Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Roy A. Hastick, Sr., a distinguished member of the Brooklyn business and civic communities. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing his impressive accomplishments.

Dr. Roy A. Hastick has served as President/CEO/Founder of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (CACCI) for almost 20 years. Under his leadership, CACCI has promoted economic development on behalf of Caribbean American, African American, women and other minority small business owners and has become an internationally recognized business organization with a membership of over 1,700 in the United States and the Caribbean. Prior to starting CACCI, Dr. Hastick published the West Indian Tribune, a tabloid newspaper which served as a launching pad for the development of the Chamber, and which became the voice for the Caribbean American Community, and a business networking vehicle.

A tireless advocate for economic and community empowerment, Dr. Hastick helped to form several immigrant organizations and served for over 16 years in various capacities including 1st Vice Chairman of his local Community Board in Crown Heights Brooklyn. He currently serves on several small business advisory boards including: the New York State Governor's and New York City Mayor's Small Business Advisory Boards which advocates on behalf of minority and women owned business; JP Morgan Chase Bank, and the board of directors of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation, New York Congregational Community Services, SUNY Jobs for Youth, and American Red Cross of Brooklyn. For six years, he has served as a delegate to the United Nations.

Dr. Hastick has been an ardent supporter of Two-Way trade between the United States and the Caribbean region. As an elected delegate to the 1995 White House Conference on Small Business, he campaigned to get Two-Way trade with the region into the final recommendations submitted to the United States Congress. Under his leadership, CACCI has undertaken several extraordinary and challenging initiatives including: conducting over 600 business seminars, providing weekly business clinics for start-ups and emerging businesses to access financing, contracting and procurement opportunities; promoting trade and investment opportunities between the Caribbean and the United States, and undertaking energetic and rapid responses to hurricane disasters in the Caribbean region. For the past 3 years, CACCI has managed, Flatbush Caton Merchants Mart, a city-owned Brooklyn-based micro enterprise incubator which houses 61 vendors and occupies 9,000 sq. ft. of space. CACCI's Educational Foundation supports micro-entrepreneurship, hurricane disaster relief efforts and provides scholarships for disadvantaged young people.

Dr. Hastick has led several trade missions to the Caribbean region, hosted numerous Caribbean Head of State on their visits to the United States and made presentations at Caribbean Heads of Government meetings. Under his leadership, the development of the first ever Caribbean Trade Center, a one stop capital shop for two-way trade that will occupy 20,000 sq. ft in a major commercial corridor in Central Brooklyn, is in its 2nd phase of development and has received financial support and commitments from the New York State Governor, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, New York City Council, New York City Mayor, and has been endorsed by local, national and international business entities, including CARICOM. Expected completion date is Fall 2006.

Dr. Hastick has partnered with numerous economic development entities, academic and medical institutions, national and local community groups including the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) United States Department of Commerce MBDA, NYS Empire Development Corporation, NYC Small Business Services (NYC SBS), SCORE, City University of New York (CUNY), SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Caribbean Women's Health Association, African American Chamber of Commerce of Westchester and Rockland Counties, and the Korean American Small Business Service Center.

He has received numerous awards including: the United States Department of Commerce and the New York State Small Business Advocate of the Year Awards; Korean American Small Business Service Center ``Harmony and Unity Award''; Dr. Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award from the Shirley Chisholm Institute; Ron Brown Business Advocate Award; ``Chamber of the Year Award'' from the NYS Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; honored by President William Jefferson Clinton at ``New York Day'' in Washington, DC; ``CEO of the Year 2000'' from the Brooklyn Branch of the NAACP, the New York State Hispanic Legislative Task Force 2002, and the New York State Black and Puerto Rican State Senators Award. Dr. Hastick was also honored with an Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa by Medgar Evers College, CUNY at its 2001 Annual Convocation Ceremony.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Dr. Roy A. Hastick, as he offers his talents and services for the betterment of our local and national communities.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Hastick's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic, dedication that makes him most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today in appreciation and admiration of Reverend Dr. Clarence Keaton for his continued commitment, serving as Pastor and founder of the True Worship Church Worldwide Ministries, as a spiritual leader to his congregants, peers, friends, family, and the entire community of Brooklyn, New York.

