Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Karl Walkes for his contributions to the public school system and noble service in the community.

Karl Walkes was born in Brooklyn, New York. He is the fourth of Fitz and Eileen's seven children. He grew up in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn and attended the New York City public schools. After graduating from the Brooklyn High School of Automotive Trades, Mr. Walkes was introduced to Zeke Clement, a charismatic community leader and legendary basketball coach. Through the effort of Mr. Clement, he was awarded an athletic scholarship to Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia where he pursued a teaching career in elementary education.

At Virginia Union University, Mr. Walkes was greatly impressed with the accessibility of the University President, Rev. Dr. Samuel D. Proctor. He watched Dr. Proctor assist students in resolving difficult problems. Most notably, conversations with Dr. Proctor and Mr. Clement inspired him to devote his adult life to helping community youth to embrace their intellect, in order to obtain the unlimited resources that are available to them.

After receiving a Bachelors Degree and completing a tour of duty in the United States Army, Mr. Walkes began a teaching career in Brooklyn at the historic Weeksville Elementary School (P.S. 243). He continued his education by completing the Master's Degree course of study programs in Elementary Education at Brooklyn College and the Administration Supervision program at The City College of New York. He worked at the historic Weeksville Elementary School for more than 32 years, serving as teacher, Dean and Assistant Principal. He has often remarked, ``I knew retirement was near when the offspring of past students began registering for kindergarten and completing the sixth grade.''

After retirement from the Board of Education in 1995, Mr. Walkes joined the community-based Jackie Robinson Center, JRC, after-school program full-time under the leadership of Mr. Zeke Clement. The Jackie Robinson Center, JRC, for Physical Culture, which focuses on the improvement of student academic skills, sought to encourage participation in academic, sports and cultural activities. At the JRC, Mr. Walkes functioned as the program's sports and cultural director.

His memberships and affiliation over the years include: Brooklyn USA Athletic Association Inc., Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, CSA, Retired School Supervisors and Administrators, RSSA, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Committee to Honor, NAACP, Tournament of Champions, Trustee of Community School Board District No. 16 and the St. John's Flashes.

He has received awards from: Community School District No. 16 ``Teacher of the Year''; Boy Scouts of America; Jackie Robinson Center for Physical Culture; Brooklyn USA Athletic Association Inc; National Old Timers Clubs Inc.; and Parents of the Weeksville School.

Mr. Walkes is married to Verniece Shiver Walkes. They have one son, Kevin, and presently reside in East Flatbush. He is grateful for Rev. Dr. Samuel D. Proctor and Mr. Zeke Clement who taught him through example that we must work diligently with our youth, for they are the most valuable resource that we have. Mr. Speaker, we in turn acknowledge his commitment and contributions today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reginald H. Bowman for his outstanding community service and activism.

Reginald H. Bowman is a well-known community activist with more than 30 years in the Ocean Hill-Brownsville neighborhood. Known as a ``Street Comer'' activist who has been on the front line in every movement, since the late Rev. Milton Galamison boycotted the NYC public schools. He has led numerous civic demonstrations with grassroots activists on various civil rights issues, including schools, jails, housing, transportation, and economic development.

Mr. Bowman is a product of the New York City Public Schools and the Upward Bound Program created by the civil rights leaders, such as Dr. C.T. Vivian and Dr. Bernard Lafayette. He also attended the New York City University System under the SEEK Program. Since moving to the Brownsville community, he has served with distinction on Community Board 16 and co-founded the Business and Community Coalition to Save Brownsville.

Mr. Bowman is also an II-year member of Community School Board 23, most notably as its President from 1999 to the present. Under Mr. Bowman's leadership, the School District launched a comprehensive strategy of sixteen directives, entitled ``Creating a National Model of Urban Education.'' These initiatives improved academic performance in the district, led to the removal of all but one school from the SURR list, the building of Teachers High School, the creation of the P.S. 156/Gifted Middle School Project, and the removal of Community School District 23 from the Chancellor's Districts in Need of Improvement list.

