Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the legacy of my predecessor and mentor, the Honorable Shirley A. Chisholm. In order to provide her community with an enduring testament to her name, S. 571, and its companion bill H.R. 1209, will designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1915 Fulton Street in Brooklyn, New York, as the ``Congresswoman Shirley A. Chisholm Post Office Building.''

Mrs. Chisholm was a New York icon and committed public servant. She was born in Brooklyn, on November 30, 1924, graduated with honors from Brooklyn College, and earned a Master's degree from Columbia University. She was an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), founder of the Unity Democratic Club, and Representative in the New York State Assembly (1964-68).

In 1968, Mrs. Chisholm became the first African American woman to be elected to Congress and serve for seven consecutive terms. During her congressional career (1968-82), Mrs. Chisholm served on the House Education and Labor, Veterans' Affairs and Rules Committees, where she passionately advocated for the rights of women, children, and minorities, and staunchly opposed the Vietnam War. In fact, she was unmatched as a voice for social justice.

Mrs. Chisholm was also a founding member of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues and the Congressional Black Caucus, and the first African American to seek the nomination of a major political party for President of the United States (1972). Her ``unbought and unbossed'' political style allowed her to make friends and political alliances on both sides of the aisle. In addition, her lifetime achievements have inspired members of her Brooklyn community, and generations of women and African Americans, to engage in our nation's policymaking. We are forever grateful for her trailblazing effort.

Mrs. Chisholm was truly one in a million. I am honored to have been part of her Brooklyn political circle and to have worked along side her throughout her political career. In particular, I am thankful for her recommendation of my former chief-of-staff, the late Dr. Brenda Pillors. She, like Mrs. Chisholm, was an insightful and innovative force on Capitol Hill and a source of inspiration for me. Mr. Speaker, in light of the accomplishments and contributions of The Honorable Shirley Chisholm, I deem her to be more than worthy of the designation of a post office building in her name.

Mr. Speaker, God's whisper to come on home to Brenda [Brenda Pillors], our sister in service and life, on the frontlines in the battles and opportunities to improve life and health for all, came on June 12, 2005.

It is with honor that I present this special tribute in memory of our outstanding colleague and dear friend, Brenda Pillors, Chief of Staff to Congressman Ed Towns. Today, July 20th marks what would have been a celebration of Brenda's earthly birthday. Colleagues, family and friends know personally that Brenda did so very, very much to improve the lives and the quality thereof for people everywhere and across all walks of life.

Brenda's impact on health legislation, policy and all other aspects thereof remains from that on minority health and health disparities, to health professions, to children's and women's health; from Medicare and Medicaid, to healthcare reform, to health commissions and agency advisory councils, to the National Health Service Corps; from NIH, to FDA, to SAMHSA, to CDC, to HRSA, to AHRQ, to OMH, to OCR, to IOM; for HIV/AIDS, to diabetes, to obesity, to sickle cell disease, to cancer, to heart disease; from clinical trials, to life trials; from bioengineering, to health technology, to alternative medicine; from behavioral health, to workforce diversity, to affirmative action.

Brenda Pillors was always there--from pharmacology, to immunology, to vaccines; from hospitals, to community health centers, to men's health; from environmental health, to health justice, to nutrition, to birth defects; from the uninsured and underinsured, to urban and rural health; from infant mortality, to head start, to mental health; from nurses, to doctors, to specialists, to community health workers, to researchers; to private and public sector officials; from you to me. Her impact goes on and on--you know Brenda's tremendous heart, impact and reach.

We will always remember you Brenda--your dedication, your commitment, your leadership, your expertise and your understanding, and indeed your smile, your laughter and your voice. Brenda Pillors--truly a leader in public service and servant in God's army of service and love.

My ``Sister,'' we will miss you always--your legacy of achievements is written in the hearts of the lives of those you have helped and touched in oh so many, many ways. Your presence and legacy is embedded in the walls and along the halls of the U.S. Congress, and is written in legislation, Congressional hearing questions and transcripts, hearing reports, committee and conference reports, agency reports and justifications, and throughout the Congressional Record.

Brenda was and truly lived the ``purpose driven life.'' Thousands, upon thousands, upon thousands, upon thousands of lives have been improved and in fact many saved, and futures are much brighter because of Brenda's life and works. The majority of the people who have and will benefit from her works will never know her. Even the lives of generations to come will benefit from her work. We have always been proud of Brenda.