Ordained as a minister in 1983, Reverend Dr. Keaton is affectionately referred to as P.O.P. [Pastor of Pastors] by his faithful congregants because of the guidance and genuine support he offers to them through the words of God. He has specifically sought out young members, in need of a spiritual teacher, and has inspired them to fully embrace God's love while following his direction to lead an honest, devout life. In the eyes of his peers, he is known as the ``preachers teacher,'' passionately devoted to spreading the biblical truths of the gospel. This man of god is a beacon of light for his congregation, a buttress of strength, and a source of wisdom for anyone so blessed to be in his presence and hear his voice.

Pastor Keaton was dignified with an honorary doctorate of divinity degree in 1992 by the acclaimed Jesus Saves Bible Institute. His ministry work is highlighted by his magnetic personality and encouraging speech. Pastor Keaton's inspirational teachings are broadcasted on the radio, to proclaim the guiding words of God to a greater audience. This led to his numerous commendations and awards of excellence in radio, because he is able to reach out to thousands of souls of men and women through WWRL radio station. In addition to his outstanding work in ministry, he has been honored for his extraordinary community work, specifically with the senior citizens of the Brownsville Recreation Center.

It gives me great pleasure to honor the many achievements of Reverend Dr. Clarence Keaton and offer my utmost respect for the honest work that he does out of the kindness of his heart. We pray for God's continued grace on his ministry.

Mr. Speaker, recently a group of Sikh leaders met in New York with Catholic leaders in an all-day event hosted by an Interfaith organization. Sikh leaders in attendance included Dr. Manohar Singh, Dr. Tarunjit Singh Butalia, and Dr. Anahat Kaur Sandhu. Monsignor Felix Machado, an official at the Vatican, also attended the meeting.

It is good to see this kind of pluralistic cooperation and I thank Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, for bringing it to my attention.

Contrast this to the situation in India, where Sikhs, Christian, Muslims, and other minorities

are subject to brutal and ongoing repression from the government. Perhaps ``the world's largest democracy'' could learn a thing or two from the meeting in New York.

We should stop our aid to India and we should demand self- determination for all the people of South Asia so that they can live in peace, freedom, harmony, and prosperity, as they do here in America and other Western democracies.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to put the article from India-West into the Record.

[From India-West, June 2, 2006]

Sikh, Catholic Leaders Meet In New York

(By a Staff Reporter)

Representatives of the World Sikh Council-America Region

met with Catholic leaders in New York in an all-day event

hosted by the Religions for Peace-USA. the Sikh group has

said.

Dr. Manohar Singh, the group's chairperson, and Dr.

Tarunjit Singh, chair of the group's Interfaith Committee,

led the Sikhs.

The U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops' delegation was

headed by Rev. James Massa, executive director of its

Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs.

Monsignor Felix Machado, undersecretary of the Pontifical

Council for Inter-religious Dialogue at the Vatican in Rome,

was a special guest and adviser.

Two observers of ReIigions for Peace attended the May 20

meeting.

``The universal message of Sikhism respects pluralism and

we welcome our Catholic friends with open arms,'' Manohar

Singh said. ``This dialogue is an opportunity for our

communities to begin a conversation at the highest level

on how we may be able to work with each other in trust and

friendship to make this world a more peaceful and just

place for all.''

Machado responded by saying the Catholic Church appreciates

this dialogue with the Sikh community. ``Sikhs respect us,

not suspect us,'' he said.

Sikh and Catholic leaders expressed shared concerns over

the challenges faced by immigrant communities in the U.S.,

the curtailment of religious freedom and human rights in

South Asia, and the challenges of secularism to both

religious communities.

The participants said they would meet again this year with

a focus on ``Divinity, Humanity and Creation.'' They also

pledged to continue to meet at least once a year through a

working committee.

After the meeting, the Catholic and Sikh participants

visited the Mata Sahib Kaur Gurdwara Sahib in Glen Cove,

N.Y., joined the evening service and partook of langar meal.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Stanley Henry, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn, New York community. It behooves us today to honor a man who has exhibited the will to succeed, and the insatiable drive to bring his goals into fruition.

Stanley Henry is a man that went from working menial night jobs and attending high school during the day, to owning his own hardware distribution store and contracting firm and being one of the most respected men in Brooklyn.

