Eleanor Holmes Norton Honors BDPA in House of Representatives

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., has issued a statement that was published in the Congressional Record on June 2 honoring the National BDPA. The congresswoman is addressing the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the National Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) on its 40th anniversary of service to the residents of the District of Columbia and the national capital region.

Founded in May 1975 by Earl Pace and the late David Wimberly, BDPA was formed out of a concern shared by both men that minorities were not adequately represented in the information technology industry. The first BDPA chapter was organized in Philadelphia, PA in 1977. A year later, the second chapter was organized in Washington, D.C., and shortly thereafter, the third chapter was organized in Cleveland, OH. In 1979, BDPA was restructured as a national organization, and has 45 active chapters across the United States.

As the oldest and largest African American information technology organization, comprised of over 2,000 African-American IT professionals, as well as science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) college students, BDPA's vision is to be a powerful advocate for their interests within the global technology industry. Its mission is to be a global, member-focused technology organization that delivers programs and services for the professional well-being of its members.

BDPA continues to promote professional growth and technical development for young people and those entering into information and communication technology (ICT) in academia and corporate America. We also appreciate BDPA and its 45 chapters for continuing to provide ICT opportunities for STEM students and professionals.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the National Black Data Processing Associates, in congratulating BDPA for its outstanding accomplishments and commitment to the residents of the District of Columbia and around the country, and in welcoming those attending the BDPA Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair, titled "Evolution of IT-- Embracing the Digital Future," on August 18-22, 2015, at the Washington Hilton Hotel.