CBCF Statement on CBC Founding Member Louis Stokes Cancer Diagnosis
WASHINGTON (PRWEB) July 23, 2015 -- A. Shuanise Washington, president and chief executive officer of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) today released the following statement on Congressman Louis Stokes’ diagnosis with lung and brain cancer:
“We are saddened to hear the news of Congressman Louis Stokes’ illness. We stand with his family in faith and prayer for his treatment and recovery during this challenging time.
“As the first black man elected to Congress from Ohio, and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Stokes fought for the civil and social injustices that made the biggest impact on the African-American community.
“Rep. Stokes was a champion for increasing the pool of qualified, minority health policy professionals to help eliminate health disparities globally. As a result, the CBCF’s Louis Stokes Health Policy Fellowship was formed. And today, two CBCF fellows are receiving training under this initiative. We also a have a scholarship named in his honor, for students entering the health workforce.”
“Mr. Stokes exemplifies leadership and service. In 1971, Congressman Stokes and the CBC gave President Nixon 60 recommendations for government action on domestic and international issues. In 1986, he and other CBC members were influential in getting the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 passed in Congress.
“His 30 years of public service to the state of Ohio continues to leave an indelible mark on emerging young leaders and public servants following in his footsteps.”
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Shrita Sterlin-Hernandez, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated, http://www.cbcfinc.org, +1 (202) 263-5702, [email protected]
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