Mr. Henry was born in British Guyana, South America in 1945. While he attended the Mackenzie Government and Technical High School during the day, he worked nights, a feat especially commendable for a teenager. After graduating in 1965, Mr. Henry worked as a construction apprentice with the Canadian Bauxite Company. In 1967, he migrated to Brooklyn. Not needing much time to adapt to a new culture, Mr. Henry graduated from The Delhanty Institute of Structural Design within 2 years. He then secured a position with Ewell W. Finley Engineer PC and for the next 10 years, Mr. Henry stayed with this company. While still employed with the company, Mr. Henry continued his education. He graduated from both the Institute of Design Construction adding to his structural engineering experience and from NYC Technical College to enhance his administrative skills.

Mr. Henry later moved on to establish Annie Henry General Hardware, his own building materials supply business named after his beloved mother. The name was later changed to Henry Wholesale & Resale Distributors, LLC. He is also the proud owner of Henry Builders Inc., a contracting firm that not only knows the people that it serves, but the people it serves knows and loves him. Mr. Henry's businesses have been a fixture on Broadway for over 35 years and he is affectionately known as the ``Mayor of Broadway'' and ``The Master Builder.''

Mr. Henry embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that is essential to any small business.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Stanley Henry as he offers his talents and services for the betterment of our community.

Mr. Speaker, Stanley Henry's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication and today we should recognize this man and pay homage to a life truly worth celebrating.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Walter T. Mosley III, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn, New York community. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing his impressive accomplishments. Walter T. Mosley III serves as Chief of Staff and Counsel to New York State Assemblyman William F. Boyland, Jr. Prior to his current assignment, Mr. Mosley served as Legal Counsel to the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Clarence Norman, Jr. from 2001 to 2005. In this capacity, he served as advisor to the Deputy Speaker on legislative and public policy issues related to statewide and borough-wide initiatives.

Mr. Mosley's current responsibilities include proposing and recommending legislative items and statewide sponsorship requests, serving as the assemblyman's consultant to social programs and economic development projects within central Brooklyn. He also serves as his re- election consultant, and manager of his staff, both in Brooklyn and Albany, New York.

Prior to accepting his current position with the New York State Assembly, Mr. Mosley served as a political consultant on several local and countywide campaigns, and in 2004, was assigned by the Democratic National Committee to work on behalf of Senator John Kerry's presidential campaign. From 1998 to 2001, Mr. Mosley was a Legislative and Oversight Analyst and Investigator for the New York City Council's Office of Oversight and Investigations. In that capacity, Mr. Mosley issued a number of citywide reports and studies on several public policy issues for the City Council.

Mr. Mosley is involved with many community activities, which include his personal work with literacy programs, youth and civic organizations that have made him keenly aware of the importance of helping others while providing opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential. Presently, Mr. Mosley serves as Chairman and Volunteer Mentor to ``Future Giant,'' a non-profit Harlem/South Bronx community based organization formed to support and mentor adolescents and young adults; Board Member, Bedford YMCA; Chairman of the Economic Development & Job Creation Committee for Community Board 2; Board Member, Cush Campus Schools in Brooklyn, NY; Mentor, Penn State Fast Start Program for incoming freshmen from New York City; and an active member of the Brooklyn Branch of the NAACP.

Recently, Mr. Mosley co-founded and is a managing partner for the consulting firm, Advent Consulting Group, LLC where he helps to advise and organize not-for-profit groups in New York City.

In his spare time, Mr. Mosley serves as a volunteer youth coach with the Brooklyn Skyhawks Football Club and as a participating coach with the National Football League's Junior Players Development Program. Mr. Mosley is a member of the oldest African-American fraternal organization in America--Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

In addition to his volunteer work, Mr. Mosley actively fundraises for the internationally acclaimed HIV/AIDS advocacy group, The ``Balm in Gilead,'' where he participates yearly in their annual marathon. Mr. Mosley sincerely hopes the level of his commitment not only helps to generate funding and awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS, but will encourage other young adults to join in his efforts to raise money and awareness towards the fight against this horrible disease. This year, Mr. Mosley intends to run in the New York City Marathon to raise funds for the Bedford YMCA. As a result of his tireless work and efforts, Mr. Mosley is the recipient of numerous community awards and recognitions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of William D. Pinkett, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn, New York community. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing his impressive accomplishments.

William D. Pinkett was born in New Haven, Connecticut to the late William Sheridan and Hattie Pinkett. He is the fifth of five brothers, all of whom have preceded him in death.

