Walk
onto Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., one afternoon and you might find Congressman
J.C. Watts, Jr., discussing budget, education, and defense issues with some
of Washington's most powerful politicians. The next day, dressed in religious
garb, he might be traveling across the country as a guest preacher and the associate
pastor of Sunnylane Southern Baptist Church in Del City, Oklahoma.
Congressman Watts, the fifth
of Helen and Buddy Watts' six children, was born November 18, 1957 in the rural
community of Eufaula, Oklahoma. He is a 1976 graduate of Eufaula High School
and a 1981 journalism graduate of the University of Oklahoma.
"Young people, America
needs you. You are going to have to fight for America."
His propensity for making
a difference is what has made Congressman Watts a driving force in the U.S.
House of Representatives, where he was first elected in November 1994. The only
black Republican in Congress, Congressman Watts has a solid reputation in Oklahoma
as a perceptive and passionate spokesman for a balanced budget, improved education,
and a strong defense.
Since arriving in Washington,
D.C., the father of five has been an active and faithful proponent of family
values and cultural renewal. He has introduced several projects, including the
Community Renewal Project. This initiative attempts to bring spiritual, moral
and economic renewal to communities by encouraging investment and savings, offering
school choice, and allowing citizens the option to use faith-based programs.
The congressman attributes spiritual, traditional, and family values to his
parents, a strong family, a strong church, and a strong neighborhood.
As he did during the 1996
Republican National Convention, Congressman Watts always challenges young people
to be responsible. "Young people, America needs you. If our country is going
to continue to be great, if it is going to continue to be strong, you are going
to have to do your part. You are going to have to fight for America." He urges,
"Fight against skipping school and cheating on your papers. Fight against driving
too fast and disobeying your parents. Fight against cursing and smoking. And
fight, fight with every fiber of your being against drugs and alcohol."