Dear Brenda, we thank you, and we salute you and we honor you--our ``sister in service striving throughout her life to ensure justice and equality for all--Brenda Pillors, PhD.''

Reflections of our love, appreciation and respect for Brenda Pillors, on this day which would have marked her 53rd birthday. From me to you, we thank God and your family for sharing you with us, the Nation and the world--Fredette (Fredette West).

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Brenda E. Pillors on behalf of Ms. Fredette West.

Mr. Speaker, on June 12, 2005, God's whisper to ``come home'' came to Brenda Pillors (Chief of Staff to Congressman Ed Towns), our sister in service and life on the frontlines in the battles and opportunities to improve life and health for all.

It is with honor that I present this special tribute in memory of our outstanding colleague and dear friend, Brenda. Today, July 20th marks what would have been a celebration of Brenda's earthly birthday. Colleagues, family and friends know that Brenda did so much to improve the quality of life for all people.

Brenda developed health policy and legislation that positively impacted public health domestically and internationally. Her expertise and outstanding contributions abound in the area of eliminating health disparities among communities of color, women and children, as well as the indigent and marginalized in society. She tirelessly worked on a broad range of social policy issues including Medicare and Medicaid, healthcare reform, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, obesity, sickle cell disease, cancer, heart disease, clinical life trials, bioengineering, health technology, alternative medicine, behavioral health, workforce diversity, and affirmative action. Likewise, she worked collaboratively with various health commissions, agencies, advisory councils, and programs including NIH, FDA, SAMHSA, CDC, HRSA, AHRQ, OMH, OCR, 10M, and the National Health Service Corps.

Brenda Pillors was always present to advocate on a range of public health issues from pharmacology, immunology, vaccines, hospitals and community health centers, men's health, environmental health, nutrition, birth defects, the uninsured and underinsured, to urban and rural health, infant mortality, head start, mental health, primary care practitioners and community health workers, researchers, private and public sector officials, and on behalf of everyday citizens like you and me. Her presence and tremendous heart still have far-reaching impact.

We will always remember you Brenda. Your dedication, commitment, leadership, expertise, understanding, voice, smile, and laughter will forever live in our hearts. Brenda Pillors was a true leader in the area of public service and an exemplary servant in God's army of love.

My ``sister'' we'll miss you always. Your legacy of achievements is written in the hearts of those you touched. Your presence and legacy is embedded in the walls and along the halls of the U.S. Congress, and is also written throughout the Congressional Record and in legislation, Congressional hearing questions, transcripts, committee, conference, and agency reports.

Brenda truly lived a purpose driven life. Thousands of lives have been improved and saved because of her life's works. The majority of the people who have and will benefit from her work will never know her. The lives and bright futures of generations to come will benefit from her work. We have always been proud of Brenda.

Dear Brenda, we thank, salute, and honor you. Our ``sister in service'' who endeavored throughout her life to ensure justice and equality for all--Brenda Pillors, PhD.

Mr. Speaker, on this day that would have marked Brenda's 53rd birthday we reflect on our love, appreciation and respect for Brenda Pillors. We thank God and her family for sharing her with the nation, the world and us.

Mr. Speaker, on July 3 in Turlock, California, the Sikh flag was raised at an event there. There were speeches from

many distinguished Sikhs, including Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, and many others. The event was organized by Dal Khalsa America, the American branch of a Sikh political party that is strongly in support of independence for Khalistan, the Sikh homeland. Leaders of Dal Khalsa have been arrested in India, along with other leaders, for raising the Khalistani flag there.

In all, dozens were charged last month on the 21st anniversary of India's military attack on the Golden Temple for daring to raise the flag of Khalistan and making speeches, even though these are not crimes in India. They are not crimes in any democratic country. Yet these charges follow the arrests of 35 Sikhs in January for hoisting the Sikh flag and making speeches on India's Republic Day.

These are just the latest acts in a pattern of repression that includes the killings of over 250,000 Sikhs since 1984, over 300,000 Christians in Nagaland, over 89,000 Muslims in Kashmir, tens of thousands more Christians and Muslims around the country, and tens of thousands of Assamese, Bodos, Dalits, Manipuris, Tamils, and other minorities. It seems that the more support for the freedom movement rises, the more brutal India's repression of it gets.

