Foundation Hosts Biannual Reception
Welcoming Newly Elected Ethnic Members to Congress

On January 31st, The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding hosted its biannual New Ethnic Members Reception on Capitol Hill. The Foundation welcomed the thirteen new ethnic members to Congress. In his remarks, Rabbi Marc Schneier, President, addressed the changing ethnic demographics in Congress: "This is a time to celebrate the change America has made. In 1987, only 20 years ago, there were 72 Ethnic members of congress. Today, in 2007, that number has increased to 127. We are going in the right direction but there is still a lot of work ahead of us."

The Foundation welcomed:

Other speakers included Tonio Burgos, Vice President of The Foundation, Gina Adams, Corporate Vice President for Government Affairs at FedEx Corporation, and Jo Cooper, Group Vice President, Government and Industry Affairs for Toyota Motor North America. Among the members of Congress that attended this event, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX) offered encouraging words to the new members of Congress and reflected on the improvement and growth that has occurred on Capitol Hill. She remarked, "The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding's aim is to bring about equality for all people regardless of race, creed, religion or ethnic background. I am proud to know organizations such as this Foundation continue to believe that direct, face-to-face dialogue between ethnic communities is the most effective path towards the reduction of bigotry and the promotion of reconciliation and understanding."

Long time Foundation friend and supporter Congressman Charles Rangel (NY) gave rousing remarks saying, "There are certain people that you want around, you can tell by the work they do and the people they bring together, whether they be Black, White, Jew, or Gentile. Still I say, God is good." Other attendees included Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX), Julian Bond, Former Chairman of NAACP and Vincent Eng, Deputy Director of the Asian American Justice Center.

View the photos from this event

Copyright © 2007 The Foundation For Ethnic Understanding
The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding was founded in 1989 by Rabbi Marc Schneier and the late Joseph Papp.
We are committed to the belief that direct, face-to-face, dialogue between leaders of ethnic communities is
the most effective path toward the reduction of bigotry and the promotion of reconciliation and understanding.

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