He is also presently the Chairman of the Council of Presidents of Brooklyn East and the 1st Vice President of the City-wide Council of the New York City Housing Authority. His innovative approach to strategic planning and framing issues in context for effective civic action, led to paving the road in the Brooklyn East public housing community, for access to cable television, the Task Force Initiatives framework, and more access to Section 3 Jobs. These initiatives also help to frame the speedy response to resident issues and are helping to reposition and put a human face on the Public Housing residents of New York City.

Currently, Mr. Bowman is on the staff of U.S. Congressman Major R. Owens. He has also served as an inspirational founder and leader of a variety of groups and organizations. As a result, he is regarded as an ``authentic grassroots community activist and a servant of the community.'' In addition, Mr. Bowman has been married to Jenny Ortiz- Bowman for 23 years and is the proud father of six children and grandfather of four. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, Reginald Bowman's accomplishments and commitment to his community are more than worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lynn Martin Brown for pivotal work in the community.

A native New Yorker, Lynn Brown has spent much of her professional life serving underprivileged communities. She has worked tirelessly at Healthfirst to secure jobs and comprehensive health insurance for many children and adults who would have otherwise gone without.

Recently, Ms. Brown helped sponsor several basketball tournaments for underprivileged youth, providing equipment and uniforms. She worked in Brooklyn correctional facilities to provide health insurance to families of inmates. She created a much-appreciated Mother's/Father's Day Family Photography Event at Interfaith Medical Center, and continues to use her creativity to brighten the lives of others.

Lynn Brown is the recipient of many awards, and serves on numerous community boards. In 2004, she was awarded ``Woman of the Year'' by Senator John L. Sampson Esq., for her outstanding humanitarian efforts, and exemplary service to the community and city at large. She is a board member for the Five Towns YMCA, enforcing the mission: to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirits, mind and body for all.

Ms. Brown is a member of a women's group: Sister to Sister-In-Law, a group where women help other women by assisting them in literacy instruction, legal and childcare referrals. She was also honored by the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce as a Visionary 2004. Ms. Brown is also a member of the Women's Caucus for Congressman Edolphus Towns.

As a member of Berean Missionary Baptist Church, Ms. Brown assists in special events and annual fundraisers. She works tirelessly in the community and remains an advocate for her own children. Lynn Brown is a mother of two girls Aurelia and Kayse, and is even raising her niece Navasia. She has also found the time to continue her education at the College of New Rochelle, where she is majoring in Human Psychology.

Ms. Brown's life's work is to analyze and understand humanity in order to build strong families and communities, and inspire confidence in children. As a result, Mr. Speaker, we proudly recognize her today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National Council of Young Israel Shofar Award recipient Rabbi Leonard Guttman and his wife, Carolynne, and pay tribute to their involvement and commitment to the Young Israel movement and to worldwide Jewry.

Rabbi Leonard B. Guttman Esq. is an Assistant Vice President for Intergovernmental Relations at the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, the largest public health system in the United States. His prime responsibility is to serve as an advocate in Washington for New York's publicly funded hospitals and its over 1.3 million patients. While new to the Young Israel Ohab Zedek of North Riverdale-Yonkers, in 1988-1989 he worked at the National Council of Young Israel where one of his responsibilities was serving as editor of the Young Israel Viewpoint. He has also been an adjunct Professor at the Borough of Manhattan Community College and Touro College and an Assistant Commissioner of the New York City Department for the Aging. From 1994- 1996, he served as First Deputy Commissioner/General Counsel at the New York

City Commission for the United Nations and Consular Corps. He often worked behind the scenes to help Israel and Jewish individuals who are suffering.

Rabbi Guttman is active in a vast array of non-profit organizations. Among these activities, he serves on the Board of the American Friends of the Sanz Laniado Medical Center (Netanya, Israel), which awarded him and his wife its Community Service Award in May 2000, and also on the board of the Metropolitan Council of the American Jewish Congress. Since 1997, Rabbi Guttman has quietly taught a Torah class at the United Nations for its Judaica Club. He has published articles in Midstream, New York Affairs, Congress Monthly and The Jewish Press on issues as varied as the Holocaust, Islam and Jewish and Communal affairs and has also lectured extensively. Carolynne, originally from Toronto, Canada, comes from a distinguished family active in Jewish and Communal affairs both in Toronto and Houston, Texas where she spent her formative years. A known expert on medical reimbursements, she serves as billing manager at New Rochelle Radiology.

