PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 105^th CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and congratulate a dear and close friend of mine, the nationally and internationally known blues singer Mr. Bobby Rush. On November 9th at the House of Blues in Los Angeles, California, Bobby Rush will receive The Blues Foundation's second annual "B.B. King Blues Hero" Award during the Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony.

The B.B. King Blues Hero Award was established in 1997 by the Blues Foundation to recognize a Blues artist whose career has been characterized by community service and charitable activity. As the recipient of the award, Bobby will receive an honorarium. As is characteristic of his goodness and concern for young people, he is donating his honorarium to a program to provide computers for Mississippi classrooms.

While Bobby Rush is known for his amazing stage show and outstanding performances on the 21 releases that span his career, few people know of Rush's dedication to his community in Jackson, Mississippi. For years Bobby has taken time off the road to use his tour bus to transport people to the polls on Election Day, participates in voter registration drives and encourages young people to be civic minded and help their communities, which I truly appreciate. He also his played functions to raise money for sickle cell anemia research, child care, school band uniforms and musical equipment for local students.

Bobby Rush promotes the Blues by participating in the "Blues in the Schools" programs nationwide During Black History Month, Bobby visits schools throughout Mississippi and Alabama. He also volunteers his own hone as an emergency shelter for children leaving the Hinds County Youth Correctional Facility in Raymond Mississippi.

With professional accomplishments and personal acts of humanitarianism such as these, I am truly proud and honored to stand here and extend congratulations to my friend Mr. Bobby Rush He is truly a credit to America, his community, and his art.