[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7686]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER, INC. AND THE CENTENNIAL OF THEIR 
                                FOUNDING

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 17, 2009

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in 
recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Knights of Peter Claver, 
Inc. and to celebrate this group's century of dedication to God, 
Church, and Community through Charity.
  In November of 1909, a group of forty African American men became the 
first initiates of a Catholic fraternal order called the Knights of 
Peter Claver. This group was founded in Mobile, Alabama with the aim of 
creating a Catholic fraternal society for men who were traditionally 
not able to belong to such organizations. Today, the Knights of Peter 
Claver, Inc. has over 18,000 members, is active in over thirty states, 
and includes divisions for men, women and children. In my home state of 
Texas, this group is particularly active and has been involved with 
numerous community outreach programs throughout the state.
  The Knights of Peter Claver and other such organizations have made 
incredible contributions to society. Throughout its history, this group 
has supported community efforts, scholarship and various charitable 
programs. Additionally, during times of strife for the African American 
Community, the Knights of Peter Claver supported non-violent actions to 
fight many social injustices.
  This August, The Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. will celebrate the 
centennial of their society at their 94th National Convention in New 
Orleans, Louisiana. I ask my fellow Members of Congress to join me in 
honoring this group and to celebrate their hundred years of dedication 
to God and service to community.

                          ____________________