Self-determination is the essence of democracy. But instead of settling the issue of freedom democratically in a free and fair vote, India chooses to suppress the freedom movements with excessive and brutal force.

I am glad that we do not live in that kind of democracy, Mr. Speaker. Instead, we live in a country where you can say what you want, believe what you want, and raise a flag if you want. We must do what we can to help bring India to that kind of democracy, especially with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh coming for a visit soon.

Mr. Speaker, the time has come to stop our aid and trade with India and to put the Congress on record in support of self-determination for the people of Punjab, Khalistan, of Kashmir (as India promised in 1948), of predominantly-Christian Nagaland, and of the other states and nations seeking their freedom. It should start with the dropping of all charges against those arrested or charged for raising a flag and with the release of all political prisoners, and I urge President Bush to bring up these two issues when Prime Minister Singh is here. Only when these goals are achieved can India be welcomed into the family of democratic nations. Only then can these minorities live in freedom, peace, security, stability, dignity, and prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to place the Council of Khalistan's press release on the flag raising in California and its open letter on the charges against the Sikh activists who raised the flag into the Record at this time.

Khalistan Flag Hoisted in California, USA

Washington, D.C., July 12, 2005.--At an event on July 3 in

Turlock, California, Sardar Paramjit Singh Sekhon and Sardar

Gagandeep Singh of Dal Khalsa America, invited Dr. Gurmit

Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, to hoist

the flag of Khalistan. The Council of Khalistan is the

government pro tempore of Khalistan. It is leading the

struggle for Khalistan's independence. Dal Khalsa has led

several marches and other events in Punjab to promote

independence for Khalistan, the Sikh homeland that declared

its independence from India on October 7, 1987. The event was

shown throughout India on an Indian television channel called

Aaj Tak on July 6. Dr. Aulakh was interviewed by a California

representative of Voice of America.

As soon as Dr. Aulakh raised the flag, slogans of

``Khalistan Zindabad'' (``Long live Khalistan'') were raised.

Speakers at the event spoke out strongly for a free and

independent Khalistan. Speakers included Dr. Awatar Singh

Sekhon from Canada, Dr. Aulakh, Sardar Sekhon, Sardar Ajit

Singh Pannu, Dr. Ranbir Singh Sandhu from Tracy, California,

Sardar Karj Singh Sandhu from Philadelphia, Dr. Paramjit

Singh Ajrawat, Sardar Dharam Singh Bains of Philadelphia, and

others.

``If anyone speaks out for freedom, the Indian government

labels them terrorists,'' Dr. Aulakh said. ``This is not

going to work. Everyone knows the modus operandi of the

Indian government.'' The Indian government has murdered over

250,000 Sikhs since 1984, more than 300,000 Christians in

Nagaland since 1948, over 90,000 Muslims in Kashmir since

1988, and tens of thousands of Tamils, Assamese, Bodos,

Manipuris, Dalits, and others. The Indian Supreme Court

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

a genocide.''

According to a report by the Movement Against State

Repression (MASR), 52,268 Sikhs are being held as political

prisoners in India without charge or trial. Some have been in

illegal custody since 1984! ``These prisoners never committed

any crime but peacefully speaking out for Sikh freedom,''

said Dr. Aulakh. ``How can there be political prisoners in a

democracy?'' he asked. ``We demand the release of all

political prisoners,'' he said.

``As Professor Darshan Singh, a former Jathedar of the Akal

Takht, said, `If a Sikh is not a Khalistani, he is not a

Sikh','' Dr. Aulakh noted. He added that the event in Turlock

was in line with the strong sentiment for freedom in Punjab,

Khalistan. ``We must work hand-in-hand, the Sikh diaspora and

our Sikh brothers and sisters in Punjab, Khalistan, until the

glow of freedom shines on a free and sovereign Khalistan,''

he said. ``I thank Sardar Sekhon for organizing this event.''

