And, I m so proud that the Fannie Mae Gospel Choir could lend its voice to the occasion. On one sad note, I wanted to say just a personal word about Julian Dixon. Julian Dixon was born in Washington, DC, and was committed to this city even though he represented a city 3,000 miles away. The District of Columbia was facing a serious crisis. I will miss Julian Dixon greatly.
Today is a day about the future and a day for remembrance, though, about past trials and triumphs.
On this 30 th Anniversary of the Caucus, I thought I d spend just a second looking back. To do that, we do have help from Congressman William Clay, who was one of the co-founders of the Caucus, who, today, passes the torch to his son, Congressman William Lacy Clay, Junior. He tells of the first African Americans in Congress in the days of Reconstruction and trials they endured to serve their constituents and the country. Of the first 20 Blacks elected to the House, five were denied their seats. Ten had their terms interrupted or delayed.