Donald M. Payne: “I want to thank the gentleman from Louisiana for his remarks, and I appreciate him being involved in tonight's Special…”

“I want to thank the gentleman from Louisiana for his remarks, and I appreciate him being involved in tonight's Special Order. I am not surprised that he would be here on such an important topic. He has demonstrated numerous times his commitment to young people and their aspirations and motivating them to do the right thing and be successful, as he has been. One thing that comes to my mind, Mr. Speaker, is as we talk about this issue, what is it that we find these 1.5 million men missing? They are human beings. They are Americans. What is the difference about these 1.5 million men, that they are African American? Does it go back in our history of 300 years? Does it have something to do with us, as a race? I just wonder, sometimes, what is the difference; but I won't go there. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank the members of the Congressional Black Caucus here tonight for sharing their profound insights and observations. Your participation was greatly appreciated. Every Monday night in this House, we have a remarkable opportunity to speak about the important work of the CBC to advance full equality and justice for African Americans in all communities in this Nation. One of the most significant challenges our communities face is that of ``the missing black male.'' Once again, to quote The New York Times: ``More than one out of every six black men who today should be between 25 and 54 years old have disappeared from daily life.'' Many of these men are incarcerated.…”