``The flame of freedom still burns bright in the hearts of

Sikhs despite the deployment of over half a million Indian

troops to crush it,'' Dr. Aulakh said. ``Last year, Punjab

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh signed a bill canceling the

agreements that allowed the diversion of Punjabi water to

non-riparian states. The bill asserted the sovereignty of

Punjab. Sardar Atinder Pal Singh, another former Member of

Parliament, held a seminar on Khalistan in Punjab. It was

well attended and featured outstanding presentations,

including one by Professor Gurtej Singh, IAS, Professor of

Sikhism,'' he said. ``Dal Khalsa has held marches through

Punjab demanding the establishment of an independent

Khalistan.''

On the Anniversary of the Indian government's military

attack on the Golden Temple, the center and seat of Sikhism,

last month, Dal Khalsa, the Khaisa Panchayat, the Shiromani

Akali Dal (Amritsar), Damdami Taksal, the Sikh Student

Federation (Bittu), and the Akal Federation marched through

the streets of Amritsar demanding freedom for Khalistan. They

carried posters of the demolished Golden Temple and

distributed pamphlets on the life of Sant Jarnail Singh

Bhindranwale, a Sikh leader who was murdered in the Golden

Temple attack along with General Shabeg Singh, Bhai Amrik

Singh, and others. Bhindranwale was a strong advocate of Sikh

freedom. Dal Khalsa also raised the flag of Khalistan on

Republic Day, January 26. 35 Sikhs were arrested at that

time. Some of them have been denied bail. Cases were

registered against dozens of Sikhs for raising the Sikh flag

at the Golden Temple on the anniversary of the Golden Temple

attack in the presence of over 30,000 Sikhs. Warrants have

been issued for their arrest. Those charged include Dal

Khalsa leaders such as Kanwarpal Singh Bittu, Sarabjit Singh

Ghuman, Dr. Manjinder Singh Jandi, and others, as well as

former Member of Parliament Simranjit Singh Mann.

History shows that multinational states such as India are

doomed to failure. Countries like Austria-Hungary, India's

longtime friend the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia,

and others prove this point. India is a polyglot like those

countries, thrown together for the convenience of the British

colonialists. It is doomed to break up as they did. Steve

Forbes, writing in Forbes magazine, said that India is a

multinational, multiethnic, multireligious, multicultural,

multilinguistic state that is doomed to disintegrate like the

Austro-Hungarian Empire.

``We must continue to pray for and work for our God-given

birthright of freedom,'' Dr. Aulakh said. ``Without political

power, religions cannot flourish and nations perish.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 2355.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ella Adene Kemp Bampfield.

Mrs. Kemp Bampfield was born on June 29, 1905 in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Waynesville, North Carolina. She is the fourth of nine children born to Elijah and Lelia Kemp. However, she is currently the sole survivor.

Mrs. Kemp Bampfield attended elementary school in Waynesville. Then she enrolled in the high school division of Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C., and graduated as the valedictorian of her senior class. Following high school, she attended Fayetteville State Normal College, Howard University and Cortez Peters Business College.

Mrs. Kemp Bampfield's first marriage was blessed with one child, Admiral Dewey Dunn. Admiral Dewey Dunn, now deceased, had two sons: Anthony Dewey Dunn and Amiel Dunn. She later married Robert Smalls Bampfield of Beaufort, South Carolina, now deceased.

Mrs. Kemp Bampfield's career included teaching for 7 years in North Carolina. Upon moving to D.C., she was employed with the U.S. Treasury Department Division of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. She retired on October 31, 1969 after nearly 29 years of service.

Since retirement, Mrs. Kemp Bampfield and her grandson, Anthony, have enjoyed traveling. They have visited most of the contiguous United States, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, the Caribbean, Thailand, Hong Kong, China, Mexico, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Jerusalem, and England.

Mrs. Kemp Bampfield has been a faithful member of John Wesley AME Zion Church of Washington, D.C. since 1934. In addition, she and her grandson, Anthony, have resided in Washington, D.C. for the past 55 years. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Mrs. Kemp Bampfield's lifelong accomplishments and her upcoming milestone 100th birthday.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in absolute opposition to the proposed appropriation cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

The CPB has been funding, great American treasures including PBS and National Public Radio, free of political influence or favoritism. These entities have become staples of society and to cut or diminish their badly needed funding is plainly, wrong.

Mr. Chairman, during a time in which this body claims to be the saviors of family values, I find it odd that it chooses to undermine public broadcasting, which truly embodies family values and clean programming.

