TRIBUTE TO ARNIE F. BRYANT

Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to Arnie F. Bryant— a loving family man and community leader whom I and others called friend. This year marks the eighth anniversary of Arnie’s homegoing on April 8, 2008. His family will honor him this month with a trip to Washington, DC. Arnie was a fierce supporter of President Barack Obama and encouraged political discussions via his radio program, View Points from the Other Side. Unfortunately, Arnie was called home before he could witness the historic election and inauguration of our 44th President. Today, I join with his family to celebrate Arnie and the tremendous contributions he made to his communities in his short 49 years of life. Arnie was one of the most dedicated, committed, and caring individuals that I have ever known. Arnie was a respected leader who worked tirelessly to make society a better place. After attending Farragut and Proviso East high schools, Arnie served his country by joining the Army. Arnie remained active for 20 years. Arnie’s tribute by the Proviso Insider referenced him as ‘‘Proviso Township’s most popular social and political activist.’’ From a young age, Arnie engaged in community affairs, working to strengthen his community through his compassion, intelligence, commitment, and kindness. He served as the President of the Proviso National Association for the Advancement of Colored People for many years. His passion for learning evidenced itself in his role as President of the Bellwood Library Board. His position as a Proviso Township Trustee reflected his willingness to do the hard work of governing, just another example of his willingness to invest his time to help others. Those who knew Arnie can testify to his absolute and profound commitment to his family. His love for his wife, Gladis, and his children, Brittany and Frank, buoyed him and those around him. Arnie was a spiritual man. He accepted Christ as a member of the Proviso Missionary Baptist Church. As an adult, he was an active member of New Horizon Missionary Baptist Church. Arnie Bryant was a great individual who deserves our commemoration, respect and gratitude. I join with the community in expressing our sadness for his loss and celebrating his life and legacy.