(Washington, DC) — Sixth District Congressman and House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn issued the following statement congratulating the AT&T African-American History Calendar honorees being recognized tonight in Columbia:
“I wish to congratulate AT&T's 2008 African-American History Calendar honorees. I know many of them well, and have appreciated the contributions they have made and continue to make to our history.
“Three of this year's honorees hold special meaning to me — my cousin, Bill Clyburn; his wife, Beverly Clyburn; and my Whip Office Floor Director, Jaime Harrison. I know first hand the extraordinary work these three have done on behalf of the people of South Carolina.
“Bill and Beverly are more than relatives. They are good friends and valued confidants. They have devoted their lives to public service and providing quality education to students in Aiken County and throughout South Carolina.
“Jaime Harrison is a graduate of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, Yale University and Georgetown University Law School with a keen vision of serving the people back home. He found an outlet for his leadership skills serving on my staffs. He became the first African American Executive Director of the House Democratic Caucus and is now the first Black Floor Director for a Majority Whip.
"These three are in fine company among the other calendar honorees. As a former history teacher, I know that African Americans were once largely omitted from our textbooks. I thank AT&T for providing this invaluable calendar to educate current and future generations about the many significant contributions made by African Americans in our state.”
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