[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21898]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


           TRIBUTE TO THE GARY, INDIANA, BRANCH OF THE NAACP

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 13, 2006

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take this time 
to recognize the members of the Gary, Indiana branch of the National 
Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP. On Monday, 
October 30, 2006, the Gary NAACP held its 90th anniversary dinner, 
while also celebrating the 45th Annual Mary White Ovington Freedom Fund 
Awards at Saint Timothy Community Church's Fellowship Hall in Gary, 
Indiana.
  The NAACP was founded on February 12, 1909, with the mission to end 
all racial discrimination and to secure the political, economic, and 
social rights of all African-Americans. As the Nation's oldest and 
largest civil rights organization, the NAACP has worked successfully 
with allies of all races who believe in and continue to carry out this 
mission still today. The Gary NAACP, the largest branch in the State of 
Indiana, was organized by those who felt there was a need for an 
organization that would monitor and defend the rights of African-
Americans in northwest Indiana. The members of the Gary NAACP, who so 
selflessly serve the community, share the goals of the national 
organization. They fight each and every day to combat injustice, 
discrimination, and unfair treatment in their community.
  This year's fundraiser event and anniversary dinner featured Dan 
Parker, Indiana State Democratic Committee chairman; and Murray Clark, 
Indiana State Republican Committee chairman, as the evening's keynote 
speakers. The theme for this year's event was, ``Remembering the Past. 
Preparing for the Future. Voting to make a Difference.'' The featured 
speakers addressed the importance of voting while promoting their 
respective party members.
  This year, several honorees were recognized at the event with a 
special awards presentation. Denise Dillard, State Senator Earline 
Rogers, the Gary Cultural and Historical Society, Willie Watkins, New 
Mount Moriah Baptist Church, First African Methodist Episcopal Church, 
Saint Timothy Community Church, the Gary City Clerk's Office, and 
Marshanelle Hill were among those being honored with various awards for 
their service to the community and to the branch.
  In addition, the Mary White Ovington Award, the most distinguished 
award of the evening, was presented to Gary residents Jonathan Comer 
and Cherrie B. White. This very special award annually recognizes those 
making the greatest contributions to sustaining civil rights.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in commending the members of the Gary NAACP for the efforts, 
activities, and leadership they have championed to improve the quality 
of life for all residents of Indiana's First Congressional District. I 
also ask that you join me in commending the community leaders who, 
through their unwavering commitment to their community, are so 
deserving of the special honors bestowed upon them.

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