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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE THURSDAY LUNCHEON GROUP
______
HON. GREGORY W. MEEKS
of new york
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Thursday Luncheon
Group, an organization that serves as an effective platform to help
African-Americans play an equitable role in the formulation,
articulation, and implementation of U.S. foreign policy.
When I travel the world, I witness firsthand the importance of having
an inclusive diplomatic corps reflecting the American people's rich
cultural tapestry. As the U.S. Department of State's oldest Employee
Affinity Group, TLG has been instrumental in leading the charge to
promote diversity within the State Department and the U.S. Agency for
International Development.
In 1973, two senior USIA Officers, William B. Davis and Roburt A.
Dumas, urged their friends at USIA, the State Department, and USAID to
consider what could be done to encourage a significant role for
African-Americans in foreign affairs. These foundering members began
meeting regularly on the first Thursday of every month to discuss
issues affecting the careers of African American Foreign Service and
Civil Service personnel and to create space for open exchanges with
guest speakers. This group of trailblazers understood then, as we fully
appreciate now, the struggle for representation is often long but
begins with a dedicated few.
Nearly five decades later, the Thursday Luncheon Group has over 500
members, including retired and current Department of State and USAID
employees, and dedicated members from five other federal agencies.
Their members have taken prominent roles in the development and
execution of U.S. foreign policy, including Chiefs of Mission, Career
Ambassadors, and Assistant Secretaries. TLG members monitor
recruitment, assignments, employment practices, training and other
matters of vital interest to minorities at the State Department and
USAID.
In addition, TLG works to improve the career development and
networking opportunities among their members. The organization is
committed to mentoring entry-level and mid-level officers in an effort
to prepare them to become the future leaders in international affairs.
What is most impressive is their commitment to giving back. The
organization sponsors two paid summer internships at the Department of
State. TLG also established the Terence A. Todman Book scholarship
(named after the first African American to be named Career Ambassador,
the highest rank among the diplomatic corps) for students at eight
Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
With the Thursday Luncheon Group's strong commitment to diversity and
excellence in international affairs, TLG has set the standard for all
other affinity to follow. I congratulate the members of the Thursday
Luncheon Group for forty-five years of service to our country. Our
country is better because of your service.
____________________