Mr. Speaker, I have been fortunate to witness the revitalization of the National Council of Young Israel (NCYI). Nationally, the Departments of Synagogue and Rabbinic Services and the Women's Division and the Youth Department provide Young Israel congregations with much appreciated support. When an Orthodox synagogue needs assistance, NCYI is known as the organization to contact. On the international scene, NCYI is at the forefront of speaking out in support of the State of Israel, and to ensure the return of Israel's soldiers who are missing in action. NCYI has spearheaded a campaign to provide the Israel Defense Forces with Torah Scrolls for its troops who are in mobile and isolated posts. NCYI has delivered over 100 Torah scrolls and has not only facilitated but also encouraged many other individuals and organizations to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I believe it is incumbent upon this body to recognize the accomplishments of Rabbi & Mrs. Guttman for their outstanding efforts in the betterment of the Jewish community and the City of New York.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 57 years since the founding of the State of Israel. This momentous occasion is not only a day of joy for the people of Israel but for those that cherish freedom and democracy across the world.

The founding of the State of Israel was a miraculous event. In a period of time when the persecution of Jews ran rampant across Europe, Zionist visionaries saw the great need to establish a Jewish State. Theodre Herzl while a reporter on the Dreyfus Affair in France recognized the hostility that existed against Jews and against all odds began to successfully garner support for his idea of a Jewish State.

Mr. Speaker, we all know what the State of Israel has become since those uncertain times. Jews across the globe who were persecuted, be it in Yemen, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran or the Soviet Union were able to turn to their

Jewish brethren in the State of Israel to taste freedom and freely practice their faith. The State of Israel aside from being a thriving metropolis with a vibrant economy has become the central location for the study of Judaism and its holy texts.

Since its inception Israel has been fighting a war of terrorism perpetuated against it. I have been pleased throughout my tenure in Congress to stand strongly with the State of Israel in their struggle against terrorism and will continue to do so. We must recognize our allies in the Middle East. Israel has continuously stood with the United States and our interests and I hope that our close relationship will continue to be strengthened as we work to promote our shared values.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the outstanding leadership of The Consul General in New York, Arye Mekel, for his dedication to bridging the communities of Israel and New York. Additionally, the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York has worked tirelessly to advocate on the behalf of the State of Israel and the New York Jewish Community and I would like to thank them for their hard work.

Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues here today in congratulating the State of Israel on their Independence and look forward to the alliance between our two countries to continue to grow.

Mr. Speaker, I have recently been given a copy of an interesting new book called Authentic Voices of South Asia, edited by retired Brigadier General Usman Khalid and published by the London Institute of South Asia. The book is an excellent discussion of India's hegemonic ambitions in South Asia and the drive for self-determination for all the peoples of the subcontinent. I recommend it to my colleagues as an excellent source of information about that difficult and troubled region.

The book includes essays on the situation in Punjab, Khalistan, in Kashmir, and in other troubled parts of the subcontinent. It extensively discusses India's ambition to be the overwhelming, hegemonic power in South Asia and control all the countries there and its disrespect for the sovereignty of its neighbors. It is dedicated to ``250,000 Sikhs, 90,000 Muslim Kashmiri Martyrs and many more who have been killed in all parts of India, notably Assam, Maharashtra, and Gujarat by Hindu mobs or the Indian police and armed forces.'' This doesn't mention the fact that the Hindu mobs carry out their atrocities with the connivance of the Indian police and armed forces. For example, a policeman in Gujarat told an Indian newspaper that the massacre of 2,000 to 5,000 Muslims there was pre-planned by the Indian government and the police were told to stand aside, a remarkable parallel to the 1984 Delhi massacre of Sikhs, in which Sikh policemen were locked in their barracks.

