October 22, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 167 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page H8305]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DR. ALVIN POUSSAINT

  (Mr. RUIZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of renown 
psychiatrist, a former associate dean of student affairs at Harvard 
Medical School, a lifelong public servant, and my mentor and friend, 
Dr. Alvin Poussaint.
  Dr. Poussaint's career has been one of passion and service. During 
the civil rights movement, Dr. Poussaint marched from Selma to 
Montgomery with Martin Luther King, Jr., organizing Freedom Clinics 
with the Freedom Riders.
  Over his accomplished career, Dr. Poussaint and his experience, 
insight, and intellect have been requested by the FBI, the White House, 
and the Department of Health and Human Services.
  One of the biggest blessings of my life is that our paths crossed 
when I was a student at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Poussaint believed 
in me and supported me in my studies and my student advocacies.
  Dr. Poussaint embraced me and my approach to learning. He encouraged 
me and guided my passion and energy, and he defended me from those who 
wanted me to think that I didn't belong there.
  Dr. Alvin Poussaint is one of the reasons I am standing up here today 
as a physician and Congressman standing up for health and social 
justice.
  I wish him well in his retirement and celebrate his decades of 
professional accomplishments and contributions to our society.

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