William (Bill as he is affectionately called by most) came to Brooklyn as an infant, when his parents came to New York seeking a better life.

Bill was educated in the New York public school system, attending PS 41, Junior High School 210 and Boys High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree and Masters in Sociology from Brooklyn College. He also received a Masters of Science Degree in Educational Supervision from Pace University. In 1950, the US Army drafted Bill and he served in the infantry in Korea. In 1953, Bill received an honorable discharge and was immediately hired by the US Postal System. While working as a clerk at night, Bill attended graduate school and taught in the NYC Public Schools on a per diem basis during the day.

After 10 years of postal employment, he assumed a fulltime career as classroom teacher for 22 years. He later served as an educational administrator at the Board of Education headquarters for the next 10 years. Bill's tenure at the New York City Board of Education lasted 33 years. He retired in 1991, as a licensed Senior Educational Administrator of Curriculum and Staff Development.

Wherever Bill worked, he also served as a union representative in those titles. Upon retirement at the Board it was to be expected that he would become an elected officer in the Retired School Supervisors Chapter of the Council of Supervisors and Administrators (CSA). In his capacity as a Trustee of the CSA Retiree Welfare fund, Bill continues to serve as a champion for the rights and benefits for retirees of his former union.

Given Bill's leadership abilities, it was not a surprise that he was elected Chairman of the City-Wide Council of Municipal Retiree Organizations (COMRO), which is comprised of retirees from over 40 New York City unions, representing in excess of 150,000 retirees. Bill is completing his second term as Chairman of this distinguished organization of uniformed and civilian retirees, which seeks to maintain and improve the health benefits of all municipal retirees as well as keeping a watchful eye on legislation that impact upon New York City's five pension systems.

Bill will be quick to tell you that whatever skills in public relations with workers and retirees he might have, came about because he learned so much from his master teacher (and late wife), New York City Councilwoman Mary Glover Pinkett.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of William D. Pinkett as he offers his talents and services for the betterment of our local and national communities.

Mr. Speaker, William Pinkett's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes him most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Henry Glover, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn, New York community. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing his impressive accomplishments.

Mr. Glover was born and raised in South Carolina and moved to Brooklyn, New York after graduating from high school.

He's married to his high school sweetheart Mabel and is the proud father of four children and one adopted son. Mr. Glover graduated as an auto mechanic from Berk Trade School. He also attended LaGuardia Community College and earned his certification in Management. After many years of loyal and dedicated service, Mr. Glover retired from Eagle Electric Company.

Noting a need for change, Mr. Glover started volunteering in the community in the late seventies with the East New York Democratic Club. He later was appointed President of the

Tenant Association of Marcus Garvey Houses, where he started the development's first free lunch program and youth jobs program.

Mr. Glover later moved to Bedford Stuyvesant and became very active with the Unity Democratic Club, where he serves as Chairperson of the Membership Committee and Office Manager. In his spare time, he loves to watch sports and two of his most beloved teams are the NY Yankees and the NY Football Giants.

Everyone who knows Mr. Glover knows that if you can't catch him during the week, you will be sure to find him on Sunday at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church where he serves as a faithful Deacon. He is also a member of the Association of Deacons.

Mr. Glover's motto is ``If I Can't Help Somebody Along the Way, Then My Living Would Have Been in Vain,'' and his life is a living testament.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Henry Glover, a man who offers his talents and services for the betterment of our community.

Mr. Speaker, Henry Glover's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes him most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Shelby Samuel, a distinguished member of the medical community. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing his impressive accomplishments.

Shelby Samuel, M.D. is Chief of Gastroenterology at North General Hospital. He is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Downstate Medical Center, State University of New York. Dr. Samuel received his undergraduate degree at Yale University and his Medical Degree at Downstate Medical Center.

Dr. Samuel is the recipient of awards for community involvement and leadership. He has been involved in efforts for promoting the academic advancement of young people at the level of junior high school, high school, college, and medical school. Dr. Samuel is involved in active research regarding problems in gastroenterology and hepatology that affect the minority community. He has presented his research findings at national academic meetings, including research findings on the knowledge and attitudes regarding colon cancer prevention in a high- risk urban population. Dr. Samuel has a private practice in gastroenterology with offices in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Dr. Shelby Samuel, a man who has made giant strides in the field of medicine, and whose service makes him most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Shelby Samuel's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes him most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Clifford Young, a distinguished member of the medical community. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing his impressive accomplishments.