In all, Mr. Speaker, over 250,000 Sikhs have been murdered by the Indian government, according to the Punjab State Magistracy, in addition to more than 300,000 Christians in Nagaland, over 90,000 Kashmiri Muslims, tens of thousands of Christians and Muslims throughout India, and tens of thousands of Assamese, Bodos, Dalits, Manipuris, Tamils, and others, as well as the minorities cited in the introduction to Authentic Voices of South Asia. In addition, according to the Movement Against State Repression, India holds over 52,000 Sikh political prisoners, some of whom have been in illegal detention without charge or trial since 1984. Amnesty International reports that tens of thousands of other minorities are also held as political prisoners. This is why this book is so urgently needed and so important.

The book includes essays by Dalit leader V.T. Rajshekar, Dr. Gurm Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, Dr. Awatar Singh Sekhon, Editor of the International Journal of Sikh Affairs, and many other leaders and scholars. Mr. Rajshekar writes that ``the glitter of Brahminism lies in its imperial ambitions and its fascist agenda.'' Dr. Sekhon writes that only accepting the principle of national self- determination provides a basis for peace and stability in South Asia.

India agreed in 1948 to a plebiscite in Kashmir to determine its status. That plebiscite has never been held, even as India proudly proclaims itself ``the world's largest democracy.'' Well, why not simply let the people of Kashmir, of Punjab, Khalistan, of Nagalim, and of all the other minority states and communities determine their status by means of a free and fair vote. Isn't that how democracies do business? It is time for the U.S. Congress to go on record demanding a tree and fair vote, demanding that India keep its promises and act like the democracy it claims to be. It is also time to stop American aid and trade with India until its ``imperial ambitions and its fascist agenda'' are abandoned and all people within its borders enjoy full civil liberties and human rights. Only then can India's claim of democratic principles be taken seriously.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to insert the Preface from Authentic Voices of South Asia into the Record at this time for the information of my colleagues and the American people.

Authentic Voices of South Asia

Preface

South Asia is the only major region in the world with

unsettled frontiers. This is not because the states that

emerged from the end of British colonial rule in the

subcontinent have no `principle' or `agreement' to draw on

for settling their disputes, it is because the largest

country--India--has simply resiled on the agreements it made.

The `core' dispute in the area is over the future of the

State of Jammu and Kashmir. India took the matter of its

`ownership' of the State to the UN Security Council which

ordered a cease fire but rejected its claim; it upheld the UN

Charter and secured an agreement of both India and Pakistan

that the people would decide which country their state would

join--India or Pakistan--in a UN supervised Plebiscite. India

used the cease-fire to consolidate its military position and

then went back on its agreement in 1953 to hold the

Plebiscite on the specious grounds that Pakistan had signed a

bilateral defence agreement with the US and introduced a

`foreign' element that India found unacceptable.

The root cause of all the problems in South Asia is India's

self view as an `imperial' power with a role to keep order in

the region. India acts like the US did when it exercised

control over South and Central America under the Monroe

Doctrine or the Soviet Union exercised control over East

Europe under the Brezhnev Doctrine. India does not recognise

the sovereign equality of states of South Asia; it acts as if

it operated a `doctrine of limited sovereignty' of sorts in

the region. India is resented and abhorred by all its

neighbours for that reason. India became a `strategic

partner' of the Soviet Union during the Cold War and is now a

`strategic partner' of the US and Israel. It chose its

`partners' with only one consideration--who will recognise

India as the `primary power' in the region (a policeman in

American parlance) and thus help keep a lid on the pressure

cooker that India had turned South Asia into.

Pakistan is not the only victim of India's `imperial'

aspiration; the religious minorities and the `low born'

inside India suffer even more. India betrayed the Sikh who it

promised to give their own `sovereign state'. It betrayed the

Untouchables by Poona Pact promising meaningless `legal

safeguards' in exchange for the effective `political

safeguard' of `separate electorate' offered to them by the

British Government. All the various tribal peoples all over

India, who had been self governing under British rule, have

been denied their separate identity and rights. The betrayal

of India is matched by the ineptitude of Pakistan's leaders

who neither understood the Indian mindset nor their own role

as the champion of `post imperialism' to uphold the right of

`national self-determination' in South Asia and as a `nation

state' with Islam as the principle of national solidarity.