The television and radio can be a precarious place for young and impressionable minds.

Much of what is sent over the airwaves is unsafe for the development children. The excessive violence and sex that is often found on TV is alarming to parents who are constantly looking for a viable alternative to the negative influences prevalent on television.

Mr. Speaker, PBS has been that oasis and refugee for families. Its educational and wholesome programming allows parents and children alike, to watch shows that place an emphasis on the positive aspects of American culture. Too often modern entertainers glorify the worst of our society and it is imperative that we counter that influence with the positive shows found on PBS and NPR.

I urge my colleagues here today to rise up in support of CPB, wholesome broadcasting and family values by rejecting these cuts to

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to take note of the demonstrations in Punjab, Khalistan that surrounded the 21st anniversary of the Indian government's attack on the Golden Temple. Groups such as Dal Khalsa and others marched through the streets of Amritsar, converging at the Golden Temple for a big rally, according to The Times of India. They carried posters of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a Sikh freedom leader killed in the Golden Temple attacks, as well as posters of the demolished Golden Temple.

As you know, the Indian government also attacked 125 other Gurdwaras--Sikh places of worship--at the same time. Over 20,000 Sikhs were killed. The Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, was shot full of bullet holes. Sikh boys between the ages of 8 and 13 were shot on the premises.

Former Member of Parliament Simranjit Singh Mann said that the only way to assuage the wounds of the attack is by freeing Khalistan, the Sikh homeland. Another speaker said that the movement to free Khalistan is by peaceful means. Khalistan declared its independence from India in 1997. That is now eight years ago.

Police and intelligence operatives were surreptitiously watching this peaceful demonstration. Apparently, 21 years after the Golden Temple attack, the Sikhs' demand for freedom still frightens them.

India claims it is democratic, Mr. Speaker, yet it sends police to spy on a peaceful demonstration. In January, 35 Sikhs were arrested for raising the Sikh flag and making speeches. The Movement Against State Repression reports that over 52,000 Sikhs are political prisoners in ``the world's largest democracy.'' More than a quarter of a million Sikhs have been murdered, according to figures compiled from the Punjab State Magistracy.

Sikhs are only one of India's targets. Other minorities such as Christians, Muslims, and others have also been subjected to tyrannical repression. More than 300,000 Christians have been killed in Nagaland, and thousands elsewhere in the country. Over 900,000 Kashmir Muslims, at least 2,000 to 5,000 Muslims in Gujarat, and thousands of other Muslims, have been victims of India's tyranny. And tens of thousands of people in Assam, Bodoland, Manipur, Tamil Nadu, and around the country, as well as countless Dalit ``Untouchables'' have been killed as well.

Mr. Speaker, this is unacceptable. We must take a stand for freedom for all, as the President committed us to doing in January. The time has come to stop all our aid and trade with India, to end our burgeoning military cooperation, and to demand the peaceful resolution of the situation in South Asia through a free and fair plebiscite for all the national groups there.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to put the Times of India article about the demonstration into the Record at this time.

[From the Times of India, Jun. 6, 2005]

Khalistan Demand Raised on Genocide Day

(By Yudhvir Rana)

Amritsar.--The pent up secessionist emotions of Sikh

radicals whipped up on the Genocide Day observed as Ardas

Divas at Akal Takht on Monday, as a large number of Sikh

youth including women brandishing naked swords raised slogans

for Sikh's independent state Khalistan while passing

pejorative remarks against SAD-Badal president Parkash Singh

Badal and SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur for not coming up to

the aspirations of Sikhs and addressing their problems.

The ferocity of slogans multiplied after Sikh radical

leader Simranjit Singh Mann, president of SAD (Amritsar)

announced that Sikhs's hurt feelings could only be assuaged

when Sikhs independent state Khalistan comes into existence.

He suggested that Khalistan could be created on the buffer

zone between India and Pakistan.

Baba Harnam Singh, 15th chief of Damdami Taksal joined

Simranjit Singh Mann with his arms wielding supporters and

announced to observe the martyrdom day of Sant Jarnail Singh

Bhinderanwalae at Taksal's headquarters at Gurdwara

Gurdarshan Parkash, Chowk Mehta on June 12.