Dr. Clifford Young is affectionately known by members of the Brooklyn, New York community as ``The People's Doctor.'' Dr. Young is a man who overcame tremendous challenges to practice medicine, and then did his best to help people once he got his degree.

Dr. Young was born on the multiple island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines located in the eastern Caribbean. Upon graduation from secondary school, he received a PAHO/WHO scholarship to the Barbados Community College where he studied laboratory technology. After a short tenure at the lab of the Kingstown General Hospital, he migrated to the U.S. to continue his studies. In 1980, he enrolled at Hunter College of the City University of New York and in 1984 he graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemistry. In 1989, he received a doctor of medicine degree from the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center. After completing his residency, Dr. Young served as an attending physician at the Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, a position he still holds today. Dr. Young is also an attending physician in the Department of Medicine at the Brookdale University Hospital, and is the medical director of Citi Medical of Carnasie in Brooklyn. But Dr. Young doesn't stop there. He is also a clinical assistant professor with the Department of Medicine at Downstate Medical School, SUNY; a Diplomat of the Medical Board of Medical Examiners, a Diplomat of the American Board of International Medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. In recognition of his outstanding charitable work and contributions, Dr. Young also received the Family Service Network of New York 2005 Community Health Award and the Thomas R. Fortune Professional Health Care Award in 2006.

Dr. Young is happily married to the former Hilma Foster; they have two daughters, Nyasha and Chantay, and one son, Clifford Jr.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Dr. Clifford Young, a man who has made giant strides in the field of medicine, and whose service makes him most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Cheryl McKissack Felder, a distinguish member of the business and civic communities. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing her impressive accomplishments.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, to teacher Leatrice and architect, William D. Berry McKissack, Cheryl McKissack Felder's passion for the skill and art of design/build evolved through five generations of master builders. In sustaining the McKissack tradition in a male- dominated industry, Cheryl's innovative ideas and business leadership skills has proven to be triumphant in exceeding the expectations of clients and colleagues alike.

Joining the family business in 1989 after achieving her Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Howard University, Cheryl holds a unique position in the construction and engineering industries as the head of the Nation's oldest African-American and women-owned design and construction firm. Her hands-on and close client interaction management approach assure clients that every detail of each project will be handled with care and precision. With McKissack providing services throughout the United States, Cheryl has contracted over $50 billion dollars in projects. Some of Cheryl's most distinguished clients include the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Housing Authority, Dormitory of the State of New York, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New Jersey Port Authority and Philadelphia International Airport.

With offices in Philadelphia and New York, Cheryl has pioneered the McKissack company to today's, McKissack & McKissack, LLC; the corporate entity and holding company and 721 Chestnut; a real-estate company. Cheryl serves as the President of The McKissack Group, Inc., a full service construction management firm specializing in new construction and renovation projects. She is the Chief Executive Officer of McKissack and Associates, Inc., a professional architecture firm that provides conceptual and schematic design, pre-construction administration and design development services. Cheryl stays on the cutting edge of technology as the Chief Executive Officer of M&M Solutions, LLC, an information technology firm providing advanced web- based technology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), infrastructure, telecommunications and IT project management. Services provided by MMS include business process integration, web development, multimedia design, wireless communications and application development.

Cheryl is also a community leader. She has served as the Vice Chair of the Philadelphia Authority of Industrial Development, and co-chair on Philadelphia Mayor John Street's Transition Committee for Small Business. Cheryl is also an active member of the National Liberty Museum Board, where she has been honored as a ``Hero of Liberty'' for her support of humanitarian initiatives and promoting the responsibilities of a free and diverse America.

A strong community leader and a business mogul, Cheryl prides herself with her most dedicated and greatest accomplishments of being a wife and mother.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Cheryl McKissack Felder as she offers her talents and philanthropic services for the betterment of our local and national communities.

Mr. Speaker, Cheryl McKissack Felder's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes her most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Christopher Smith, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn, New York, educational and civic communities. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing his impressive accomplishments.

Mr. Smith considers that the very nature of education dictates that it takes place all the time, anytime and anywhere. As an educator in the New York City Public School System, Mr. Smith employs the concept of ``teachable moments'' in and out of the classroom. Mr. Smith posits that teachable moments are times in the life of an individual where one consciously learns from trial and error. He believes that learning through this method allows students cognition to develop critically and to balance multitudinous tasks tossed at them by life.