Putting this book together was a huge task that could be

done better if some of the constraints had been absent.

Because it is so difficult to speak the truth and survive in

South Asia, many of the Authentic Voices live in exile and

those who live in India have to be careful. Being a soldier

rather than scholar, my editing is not characterised by

`academic restraint' but by `forthright clarity'. But I have

not tried to harmonise style or substance; the differences of

views between the various contributors exist, as they must.

After all, these are the Authentic Voices of different I

peoples. I am grateful to all the contributors, particularly

to Syed Ali Geelani and Mr V.T. Rajshekar, who are under

close watch in India, to have taken risks to address the

people of South Asia and given them hope and direction.--

Brigadier (R) Usman Khalid.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. I join the Jewish people in the State of Israel and across the globe in remembering the 6 million Jews that were brutally murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust.

Today is a time for all of humanity to reflect upon that most horrid period of history. The Holocaust demonstrated the mass atrocities that a supposedly civilized society could tolerate. We must keep in mind, that the Nazi genocide against the Jews was not the action of a lone individual. It was a carefully thought out plan which sought the support of an entire nation. The Holocaust reflects the worst of international relations highlighting a time global politics was plagued by inaction and indifference. The complacency of the United States of America to the cries of those being slaughtered in Nazi death camps will forever tarnish our nation's history. The willingness of the Roosevelt administration to turn back 937 Jewish refugees on the St. Louis to their subsequent deaths in Europe will also not be forgotten.

I am privileged to represent a diverse portion of Brooklyn. In my district there is a large but dwindling population of Holocaust survivors. Many of these survivors rebuilt their lives with nothing more than the shirt on their back. Today, based on the strong foundations of those Holocaust survivors, the beautiful Jewish communities in Brooklyn of Williamsburg, Midwood and Canarsie were built. These communities represent the best of Jewish life and have been instrumental in resurrecting religious life in the aftermath of the Holocaust,

by creating synagogues, yeshivas, and other religious institutions.

When I see and hear tragic stories from these heroic individuals it provides living testimony to an event that is hard for many today to phantom. Educating people especially the young, about the events that transpired in Europe over 50 years ago is critical to halting the recent spread of anti-Semitism around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the efforts of organizations in my district that have taken extraordinary steps in servicing and caring for the Holocaust survivor population: The Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty; The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg; The Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush; The Jewish Community Council of Canarsie; The Conference of Jewish Material Claims Against Germany; Peasch Tikvah and all the Bikkur Cholim organizations. Their selfless work for Holocaust survivors continues to serve as an inspiration to me and I am honored to recognize their hard work.

Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues here today in remembering the Holocaust. Because there are still Holocaust non-believers today it is imperative that we never forget and continue to learn from this terrible chapter in history.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for House Resolution 250, Supporting the Goals and Ideals of a National Hepatitis B Awareness Month. Hepatitis B is a serious health concern that unfairly attacks minority populations.

Almost 350 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis B, with 75 percent of those infected living in Asia. This disease has similar effects on the same groups of people here in the United States. Asians have the highest rate of chronic hepatitis B of all ethnic groups. Chronic hepatitis B rates for the Asian Pacific Islanders population range up to 15 percent, which is more than half of all the Americans diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B.

African Americans are three to four times more likely than Caucasians to be infected with hepatitis B. Additionally, the African American workforce, consisting of over 3 million people, tend to work in occupations, such as nursing, health care and emergency services with higher exposure to the hepatitis B virus.

Over half the United States' total Asian American population lives in just three states, with 1.2 million living in New York. Seventeen percent of New York's population is of African-American descent.

The hepatitis disease is extremely dangerous, because not only does it lead to life-threatening illnesses such as cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer but it can also be easily transmitted through blood and body fluids, unprotected sex, and unsterilized needles. Also, many of those who have become infected with the disease will not have recognized symptoms until they develop the more serious illnesses.

