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Representative Donald M. Payne of New Jersey, the Ranking Member of the House International Relations Subcommittee on Africa, was recently honored with the “Visionaries for Africa Award” by The Africa Society at the organization’s First Annual Awards Banquet on Capitol Hill. Payne was selected based on his record as one of the strongest and most effective leaders in the Congress in advancing key U.S. initiatives on behalf of the continent of Africa.
Also honored at the event was Representative Ed Royce of California, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa. Royce and Payne have forged a powerful bipartisan alliance that has resulted in over 60 public hearings and legislation central to every policy impacting the continent – from HIV/AIDS, to promoting trade to ending conflicts and championing democracy and human rights.
Among the presenters for the special tribute entitled “Celebrating Visionaries” were Ambassador Andrew Young, Chairman of Goodworks, International; Judith Hale, President and CEO of Discovery Communications; Professor Ali Mazrui; Ambassador Jerome Mendouga of Cameroon; and Ambassador Barbara Masekela of South Africa. Also in attendance were representatives of the African Diplomatic Corps, U.S. government and corporate community as well as Africanists and leaders of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Leonard H. Robinson, Jr., Africa Society President and CEO, explained the intent of the awards: “We want to cast light on people in politics who dedicate their entire lives to helping others – in this instance, not only their respective constituents, but millions of Africans who may never be able to thank these men. We wish to honor Congressmen Royce and Payne on their behalf.”
The eight-year tenure of Congressmen Royce and Payne at the helm of Subcommittee on Africa has been marked with the realization of significant advancements for the continent of Africa. Their collaboration has enabled numerous measures to be steered to the full House of Representatives.
In presenting the award, Mr. Robinson said, “Congressman Payne is known for his work for human rights and democracy, his fight for humanitarian assistance for African nations, his key interventions in Liberia, Somalia and Rwanda as well as his key role in the passage of the Sudan Peace Act.” The House of Representatives recently approved a resolution Payne introduced declaring genocide in Darfur, Sudan after he visited with refugees fleeing the violence at a camp in Chad.
Payne has played a significant role in cultivating a mre Africa-oriented atmosphere in the House of Representatives. He helped push through the African Growth and Opportunities Act, fought for more resources to end conflicts and wars, and sought innovative solutions to the problems of famine and hunger.
In accepting the award, Payne pledged to “continue working diligently to build on the progress we have made and to forge new partnerships with the continent of Africa.”
Payne was also chosen by Africare, the oldest and largest African American organization focused exclusively on aid to Africa, to receive the 2004 Bishop John T. Walker Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award. Also receiving the award was Senator Richard G. Lugar, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, with whom Payne has worked closely on numerous issues related to Africa. Africare bestowed the honor on the two lawmakers “in recognition of bipartisan Congressional engagement with Africa.” |
