[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 11] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 16110-16111] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RECOGNIZING THE OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS MADE AT THE 8TH LEON H. SULLIVAN SUMMIT IN ARUSHA, TANZANIA ______ HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, July 23, 2008 Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the work and accomplishments of the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation. The Sullivan Foundation held its eighth summit this past June and was hosted by Tanzanian President, Jakaya Kikwete. Delegates and celebrities from Africa, the United States and the Caribbean were present for this landmark event, including NBA star Kelenna Azubuike, community leader Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, CNN News anchor TJ Holmes, and actor Chris Tucker. The purpose of this summit was to facilitate positive change in Tanzania. This goal was not only met, but surpassed. Contributions from organizations such as; the Iovino Family Foundation, the Maasai Women's Development Organization and Books for Africa have brought about the ability to create sustainable development and education programs throughout Tanzania. I would like to recognize the late Leon H. Sullivan for his unwavering commitment to changing the standards of living in Africa. It was his contribution that has allowed for the Sullivan Foundation's success today. 8th Leon H. Sullivan Summit Sets Historical Landmark: ``Mother of All Summits'' Leaves Memorable Footprint in Tanzania June 18, 2008 (Arusha, Tanzania)--In what was called the ``Mother of all Summits,'' the eighth edition of the Leon H. Sullivan Summit hosted by President Jakaya Kikwete this June brought more than 4,000 participants to the beautiful landscape of Arusha, Tanzania. By the last day of plenary and workshop sessions, what was promised to be the ``Summit of a Lifetime'' turned out to be what many may consider a week of transformation for Tanzania. ``The spirit of my father has definitely moved through this year's Summit and I am truly inspired by all of the selfless displays of generosity and support that were shown during the week. These types of connections, the ones you can see and touch, are what the Summits are all about. This Summit really made a difference in the lives of others. No one can deny that.'' With forty-seven nations represented, the spirit of Reverend Sullivan was alive and well during the week-long conference. On the first day alone, the Iovino Family Foundation gave a $20,000 donation to the Maasai Women's Development Organization (MWEDO), which aims to provide self- sufficiency and increased access to public services and education; Books for Africa gave an initial contribution of 40,000 textbooks and later pledged to provide an additional $100,000 in textbooks for various schools throughout Arusha; More than 1,200 Olyset mosquito nets were supplied to the most endemic villages in Arusha along with school supplies for the Manyatta Village Primary School; Frank Ski, an Atlanta-based radio personality and youth advocate purchased and delivered school supplies to children in local Tanzanian villages, while other attendees sponsored and executed additional independent outreach projects of their own to directly benefit and impact the education and well-being of Tanzanian men, women, and children. In addition, NBA player Kelenna Azubuike of the Golden State Warriors adopted an orphanage, (the Nora Childcare Trust) and donated 40 pairs of brand new NBA basketball shoes and shirts to the Tanzanian Basketball Federation, of which Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete is a member. The Myungsung Presbyterian Baptist Church, using state of the art drilling equipment was able to provide clean drinking water to a community of 12,000 people in Arusha. The state of the art drill used to locate and extract clean drinking water from deep within the earth, is valued at more than $500,000. But perhaps the most moving and memorable gesture of the Summit, came from Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, who, during the state dinner made a public call to guests to help raise at least $25,000 to improve the educational facilities of Tanzania's schools. Within thirty minutes the delegation, led by Summit Co-Chairmen Ambassador Carlton Masters and Ambassador Andrew Young, Sullivan Foundation President and CEO Hope Masters, over $50,000 from individual donations ranging from as little as $5 to $5,000 was raised. Actor Chris Tucker and CNN news anchor TJ. Holmes were the first to make significant contributions. By the Summit's end, delegates were able to wind down and relax with a breathtaking trip to Zanzibar Island. It was there that delegates were able to reflect and acknowledge a truly beautiful part of Africa that many admitted they didn't even know existed. ``The beauty and history of Zanzibar was captivating to me and others alike,'' stated Nichet Smith, Director of Public Relations for the Sullivan Foundation. ``Moments like those I have captured and will hold onto forever. Zanzibar is definitely a place that everyone should see in their lifetime.'' Remaining forever committed to the goals of the Summit--to provide a platform for Africa's political, economic, and cultural leaders, the Sullivan Foundation has completed yet another piece of the ever evolving bridge of hope, change and inspiration towards the vision and legacy of an extraordinary man, The Reverend Leon Howard Sullivan. For more information about the 2008 Leon H. Sullivan Summit, please visit www.the- sullivanfoundation.org/summit or contact Nichet Smith 202.736. [[Page 16111]] ____________________