The radical activists including from Dal Khalsa, Dal

Khalsa, SAD(A), Damdami Taksal, Sikh Students Federation

(Bittu), Akal Federation jointly put up the board of

Shaheedee Gallery at the gallery situated outside Akal Takht

against the wishes of SGPC. A large number of Sikhs and

converged at Akal Takht on the 21st anniversary of Operation

Bluestar.

Posters of demolished Akal Takht, Sikh militant leaders and

pamphlet on the life of Jarnail Singh Bhinderanwalae were

distributed among Sikh sangat.

A large number of policemen in plain clothes and sleuths of

various intelligence agencies were hovering around the Akal

Takht and its surrounding. A police officer of DSP rank

remained present among Sikh sangat sitting in front of Akal

Takht during the ceremony.

Earlier Parkash Singh Badal and Bibi Jagir Kaur condemned

congress government for rubbing salt to the wounds of Sikhs.

About the postponement of foundation stone alying ceremony of

Yadgara-e-Shaheedan, Badal said the foundation stone would be

laid once its design was approved.

Justifying the demand of Khalistan, Jagjit Singh Chauhan, a

Khalistan ideologue said that they would peruse their mission

through peaceful democratic means.

Jathedar of Akal Tkaht, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti

presented siropas's to Ishar Singh, Mata Pritam Kaur son and

wife of Jarnail Singh Bhinderanwalae and relatives of other

martyrs. Earlier addressing the gathering he said it was

unfortunate that even after 21 years of Operation Bluestar,

the central government has not condemned the incident nor

those responsible for the 1984 anti Sikh riots have been

brought to books and Operation Bluestar was a black chapter

in the history of Independent India. The Sikhs had laid down

their lives under the aegis of Sant Jarnail Singh

Bhinderanwalae to protect the sanctity of gurdhams.

Meanwhile Damdami Taksal presented photographs of Jarnail

Singh, Amrik Singh, Shubeg Singh and Thara Singh to Jathedar

of Akal Takht Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti for displaying

them in the gallery. Vedanti however asked them to

contemplate over their request. Meanwhile chief spokesperson

of Damdami Taksal. Bhai Mohkam Singh said that they also

performed ardas at the gallery's gate. He said panth would

decide if there was no desirable reply from Jathedar.

On the other hand SAD(A) had demanded to display the

photograph of Jarnail Singh Bhinderanwalae at central Sikh

Museum, handing over of personal belongings of Bhinderanwale

by his family, Taksal and Army to panth without any

conditions, naming the road between Sri Guru Arjun Dev Niwas

to Sri Hargobind Niwas on Sant Jarnail Singh Marg, setting up

of a Sant Jarnail Singh Dharmik Vidya Kendar and beginning of

Shaheed Bhai Amrik Singh Award for those schools helping to

check apostism among Sikhs and General Shubeg Sigh Award to

promote traditional sports.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding leader, Raquel Shivdat.

Ms. Shivdat may not have a very visible personality, but behind the scenes she is one of the biggest influences in the explosion of Caribbean music entertainment in New York City. As Promotion and Marketing manager of the JMC Entertainment Inc. (which includes JMC records, JMC Trevini band and Rum Jungle Bar and Restaurant), Ms. Shivdat's responsibilities range from the promotion of shows to the management of music recordings. After more than twelve years in the entertainment industry, Ms. Shivdat has become a defining force.

Ms. Shivdat rose through the ranks in the family's business, starting as flyer designer at JMC Records and later working at the family's Roti Express diner. Additionally, Ms. Shivdat managed to pursue a degree in Fashion Marketing at Berkeley College in New Jersey, while managing her household as a wife and mother of two boys, Tyler and Shane.

At Rum Jungle, Ms. Shivdat produces at least one concert every month involving artists from the West Indies. The biggest names in Soca and Chutney music are regular performers at the club. Ms. Shivdat also brought the legendary Indian performers Babla and Kanchan to New York.

Ms. Shivdat also makes regular contributions to charitable organizations and committee projects in New York and has done fund raisers at Rum Jungle for the Prime Ministers of Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.

At 32 years old, Ms. Shivdat has become a key member of the JMC Company and she says that she always draws inspiration from her father Mohan Jaikairan who owns the business.

