[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4105]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          ALMA ARRINGTON BROWN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2016

  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this communication is forwarded on 
behalf of the constituents of the Fifth Congressional District of 
Florida and me as we pay tribute to the life of Alma Arrington Brown:

       We are deeply and profoundly saddened by the loss of this 
     great woman, mother, grandmother, loved one, friend, 
     philanthropist, community leader and so much more. She was 
     married to the late Ronald H. Brown who served as the 
     Chairman of the Democratic National Committee and President 
     Clinton's Secretary of Commerce. She passed 20 years to the 
     day of his passing.
       To her loving children, the Honorable Michael A. Brown and 
     Tracey Brown James; her son-in-law, Kendall James; and her 
     grandchildren, Morgan and Ryan Brown, and Harmon and Calab 
     James, our thoughts and prayers are with you, and our hearts 
     share your loss. She loved and cared deeply for her family, 
     her God and her politics. I hope in some small way you know 
     just how much I cared for and will miss her too.
       She was born in Brooklyn, New York. She was a graduate of 
     Fisk University, and received a master's degree from 
     Manhattenville College. She lived the majority of her adult 
     life in Washington, DC. She launched her career as an 
     educator then worked with numerous organizations including 
     the National Council of Negro Women, National Urban League 
     and Girl Scouts of America. While at the District of Columbia 
     Office of International Business, she worked with the Chinese 
     government to construct a Chinese archway, which helped 
     energize Chinatown. She was also a radio show host at WKYS-
     FM. She eventually retired as a business executive with Chevy 
     Chase Bank. During her illustrious career, she was a fierce 
     and formidable force for positive change and equality.
       She was active with national and community social, civic 
     and political organizations. She had leadership roles with 
     numerous entities including The Links, Inc.; Jack and Jill; 
     The Girl Friends Inc.; and the Smart Set.
       She lived her passion for humanity by her actions. As a 
     human rights champion, she dared us to be more than ordinary, 
     she encouraged and pushed us to be better than we even knew 
     we could be. As a citizen of the world, she made us 
     understand and appreciate our individual differences, and all 
     that we hold in common. As a true believer, she simply made 
     us believe by her example. Her standards were high, yet 
     attainable; her truths were straightforward and without 
     embellishment; her voice was strong with reason and 
     reassurance; her directions were clear, simple and intended 
     for keeping our feet on the right path; and her love was 
     great and powerful and showed brightly in her eyes and heart. 
     We are better for having had her in our midst, and we now ask 
     Our Heavenly Father to hold her gently in his loving embrace 
     for all eternity.

                          ____________________