Black lawmakers back Obama on Nobel Peace Prize

Oct. 11, 2009, 12 a.m. - Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in recognition of President Obama winning the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.

“We commend the president on receiving the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, " Lee said. The "award symbolizes hope in the future. People throughout the world realize that we share common challenges. Those challenges require leadership which affirms universal human values and dialogue over unilateralism.”

Georgia Rep. John Lewis agreed.

"With this award, I think the members of the Nobel Committee are sending a powerful message to the rest of the world," Lewis said. "They are saying, in effect, that the very presence of Barack Obama as president of the United States moves us one step closer to a world at peace with itself. In a nation like ours, with its majestic story of freedom rooted in slavery and a history of racial violence, the very existence of an African American as president declares to many in the world community the immutable universality of all humankind.

"Here, in the United States, we may be too distracted by the politics of the day to recognize that the world sees the emergence of this man as a sign of hope. In this very dangerous period in our world’s history he symbolizes the possibility of peace and tranquility, despite centuries of turmoil. He stands for a different kind of world leadership that is not so quick to use bombs and missiles and guns but wants to find ways to peacefully coexist with the rest of the international community. Perhaps, this Nobel Prize will give him an even greater commitment to build bridges toward nuclear disarmament and world peace. I congratulate President Obama on this great honor."

“The NAACP congratulates President Obama on receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. In less than a year in office, President Obama has tackled some of the hardest issues a United States President has had to face. He’s redefined the way the world views the United States through his diplomacy, changed the way business is conducted in the U.S through legislation like the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, promoting equal pay for equal work and eliminating discrimination measures, and continues to fight for all American’s to receive equal treatment, equal pay and quality health care,” stated Benjamin Todd Jealous, NAACP President and CEO.

President Obama joins the likes of Kofi Annan, Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mother Teresa in winning the Nobel Peace Prize and is also only the third sitting President to receive this honor, with President Theodore Roosevelt and President Woodrow Wilson preceding him. President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Al Gore are also Nobel Peace Prize winners after they left the White House.

“President Obama inspires hope and transformed the way the United States is viewed across the globe. President Obama continues to be a passionate advocate for global peace and nuclear disarmament through his diplomatic visits and speeches to nations and groups across the world,” stated Hilary O. Shelton, Director of the NAACP Washington Bureau and Senior Vice President for Advocacy. “The NAACP applauds the president for his swift actions to effect change in this country and around the world and we congratulate him on receiving this honor.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Mourns the Passing of Community Leader and HIV/AIDS Activist Dr. Robert Scott

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) issued the following statement upon learning of the passing of Dr. Robert Scott:

“Our community has lost a compassionate and dedicated leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Through his tireless efforts, Dr. Robert Scott gave hope to thousands of people in the African-American community who have waged a personal battle against HIV/AIDS.

“Dr. Scott was so committed to treating those infected by the HIV/AIDS virus that he became the first African-American doctor to become licensed to practice in Zimbabwe, Africa, where on a volunteer basis he frequently traveled to the country treat over 300 patients and to deliver clothes and supplies to the children of parents who died of AIDS..."

Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) announced the creation of her Health Care Hub, an online portal designed to provide constituents with information, direction, and resources about the current health care reform debate. Available at www.fudge.house.gov/healthcarehub, the site contains:

"Unfortunately, many misconceptions exist about America’s Affordable Health Choices Act. I want to present the facts and dispel the myths about the House of Representatives' health care proposal so my constituents can make informed decisions," said Rep. Fudge. "My Health Care Hub will serve as a good resource to help constituents separate fact from fiction."

The Hub will be continuously updated as Congress deliberates health care reform.