Mr. Speaker, Ms. Shivdat, a wife, mother and entrepreneur, is both passionate about her chosen field of music and her community. Thus, we proudly recognize her today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a distinguished and accomplished Brooklynite, Winston P. Thompson. It is an honor to represent Mr. Thompson in the House of Representatives and it behooves us to pay tribute to such an exemplary citizen.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Thompson worked diligently and attained his undergraduate and graduate degrees from St. Francis College and Pace University. His work experience is impressive--from being employed as an auditing officer for Morgan Guaranty Trust Company, a Wall Street Investment Banking firm, for two years, and a big five international accounting and consulting firm, where he remained for five years.

Over the past 20 years, he has demonstrated deep devotion and civic commitment as a CPA and Financial Planner by offering tax and financial services to the Brooklyn community. In addition, he is the founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Thompson & Company, a Certified Public Accounting and Consulting firm based in Downtown Brooklyn, which recently enjoyed its twentieth year in operation.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the achievements and service of Mr. Thompson. He continues to offer his talents and services for the betterment of the community through his involvement in several community activities and organizations, particularly as a Member of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and the Bedford Stuyvesant Real Estate Board.

Mr. Speaker, may our country continue to benefit from the civic actions of committed and talented individuals such as Winston P. Thompson.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a Brooklynite and distinguished entrepreneur, DeCosta Headley. It is an honor

to represent Mr. Headley in the House of Representatives and it behooves us to pay tribute to such an outstanding leader.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Headley obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioral Science from Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. He became a successful entrepreneur, serving as the president of Diversified Inch By Inch, Inc., one of the city's leading African- American general contracting firms. In this position, Mr. Headley demonstrated deep commitment to the community through several development projects that his company undertook, including the construction of local medical and dental facilities for Oxford Health Plans, Brookdale Hospital & Medical Center, and Interfaith Medical Center, and new housing, including a multi-level senior citizens apartment complex for Berean Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Headley launched efforts of urban renewal by assisting in the development of senior citizen housing and youth centers for communities in need across the five boroughs.

Mr. Headley has exhibited the qualities of an exemplary community leader in his service as District Leader for the 40th Assembly District in the East New York section of Kings County. During his term, he remained dedicated to improving the quality of life for his constituents by continuously engaging in initiatives aimed at expanding college scholarships, employment opportunities, affordable housing, public assistance services, and social services, including senior citizen centers that offer hot meals, transportation, and access to basic health care services. In addition, he remained actively involved on various local community and planning boards, founded the community's first Local Development Corporation along with the Federation of Block Associations for East New York, and established the Federation of Addiction Agencies that offers a drug-free treatment program in East New York and Brownsville. Currently, Mr. Headley enormously contributes to the political sector of the community by successfully managing the campaigns of candidates running for positions in the city, state, and federal levels of government.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the remarkable achievements and selfless service of Mr. Headley as he continues to benevolently extend his talents and services for the betterment of the community.

Mr. Speaker, may our country continue to benefit from the civic actions of committed and laudable community leaders such as Mr. DeCosta Headley.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a Brooklynite and distinguished lawyer, Vincent Johnson. It is an honor to represent Mr. Johnson in the House of Representatives and it behooves us to pay tribute to such an outstanding leader.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Johnson obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brooklyn College and a Juris Doctor degree at St. John's University School of Law. Before completing his undergraduate studies, Mr. Johnson dedicated four years of service to the United States Air Force, where he rose to the rank of Airman first class and was assigned to the Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Illinois and Tachikawa Air Force Base in Japan.

Mr. Johnson became an associate in the Admiralty Law firm of Fields & Rosen upon graduating from St. John's University School of Law, and was appointed an assistant District Attorney in the Kings County District Attorney's office, where he generously devoted

eight years serving the community. Mr. Johnson is now dedicated to the general practice of law and holds an office at 26 Court Street. He remains particularly active in several organizations, including the Bedford Stuyvesant Lions Club, Brooklyn Bar Association, Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity, 100 Black Men of New York, and Comus Social Club.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the achievements and selfless service of Mr. Johnson as he continues to offer his talents and philanthropic services for the betterment of the community.

Mr. Speaker, may our country continue to benefit from the civic actions of altruistic community leaders such as Mr. Vincent Johnson.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the accomplishments of Lonnie McCoy Bright. Lonnie McCoy Bright, affectionately known as ``Coy,'' is a native of Belleross, North Carolina. He is the son of the late Zerus and Lona Mae Bright, and was raised in New York City. He received his education in the New York City public schools, culminating with his graduation from George Westinghouse Vocational High School. Then, he devoted 30 years of loyal service to United States Postal Service.