Hepatitis B can be a preventable disease if vaccination programs, increased awareness, better disease management and public education initiatives are ongoing. By recognizing the week of May 9th as National Hepatitis B Awareness Week, we can join together and attack this life- threatening disease. During Hepatitis B Awareness Week, several community events are scheduled that will bring together physicians and public health advocates, patients and at-risk populations to increase awareness and education on prevention, and treatments for hepatitis B.

Mr. Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to lend my support for passage of this resolution and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Fausta Delbeau in honor of her 100th birthday which she will celebrate on April 30.

Fausta was born in Jacmel, Haiti on April 30, 1905. She was married to Jeannel Delbeau. They had seven children: Nirva, Paulette, Yves, Marie-Theresa, Jean Claude, Claudette and Adeline. She moved to Cuba in the 1940's before Fidel Castro's rise to power. Fausta left in the 1960's, just a little while after Castro took over, migrating to the United States of America where she has permanently resided since then.

Mrs. Fausta Delbeau has been a U.S. citizen for more than 20 years. She has worked very hard, through difficult and trying times and circumstances, to educate and provide for her immediate and extended family members.

A devout Christian believer in the Seventh-Day Adventist message, Mrs. Delbeau has been an active and fervent member of the Hebron S.D.A. Church in Brooklyn, NY. She is now a member of Maranatha! French & Creole Speaking S.D.A. Church in Queens, NY. She has always devoted her heart to the work of charity and community service both with the church and in her personal life.

Mr. Speaker, Madame Fausta Delbeau has lived a long and fruitful life in three different countries. She has remained true to her Christian beliefs throughout her 100 years and as such is worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the seventy-fifth anniversary of ``Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, who I am proud to represent in the House of Representatives. Concurrently, the Council of the City of New York is scheduled to adopt a resolution congratulating Brooklyn College and its President, Dr. Christoph M. Kimmich, on their anniversary and outstanding efforts on behalf of the Brooklyn community.

Mr. Speaker, Brooklyn College was founded on May 15, 1930, upon the merger of the Brooklyn branches of Hunter College and City College as the first coeducational public college in New York City. At its inception it was a modest institution that has developed tremendously and flourished marvelously.

Brooklyn College provides superb education in the arts and sciences and has served the community by graduating, over the past seventy-five years, more than 140,000 ethnically and culturally diverse students, reflecting New York City's rich sociological fabric. Brooklyn College has been recognized nationally for its outstanding faculty, rigorous academic standards, innovative curriculum, and beautiful campus, and was recently ranked third among America's Best Value Colleges by the Princeton Review.

Mr. Speaker, Brooklyn College will be holding many special events throughout the year in celebration of this anniversary, including a birthday party on May 10, 2005, on the College Quadrangle.

Mr. Speaker, I believe it is incumbent upon this body to recognize the activities celebrating the seventy-fifth anniversary of Brooklyn College and its ongoing dedication to providing excellence in education. I encourage my colleagues to join the residents of Brooklyn in honoring Brooklyn College and its many alumni, students, faculty, and staff upon this very momentous occasion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Willie E. Gary for his work as an outstanding trial attorney, philanthropist and community activist.

Attorney Willie E. Gary is living the American Dream. Once a migrant worker, now a multi-millionaire attorney, Gary earned his reputation as ``The Giant Killer'' by representing little-known clients against major corporations. Gary's amazing success has earned him national recognition as a leading trial attorney. Along the way he has handled some of the largest jury awards and settlements in U.S. history, winning more than 150 cases valued in excess of $1 million each.

His remarkable legal career and tireless work on behalf of his clients has been well documented on ``60 Minutes'', ``CBS Evening News'', ``The Oprah Winfrey Show'', ABC's ``World News Tonight'' with Peter Jennings, and CBS's ``The Early Show'' with Bryant Gumbel. In May 2002, he was featured in Ebony magazine as one of the ``100 Most Influential Black Americans''. Forbes Magazine has listed him as one of the ``Top 50 attorneys in the U.S.''

