Floor SpeechNeutral2026-04-22

REMEMBERING MR. JAMES McARTHUR ALSOBROOKS

Foreign PolicyEducationCrime & Justice

Context

On 2026-04-22, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) delivered a floor speech titled "REMEMBERING MR. JAMES McARTHUR ALSOBROOKS" in the Senate. The speech addressed foreign policy and also covered education, crime and justice. It referenced legislation: S1931.

Full Text

REMEMBERING MR. JAMES McARTHUR ALSOBROOKS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S1931] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING MR. JAMES McARTHUR ALSOBROOKS Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. James McArthur ``Mack'' Alsobrooks. Mr. Alsobrooks was a beloved husband, father, neighbor, and friend who centered kindness and faith in all that he did. Mr. Alsobrooks was born on January 24, 1948, in Wadesboro, NC, to Adam Willis Alsobrooks and Sarah Daisy (nee Tillman) Alsobrooks. The eldest of three children, he stepped into his role as big brother with ease. He was a product of the District of Columbia Public Schools system, having attended Charles Young Elementary School, Brown Junior High School, and Spingarn High School. He continued to pursue his appetite for knowledge with the help of his teachers, including his music teacher, Roberta Flack. On December 6, 1969, Mr. Alsobrooks married Patricia Ann Thompson. They raised their incredible daughters, Kimberly Patrice and Angela DeNeece in Suitland, Prince George's County, MD. Mr. Alsobrooks' daughters were the light of his life, and he sacrificed endlessly to provide them with the opportunity to chase their dreams. He was always their fiercest supporter and was able to stand by his daughter, our colleague, as she was sworn into the U.S. Senate. I saw him beaming with pride that day. Mr. Alsobrooks applied his deep belief in humanity to every aspect of his life. He cofounded the Alliance of Concerned Men, an organization committed to interrupting cycles of violence and pursuing community healing. Through his church, he participated in a program to counsel, support, and uplift young men. He also served on the Prince George's County Commission on Fathers, Men, and Boys, where he advocated for policies and programs that empower men across generations. Mr. Alsobrooks was also a man of profound faith and a lifelong member of the church. He worshipped with the Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, MD, for over four decades. The outpouring of love from friends, family, and community members since Mr. Alsobrooks' passing is a testament to the kind of life he lived, one filled with joy, devotion, and an uncompromising belief in humanity. He will always be remembered for his wit, his empathy, and his love for a good game of pool. He is survived by his beloved wife Patricia; his daughters Kimberly and Angela; his adored granddaughter Alexandra; his sisters Carol and Barbara; his nephew Aaron; his godson Avery; and many dear family members and friends--all of whom will carry his legacy forward. I invite my fellow Members to join me in offering our sincere condolences to our colleague Senator Alsobrooks and to her family. ____________________

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REMEMBERING MR. JAMES McARTHUR ALSOBROOKS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S1931] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING MR. JAMES McARTHUR ALSOBROOKS Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. James McArthur ``Mack'' Alsobrooks. Mr. Alsobrooks was a beloved husband, father, neighbor, and friend who centered kindness and faith in all that he did. Mr. Alsobrooks was born on January 24, 1948, in Wadesboro, NC, to Adam Willis Alsobrooks and Sarah Daisy (nee Tillman) Alsobrooks. The eldest of three children, he stepped into his role as big brother with ease. He was a product of the District of Columbia Public Schools system, having attended Charles Young Elementary School, Brown Junior High School, and Spingarn High School. He continued to pursue his appetite for knowledge with the help of his teachers, including his music teacher, Roberta Flack. On December 6, 1969, Mr. Alsobrooks married Patricia Ann Thompson. They raised their incredible daughters, Kimberly Patrice and Angela DeNeece in Suitland, Prince George's County, MD. Mr. Alsobrooks' daughters were the light of his life, and he sacrificed endlessly to provide them with the opportunity to chase their dreams. He was always their fiercest supporter and was able to stand by his daughter, our colleague, as she was sworn into the U.S. Senate. I saw him beaming with pride that day. Mr. Alsobrooks applied his deep belief in humanity to every aspect of his life. He cofounded the Alliance of Concerned Men, an organization committed to interrupting cycles of violence and pursuing community healing. Through his church, he participated in a program to counsel, support, and uplift young men. He also served on the Prince George's County Commission on Fathers, Men, and Boys, where he advocated for policies and programs that empower men across generations. Mr. Alsobrooks was also a man of profound faith and a lifelong member of the church. He worshipped with the Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, MD, for over four decades. The outpouring of love from friends, family, and community members since Mr. Alsobrooks' passing is a testament to the kind of life he lived, one filled with joy, devotion, and an uncompromising belief in humanity. He will always be remembered for his wit, his empathy, and his love for a good game of pool. He is survived by his beloved wife Patricia; his daughters Kimberly and Angela; his adored granddaughter Alexandra; his sisters Carol and Barbara; his nephew Aaron; his godson Avery; and many dear family members and friends--all of whom will carry his legacy forward. I invite my fellow Members to join me in offering our sincere condolences to our colleague Senator Alsobrooks and to her family. ____________________