIDS 
care and education.

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