Gary has also been featured in such national media publications as The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Boston Globe, Black Enterprise, The New Yorker and The National Law Journal.

But Willie Gary's triumphant rise to the top is no overnight success story.

His vast appeal stems from his desire to be the best and a passionate work ethic he learned through his humble beginnings. One of 11 children of Turner and Mary Gary, Willie Gary was born July 12, 1947 in Eastman, Georgia, and raised in migrant farming communities in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.

His unwavering desire to earn a college education ultimately led him to Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina where the all-state high school football player would earn an athletic scholarship after being told there was no room for him on the team. Gary went on to become the co-captain of Shaw's football team during the 1969, 1970 and 1971 seasons.

Earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Gary went on to North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina where he earned a Juris Doctorate in 1974. Upon earning his law degree, Gary returned to Florida where his childhood sweetheart, Gloria soon became his wife.

Gary was admitted to the Florida Bar and opened his hometown's first African-American law firm with Gloria's assistance. His practice has since grown into the thriving national partnership known as Gary, Williams, Parenti, Finney, Lewis, McManus, Watson & Sperando, P.L., consisting of 37 attorneys, a team of paralegals, a professional staff of 120 including six nurses two full-time investigators, an administrator, a certified public accountant, a public relations director, a general counsel, human resources director, and a full administrative staff.

Gary is a member of the National Bar Associations, the American Bar Association, American Trial Lawyers Associations, Florida Academy of Trial Lawyers Association, Martin and St. Lucie County Bar Associations and the Million Dollar Verdict Club.

Gary's scope of interest extends far beyond the courtroom.

He is chairman of the Black Family Channel, the nation's first African-American owned and operated 24-hour cable channel that is devoted to wholesome ``family values'' programming for urban viewers. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the network's vision is to provide intelligent, family-oriented programming that embraces values in business, entertainment, sports, ministries and government. Gary also hosts a weekly talk show on the Black Family Channel featuring personal interviews with prominent guests

Known as a businessman, churchman, humanitarian and philanthropist, Gary is deeply involved in charity and civic work. He is committed to enhancing the lives of young people through education.

In 1991, Gary donated $10.1 million to his alma mater, Shaw University. He has also donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to dozens of Historically Black Colleges and Universities throughout the U.S. In 1994, he and his wife, Gloria, formed The Gary Foundation to carry out this formidable task. The Gary Foundation provides scholarships, direction and other resources to youth, so they can realize their dreams of achieving a higher education.

His national television campaign, ``Education is Power,'' encourages children to stay in school and be the best that they can be. In addition to being a lawyer, a philanthropist, a media mogul and a motivational speaker, Gary continues to serve on the board of trustees of numerous universities and foundations. He has received honorary doctorates from dozens of colleges and universities.

His extensive community activities include membership in the NAACP, Florida Guardsmen, Inc, Urban League, Civitan International, the United Way of Martin County and Martin Memorial Hospital Foundation Council, and many others.

Willie and his wife Gloria have four sons, Kenneth, Sekou, Ali, and Kobie. Mr. Speaker, Willie Gary has continued to demonstrate through his work as an attorney and his commitment and generosity in helping others that he is more than worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Antonio Bonilla who is being honored at the Brooklyn Caribe Lions Club dinner dance as ``Businessman of The Year.''

Antonio is a successful businessman who was born in Isabela, Puerto Rico. He came to New York in 1953 and has worked in various jobs, including carpentry, cooking, and marketing.

One of his first employers was Emerson Radio Corporation, where he worked for over 10 years. Then in the 1960's his wife, Leonor, exposed him to Mexico's culture, including its people, food, and music. By 1971, his dream to open a Mexican restaurant had become a reality. Together with his family, they found and renovated the space on the corner of Second Ave and 26th Street in Manhattan and named it Mexico Lindo Restaurant.

Today the restaurant has become a popular nightspot for the entertainment and political communities. Antonio is a distinguished businessman whose cooperation with many religious and political organizations has established him as a philanthropist. He is very proud of the fact that he has always held a job, and that all his accomplishments have been the product of hard work.