Mr. Bright is a former Board member of the NAACP Brooklyn Branch, a founding member and Treasurer of Congressman Edolphus Towns' Men's Caucus, former Treasurer and Worshipful Master of the African 459 Lodge #63, and President Emeritus of the Masters Council.

Currently, Mr. Bright is an active, dedicated member of the Berean Baptist Church. He is on the Trustee Board and serves as the Treasurer of the church. He has organized numerous voter registration drives in his community, East New York, and the Bedford-Stuyvesant sections of Brooklyn. He has also sponsored ``Making Books Come Alive'' a day of reading and dramatizing stories for children. He loves to cook and is an annual participant in the Men Who Cook-Cook-Offs.

His greatest love, after his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is his wife Vivian Y. Bright, and they are the proud parents of Teresa, Gary, James (deceased), Marvin Jamal and Tiffany.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Mr. Bright's remarkable leadership and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge Thomas Cave for his outstanding community service. Mr. Cave is a native of Augusta, Georgia, and has been a resident of the Bedford-Stuyvesant community for the past fifty-five years. In Bedford-Stuyvesant, he has volunteered his time and shared his experience in order to improve the quality of life of his community. He is particularly concerned with the plight of youth and senior citizens.

Mr. Cave has served the Unity Democratic Club for over twenty-five years as Chairperson of the Men's Council and President of the Club for four years. Under his tutelage several programs were created, including the Scholarship Program at Boys and Girls High School, and the Chess Club Program at P.S. 5.

Mr. Cave has received many awards, including Learning Leader from P.S. 5 for his dedication and commitment to the school and community. He has also secured a Certificate of Recognition from State Senator Ada L. Smith and the Exemplary Service Award from Unity Democratic Club.

In addition to his political and civic involvement, Mr. Cave is an avid traveler and devoted family man. As a result, we proudly recognize him today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Roger Witherspoon. Dr. Witherspoon completed his undergraduate studies at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. He is a graduate of Adelphi University's Graduates School of Social Work in Garden City, New York and earned his doctorate degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Dr. Witherspoon previously was Associate Dean of Student Affairs at CUNY Lehman College. He is currently the Vice- President of Student Development at CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice where his responsibilities include chairing the Communication Skills and Counseling Department, administrative oversight of Student Activities, Freshman Program, Children's Center, Career Advisement, Women's Center, Disabled Student Services, Financial Aid, Health Services, Co-op Education/Internships, and Student Support Services.

Prior to his appointment as Vice-President, Dr. Witherspoon taught both graduate and undergraduate courses in education and social work for over 17 years. He has lectured at Columbia University, St. John's University, San Francisco State, Smith College, Fordham University, and many others. His publications on

urban education have appeared in national and local journals. Two of his recent publications are ``Do You Know If Your Child Has a Credit Card,'' in the New York Times and ``Handling Cultural Diversification Efforts of College Campuses,'' in the Journal of Mediation.

Dr. Witherspoon was a member of the Board of the Queens Children's Psychiatric Center. He has also served on many boards that include childcare, teen pregnancy, and community mental health.

Dr. Witherspoon was selected as a participant in the 23rd Annual Session of the Harvard University's Institute for Educational Management, Class of 1992.

Dr. Witherspoon has participated in conferences held on ``International Perspectives: Crime, Justice and Public Order'' in Russia, Ireland, Turkey, Italy, England, Hungary and most recently Romania. He was involved in the establishment of a branch campus in Puerto Rico that has awarded 4,400 Associates Degrees to police cadets and currently a program for New York City Police Officers to teach cultural diversity and leadership.

Dr. Witherspoon has been involved at national and local levels consulting on issues of urban education and social work, with a focus on urban minorities. His visits to South Africa, Ireland, Dominican Republic, Namibia, Turkey, South Korea, Slovenia, England, Guyana. Jamaica, and throughout the Caribbean have only increased his awareness of International Education and Criminal Justice.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Roger Witherspoon's continued his commitment to higher education and social development have made him more than worthy of our recognition today.