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On Tuesday, May 19th, CHC hosted a Capitol Hill tribute in honor of Mickey Leland, former Representative from Houston, Texas. Representative Leland and 15 others died in a tragic plane crash during a famine mission in Ethiopia. August 7, 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of his death.
CHC celebrated the life and legacy of Mickey Leland, and the bi-partisan approach taken by both Representative Mickey Leland, and Representative Bill Emerson in the fight to eradicate hunger. At the event, CHC memorialized Mickey by honoring Representative Donald M. Payne, Senator Herb Kohl, Senator Thad Cochran and Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr., for the dedication and determination it takes to make hunger and poverty a focal point in the U.S. Congress. These awards were presented by Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, Representative Jo Ann Emerson, Representative James P. McGovern and Ambassador Tony Hall. We thank each of you for your significant contributions to fighting hunger in the United States and through out the World.
We are honored that Alison Leland was able to join us in paying tribute to her late husband, Mickey. Kathleen Merrigan, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, opened the evening by greeting guests and honorees. A moving tribute to Mickey was delivered by Representative John Lewis. The program concluded with a video tribute message from Chris Matthews. CHC thanks Chris and MSNBC for taking part in our tribute to Mickey. Among our guests were the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellows and the Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows, who serve as a living legacy to Representatives Emerson and Leland.
Guests and honorees shared personal stories about time spent with Mickey, and a common message was expressed through out the evening, the most fitting tribute anyone can give Mickey Leland is to continue to work together to eradicate hunger. Thank you for joining us to make this a truly special evening.
Mickey Leland Life and Legacy Tribute Sponsors
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