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CONTACT:
| Congressman Edward Roybal Received Congressman Edward R. Roybal today received the Presidential Citizen's Medal at a White House ceremony. Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard accepted the medal from the President on her father's behalf. Congressman Roybal was among 28 noted Americans selected for this award. Other honorees include sports legend Henry "Hank" Aaron, a staunch civil rights advocate who tore down racial barriers in baseball; Muhammad Ali, the most celebrated boxer in history and devoted social activist; Ronald H. Brown (posthumously), the first African American to become a partner in his law firm, chairman of a major political party, and Secretary of Commerce; Dr. I. King Jordan, the first deaf president of Gallaudet University; Eli J. Segal, founder of AmeriCorps and the first Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service; Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth, founder of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights and co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; screen legend, Elizabeth Taylor, dedicated leader in the fight against AIDS. "I am very proud to accept this award on my father's behalf," said Congresswoman Roybal-Allard. "My father has been a tremendous influence not only in my life, but in the lives of countless others. He has dedicated so much of his time to improving the quality of life for those in his community and across the nation; to see his hard work and commitment to others recognized by the President is very meaningful to him and to our family. I am truly honored to be a part of this ceremony." Bestowed at the sole discretion of the President, the Presidential Citizen's Medal is awarded to U.S. citizens who have performed exemplary deeds or service for their country or fellow citizens. Established in 1969, this medal is the second highest civilian honor granted by the President. "I am honored to recognize these talented and dedicated individuals who in remarkable ways have risen to America's highest calling - active citizenship," said President Clinton. "In giving freely of themselves and their time they have undoubtedly inspired others to do the same." Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1962, Rep. Edward Roybal served his congressional district in California for 30 years, was founder of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and served as its chair during the 97th Congress. Throughout his distinguished 43-year career in public service, Congressman Roybal has been a pioneer in the fields of civil rights, education, and health and human services. In 1949, he was the first Mexican-American to be elected to the Los Angeles City Council. Edward Roybal's life has been devoted to improving the quality of life for all persons. His vision and dedication resulted in the establishment of the Edward R. Roybal Institute for Applied Gerontology on the Cal State L.A. campus, in which he remains active. Because of his life's work, Congressman Roybal received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from California State University, Los Angeles in 1998. His daughter, Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Los Angeles, 33rd District), received her bachelor's degree from Cal State L.A. in 1965. NOTE TO ASSIGNMENT EDITORS:
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