The village it takes to raise a child is evident at Boys and Girls High School. Mr. Smith provides students and staff with many opportunities to learn how to develop, implement and evaluate programs and extracurricular activities. This includes the development of the Exemplary Mentoring Program, after-school tutoring, the Annual Scholarship Luncheon, the Annual Talent Show, the development of Black & Latino Awareness programs, the Academic Bowl, Pep rallies, Student Government, and other activities to increase school spirit. It is important to Mr. Smith that the legacy of this great institution continues.

Born and raised in Bedford Stuyvesant (Gates Avenue), Christopher Smith is a product of the New York City Public Schools system. After graduating from Boys and Girls High School in 1996, he received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration at the State University of New York at Oswego, and received his Master's Degree in General Education and Special Education from Touro College in New York City. This summer, Mr. Smith is embarking on a path in his pursuit of obtaining an Educational Administration Master's Degree at the College of St. Rose in Albany, New York. When he successfully completes his Educational Administration Degree, he looks to earn his Educational Doctorate.

Mr. Smith works hard to keep the Boys and Girls High School legacy alive in the Bedford Stuyvesant community. He knows that his children are definitely the ``Jewels of Bedford Stuyvesant''. Although this task is not easy, God has equipped him with valor to complete this stringent journey and he works according to the following mantra: ``It doesn't matter where my children come from but where I hope to help them get to.''

Mr. Smith further states that when we derive pleasure from our daily lives, are stimulated or challenged by our work, enriched by the new things we learn, and by our contact with others; our lives are successful regardless of the specific setbacks of a particular day. When it is all said and done, and he recalls the day's events; he is satisfied in knowing that he was able to help his community.

Mr. Speaker, Christopher Smith's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes him most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Henry Frank, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn, New York community. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing his impressive accomplishments.

Henry Frank was born in the Republic of Haiti, and was trained as an anthropologist. His research works have taken him all over Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and South America, particularly Bahia, the bastion of the African culture in Brazil.

Dr. Frank has given lectures on the African Preserved Religions in the New World especially Vodou as well as other aspects of the New World Cultures at many Universities and Museums in the U.S. and abroad. For nine years, Dr. Frank was the Assistant Director of Caribbean Studies in the Education Department at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. He has also participated in conferences and has given lectures at several prominent institutions, hospitals and healthcare facilities.

From 1982 to 1990, Dr. Frank served as a scholar for the New York Council for the Humanities program, ``Speakers in the Humanities''. In April 1990, he was appointed Consul General of Haiti in New York in the government of Mme.Ertha Trouillot, the first woman president of Haiti. From 1986 to 1990, Dr. Frank serve as the Executive Director of the Haitian Neighborhood Service Center (HNSC) in NYC while simultaneously serving as a lecturer on African/Caribbean Culture and History for the NYC Council for the Humanities.

Dr. Frank has participated in many radio and TV programs in the U.S. and Europe. He appeared on French and German television and was a specialist on African Preserved Religion in the Americas and narrator for FINNISH TELEVISION in Finland. He was a consultant for the Voodoo segment of the series ``In Search of Voodoo by Landsburg Productions''. The program was first aired on WNBC-TV. He also was a consultant for WABC-TV in the 20/20 segment on ``Zombification''. He appeared with Wade Davis, the author of The Serpent and the Rainbow, as a guest on The Geraldo Riviera Show in opposition to the film of the same name. Dr. Frank was a consultant for the fabulous exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History in New York entitled, ``The Sacred Art of Haitian Vodou'' that was on view from October 10, 1998 to January 3, 1999 and attracted 70,000 viewers. He also gave numerous lecture presentations and participated in panel discussions in conjunction with the exhibit. He continually serves as a consultant for that scientific and cultural institution.

Since April 1991, Dr. Frank has been the Executive Director of the Haitian Centers Council, a consortium of eight Haitian Centers nationwide. It is important to note that the Haitian Centers Council (HCC) offers the most comprehensive HIV/AIDS education and prevention program to the Haitian community at large for over 20 years, but not exclusively. It also provides services to other Caribbean and minority communities including French-speaking Africans. The oganization has a 16 unit residential facility with support services for people with AIDS (PWA). In collaboration with the NYC Department of Education and United Way of NYC, HCC conducts programs for high school students pertaining to academic enhancement, cultural and historical enrichment, leadership, and socialization skills. HCC also provides a comprehensive Domestic Violence Prevention program to the Haitian community at large and other minority communities. Under Dr. Frank's direction, HCC has been on the forefront of immigration issues, and the protection and defense of Haitian immigrant rights in the U.S and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Henry Frank, as he offers his talents and services for the betterment of our local and global communities.

