[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 15]
[House]
[Page 22905]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1750
             FAREWELL TO CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS MEMBERS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Clarke) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, as the 111th Congress comes to an end, it 
is with deep sadness that I come to the floor to wish a fond farewell 
to several members of the Congressional Black Caucus who will not be 
moving to the 112th Congress. These members, Congresswoman Carolyn 
Kilpatrick, Congresswoman Diane Watson, Congressman Kendrick Meek, and 
Congressman Artur Davis will be sorely missed.
  Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, AKA ``Auntie,'' as I 
affectionately called her, has been a friend and mentor throughout my 
service in Congress. A proud native of Detroit, Congresswoman 
Kilpatrick has led a long and distinguished career in public service. 
Before her service in the Michigan State House and later in Congress, 
she enriched the lives of young people as an educator. Throughout her 
tenure in the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Kilpatrick has 
consistently supported the development of minority businesses and 
brought numerous projects to her home State as an appropriator.
  Also leaving us will be Congresswoman Diane Watson, who was also a 
mentor, who I affectionately have referred to as ``Lady Di'' due to her 
grace and elegance. Congresswoman Watson began her career as a school 
psychologist. Upon entering politics, she's been a tireless advocate 
for consumer protection and health care. She was a member of the 
California Assembly and an ambassador to the Federated States of 
Micronesia during the Clinton administration.
  Congressman Artur Davis has also faithfully served on Capitol Hill. A 
former prosecutor, Congressman Davis has led a career in public 
service. He served on the House Ways and Means Committee, and has been 
a strong advocate for improvements in health care and education 
throughout the years.
  Finally, hailing from the great State of Florida, Congressman 
Kendrick Meek will be leaving us. He is one half of a historic mother-
to-son succession to the U.S. House of Representatives and 
affectionately known as my ``Brother.'' After years in law enforcement, 
Congressman Meek continued in public service by entering politics. He 
came to Congress at the retirement of his mother, Mrs. Carrie Meek. In 
the House of Representatives, he has faithfully represented the people 
of Miami and south Florida by focusing on policies that create jobs and 
improve health care.
  The work of Representatives Kilpatrick, Watson, Davis, and Meek has 
not gone unnoticed. Their contributions will provide great assistance 
for not only their constituents, but for all Americans. I firmly 
believe that they all will continue to be change-makers along whichever 
paths they follow. Their role as public servants will always remain 
strong as they continue to enhance their communities. I wish them the 
best of luck in their next endeavors, and I will cherish the lasting 
friendship we have always shared.

                          ____________________