Floor Statement On Black History Month

Mr. Speaker, this last day of February marks the end of Black History Month, the annual celebration commemorating the contributions of African Americans to this great nation.

I thought it fitting, as its Representative, to pay tribute to some of the many great African Americans that hail from the Sixth Congressional District of New York.

Most people are surprised to learn that since the Harlem Renaissance, Queens has been known as the true "Home of Jazz"- the residence of choice for hundreds of our greatest African American jazz artists.

At the height of their popularity, jazz greats Count Basie, Fats Waller, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Lena Horne lived on the quiet tree lined streets of historic Addisleigh Park. Musicians Milt Hinton, Mercer Ellington and Charles "Cootie" Williams made this historic neighborhood their home as well.

A few blocks away, jazz greats John Coltrane, Lester Young, Illinois Jaquet and Charlie Mingus lived in Jamaica, Queens. And in nearby Hollis, drummer Roy Hanes, vibraphonist Milt Jackson, and trumpeter Roy Eldridge lived a city block or two away from each other. Their neighbors in Springfield Gardens included brothers Albert and Percy Heath, drummer and bass player.

What songs would Harry Belafonte have made famous without Queensite Irving Burgie's song stylings? He wrote or composed 35 of the Caribbean crooner's songs including his most famous "Day-O".

Adding to Jamaica's rich history as the home of African American artists is the Great Godfather of Soul, James Brown, who lived in a stately tudor in Addisleigh Park. His home was within walking distance of singer-songwriter Brook Benton - famous for "A Rainy Night in Georgia".

During the mid-1970's, the Hip-Hop Era came into existence in the United States and pioneering Black youths from Hollis, Queens helped to develop and make it famous. Russell Simmons, with his Def Jam record label and Phat Farm clothing line, became hip-hop's first millionaire mogul. His brother Russell (Run) Simmons along with Darryl (DMC) McDaniels, and Jason "Jam-Master Jay" Mizell formed the group Run-DMC and are credited with making hip-hop a large part of modern pop culture. LL Cool J, known as the Hip-Hop Statesman hails from Hollis, Queens as well.

From the sports world, The Great Joe Louis - World Heavyweight Boxing Champion from 1937 to 1949, and Jackie Robinson, the first Black major league baseball player in the country, lived in Addisleigh Park. Former Knicks' forward Anthony Mason was born and raised in St. Albans.

The Sixth Congressional District has been home to many African American Statesmen, including Ralph Bunche- the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize Wiinner, Roy Wilkins - civil rights leader, Andrew Young - former Ambassador to the United Nations, Colin Powell - this nation's first Black Secretary of State and Rev. Al Sharpton - political and civil rights advocate.

I would be remiss if I did not pay tribute to Mr. Clarence Irving, founder of the Black American Heritage Foundation and the U.S. Postal Service's Black Heritage Stamp Series who lives in Jamaica, Queens.

When one thinks of original American music, both jazz and hip hop come to mind. I represent the district where many of the great artists from these genres chose to live.

When one thinks of African American athletes that broke down barriers many of those who come to mind are from Jamaica, Queens.

When one thinks of African American leadership, some of our most dedicated, eloquent representatives have called my district "home".

It is an honor to salute the accomplishments of these distinguished and talented African Americans from the district I represent. I look forward with hope and encouragement to those that will continue their great legacy.