Mr. Speaker, Henry Frank's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes him most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mrs. Gwendolyn Towns, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn community. It behoove's us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing her impressive accomplishments.

Mrs. Gwendolyn Towns attended college in her home State of North Carolina where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technological State University. Later, she earned a masters degree in Guidance and Counseling from Brooklyn College, and obtained postgraduate credits from Pace University.

She has advocated for quality education for children and adults through her work with several organizations including the Women's House of Detention and NYC Public Schools where she spent over 30 years training both students and teachers to fulfill their potential.

Mrs. Towns continues her leadership and commitment to education issues as a member of various national and local committees. Her accomplishments include raising over $850,000 for undergraduate and graduate scholarships as chairperson of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Spouses Annual Golf and Tennis Tournament. In the 10th Congressional District, she administers the General Mills/CBC Spouses scholarship program, which provides financial resources to undergraduate, graduate and doctoral candidates pursuing careers in a health-related profession.

Additionally, Mrs. Towns serves on the Board of Directors of the Brooklyn Children's Museum, and as President of the Interfaith Medical Center Auxiliary where she coordinates Toys for Tots and insures that each patient is remembered during the holiday season. As co-chair of the Interfaith Medical Center Foundation's annual fund raising ball, she is helping to ensure that the hospital continues to grow to meet the community's needs. Mrs. Towns is also affiliated with the NYC Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Concerned Women of Brooklyn, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Boys and Girls High School Women's Day (Women on the ``High''), Bridge Street Martin Luther King Day Award, Barber Scotia College, New Lots Lion Club, NAACP and Berean Missionary Baptist Church.

Most importantly, she and her husband, Congressman Ed Towns, are the proud parents of two children: Assemblyman Darryl Towns and Deidra Towns Blount. They have five grandchildren: Kiara, Jasmine, Kristian, Trinity and Dale.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Mrs. Gwendolyn Towns as she offers her talents and philanthropic services for the betterment of our local and national communities.

Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Gwendolyn Towns' selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes her most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I ask to have my name removed from H.R. 5230.

Mr. Speaker, recently, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright wrote a book called The Mighty and the Almighty. The introduction was written by former President Bill Clinton. In his introduction, President Clinton wrote, ``During my visit to India in 2000, some Hindu militants decided to vent their outrage by murdering 38 Sikhs in cold blood. If I hadn't made the trip, the victims would probably still be alive. If I hadn't made the trip because I feared what militants might do, I couldn't have done my job as president of the United States.''

President Clinton places the blame squarely on Hindu militants, not on the so-called Kashmiri Muslims that the Indian government tried to blame for the massacre. In 2002, the Washington Times reported that the government finally admitted its responsibility and admitted that the evidence that it used to pin the blame on Kashmiris was false.

Reporter Barry Bearak of the New York Times also placed the blame squarely on the Indian government, as did two independent investigations, one by the International Human Rights Organization, which is based in Ludhiana, and the other conducted jointly by the Punjab Human Rights Organization and the Movement Against State Repression. The evidence is overwhelming, yet Indian sycophants continue to deny the government's responsibility.

Unfortunately, this massacre would have been swept under the rug if not for the outstanding efforts of the organizations mentioned above and of the Council of Khalistan, which has painstakingly documented any new developments. I am indebted to them for bringing this to my attention.

The massacre was part of a pattern of repression of minorities that has brought about the murders of over 250,000 Sikhs, more than 300,000 Christians in Nagaland alone, over 90,000 Muslims in Kashmir alone, and Christians and Muslims throughout the country, as well as tens of thousands of Assamese, Bodos, Dalits, Manipuris, Tamils, and other minorities. This is one reason that it is essential to cut off our aid and trade to India and to demand a free and fair plebiscite in Punjab, Khalistan, in Kashmir, in Nagalim, and wherever people are seeking their freedom. This is the only way to bring freedom, peace, stability, and dignity to all the people of south Asia.

