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“RON BROWN FEDERAL BUILDING NAMING” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Commerce was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H3129 on March 10, 2009.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
RON BROWN FEDERAL BUILDING NAMING
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. I rise to celebrate the life of former Secretary of Commerce Ron H. Brown, who was the first African American to hold that position, and the first African American to serve as chairman of the Democratic National Committee. I want to thank Chairman Rangel for bringing this resolution to the floor, designating the Federal building located at the United Nations Plaza in New York City as the ``Ron H. Brown United States Mission to the United Nations Building.''
At the time of his death in 1996, Mr. Brown was a figure of global importance and an advocate for American businesses at home and abroad. Through his example, Ron was a pioneer for many African Americans, and a role model, and was respected for his leadership, intelligence, and public service.
Born in Washington, DC, on August 1, 1941, and raised in Harlem, New York, he spent most of his life working for the people of New York and the citizens of the United States. As Secretary, he circled the globe spreading goodwill with his enthusiasm.
I remember traveling with Ron once to Africa as he was cultivating opportunities and markets for American products. It was on one of these trade missions that he died in a plane crash in war-torn Eastern Europe on April 3, 1996.
Ron left behind a wife, Alma, two devoted children, Michael and Tracey, and a record of commitment to the job he loved. Since his death, Ron has been recognized with many awards and scholarships, including the Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership and Responsibility, established by President William J. Clinton; the annual Ron H. Brown American Innovator Award, established by the U.S. Department of Commerce; and the largest ship in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's fleet named in honor of his public service, the Ronald H. Brown.
Please join me today in celebrating the life and service of one great American statesperson and pioneer, Mr. Ron H. Brown.
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