I would like to introduce the press release from the Council of Khalistan on Secretary Albright's book into the Record at this time.

``Hindu Militants Murdered 38 Sikhs in Cold Blood''

Washington, DC, May 30, 2006.--In the introduction to

former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's new book, The

Mighty and the Almighty, former U.S. President Bill Clinton

writes that ``Hindu militants'' are responsible for the

massacre of 38 Sikhs at Chithisinghpora in March 2000. This

reflects previous findings by the Punjab Human Rights

Organization, the International Human Rights Organization,

the Movement Against State Repression, and New York Times

reporter Barry Bearak.

President Clinton writes, ``During my visit to India in

2000, some Hindu militants decided to vent their outrage by

murdering 38 Sikhs in cold blood. If I hadn't made the trip,

the victims would probably still be alive, If I hadn't made

the trip because I feared what militants might do, I couldn't

have done my job as president of the United States.''

According to Amnesty International, ``the attackers wore

uniforms of the armed forces and were led by a tall man whom

they addressed as Commanding Officer (CO). All Sikh men were

rounded up, ostensibly to check their identities, and made to

sit on the ground in two groups against the walls of the

gurdwaras [Sikh temples] a few hundred metres from each

other; they were shot at point blank range. As the attackers

withdrew, they reportedly shouted Hindu slogans.'' On August

2, 2002, the Washington Times reported that the Indian

government admitted that its forces were responsible for the

massacre. India finally admitted that the evidence it used to

implicate alleged Kashmiri ``militants'' in the murders was

faked.

At the time of the Chithisinghpora massacre, Dr. Gurmit

Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, strongly

condemned the murders. ``What motive would Kashmiri freedom

fighters have to kill Sikhs? This would be especially stupid

when President Clinton is visiting. The freedom movements in

Kashmir, Khalistan, Nagaland, and throughout India need the

support of the United States,'' he said, Khalistan is the

Sikh homeland declared independent on October 7, 1987.

The massacres continued a pattern of repression and

terrorism against minorities by the Indian government, which

it attempts to blame on other minorities to divide and rule

the minority peoples within its artificial borders. The

Indian newspaper Hitavada reported that the Indian government

paid the late governor of Punjab, Surendra Nath, $1.5 billion

to organize and support covert terrorist activity in Punjab,

Khalistan, and in neighboring Kashmir.

A report issued by the Movement Against State Repression

(MASR) shows that India admitted that it held 52,268

political prisoners under the repressive ``Terrorist and

Disruptive Activities Act'' (TADA) even though it expired in

1995. Many have been in illegal custody since 1984. There has

been no list published of those who were acquitted under TADA

and those who are still rotting in Indian jails.

Additionally, according to Amnesty International, there are

tens of thousands of other minorities being held as political

prisoners. MASR report quotes the Punjab Civil Magistracy as

writing ``if we add up the figures of the last few years the

number of innocent persons killed would run into lakhs

[hundreds of thousands.]''

The Indian government has murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since

1984, more than 300,000 Christians in Nagaland, over 90,000

Muslims

in Kashmir, tens of thousands of Christians and Muslims

throughout the country, and tens of thousands of Tamils,

Assamese, Manipuris, and others. The Indian Supreme Court

called the Indian government's murders of Sikhs ``worse than

a genocide.''

The book Soft Target by Canadian journalists Zuhair

Kashmeri and Brian McAndrew shows that the Indian government

blew up its own airliner in 1985 to blame Sikhs and justify

further repression. It quotes an agent of the Canadian

Security Investigation Service. (CSIS) as saying, ``If you

really want to clear up the incidents quickly, take vans down

to the Indian High Commission and the consulates in Toronto

and Vancouver. We know it and they know it that they are

involved.'' On January 2, 2002, the Washington Times reported

that India sponsors cross-border terrorism in the Pakistani

province of Sindh.

``Only in a free Khalistan will the Sikh Nation prosper and

get justice,'' said Dr. Aulakh. ``When Khalistan is free, we

will have our own Ambassadors, our own representation in the

UN and other international bodies, and our own leaders to

keep this sort of thing from happening. We won't be at the

mercy of the brutal Indian regime and its Hindu militant

allies,'' he said. ``Democracies don't commit genocide. India

should act like a democracy and allow a plebiscite on

independence for Khalistan and all the nations of South

Asia,'' Dr. Aulakh said. ``We must free Khalistan now.''