Antonio and Leonor have three daughters Adriana, Claudia and Lara. Together as a family, they have strived to stay one step ahead of the competition. This award should serve to inspire and encourage him in continuing the important work he has already begun.

Mr. Speaker, Antonio Bonilla has been a leader in his community and has been a wonderful example of how dedication and perseverance can lead to success. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and the award of Businessman of the Year. Thus, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Earl L. Williams who is being honored at the Brooklyn Caribe Lions Club dinner dance as ``Civic Humanitarian of the Year.''

Earl, who was born in Panama City, Republic of Panama, has been a community activist and civic leader for more than 40 years. Currently, he is the New York State Democratic Committeeman (District Leader) for the 40th Assembly District; Chairman of Community Planning Board #5, in East New York, Director of Spring Creek Towers Community Center, and a Certified Meeting Planner.

Earl graduated from San Mateo College in California with a BA degree, specializing in public affairs. A graduate of the National Housing Center Institute in Washington DC, he also attended NYU Real Estate Institute. He is a member of the Starrett City Spring Creek Lions Club, Brooklyn Borough President's Board, East Brooklyn Empire Zone, Black Meeting Planners of America, and East New York Hispanic Coalition. He has also chaired many Lions' activities within the district, region, New York State, and internationally. Earl has received many citations and awards from Lions Clubs International including a Presidential Medal; three Presidential Leadership Medals; nine International Extension awards; a Melvin Jones Fellow; Leadership Citations from New York City Mayors Ed Koch and David Dinkins, and Community Service Awards from New York City Council, New York State Senate and Assembly.

Earl Williams and his wife Ruth, who have been married for more than 40 years, are the parents of two children, Jacqueline Denise, an attorney, and Mark (deceased) and the grandparents of Marrissa. Earl is a communicant of St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church and serves in the ministry of hospitality.

Mr. Speaker, Earl Williams has been a leader in his community and has taken on numerous roles and responsibilities to serve others. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and the award of Civic Humanitarian of the Year. Thus, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Carlos Castillo who is being honored at the Brooklyn Caribe Lions Club dinner dance as ``Lion of the Year.''

Carlos Castillo, an outstanding Lion member, was born in Myaguez, Puerto Rico. Upon graduating high school in 1959, he originally came to New York for just two weeks. However, those two weeks ended lasting a lifetime. He got into the supermarket business and continued that venture for 40 years.

Through his work, he has become a highly recognized and distinguished individual in his industry. In 1989, his efforts were recognized with the Businessman of the Year Award. Also, in 1991 he received the Outstanding Puerto Rican Professionals Award from the Office of the New York City Council President, the Honorable Andrew Stein.

In addition to his accomplishments as a businessman, he is also a noted humanitarian. Carlos joined the Brooklyn Caribe Lions Club in 1984 and has always had an eye on helping those in need. Throughout his tenure with the Lions, he has received the Lion of the Year Award, the 100% President Award, the Melvin Jones Award, and the prestigious Uplinger Award.

He is also a devoted father and an all around exceptional family man. He has been married to his wife Astrid, for 40 years, and together they have raised three successful children: Charles Jr., Sandra, and Nelson. He is the proud grandfather of Michael, Taylor, Ivan, and Carlos Luis.

Mr. Speaker, Carlos Castillo has been a leader in his community and has been a wonderful example of how dedication and perseverance can lead to success. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and the award of Lion of the Year Award. Thus, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a distinguished organization, the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg. It is an honor to represent The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg in the House of Representatives and it behooves us to pay tribute to such a selfless organization.

Mr. Speaker, The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg was founded in 1966 to help families in need in South Williamsburg. Over the course of its Thirty-Nine years of service to the Brooklyn community The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg has thrived marvelously where today it represents more than 50,000 community residents and 148 not-for-profits, religious, educational, charitable organizations and civic associations in the Jewish community of Williamsburg, Clinton Hill and Bedford-Stuyvesant.

Under the tutelage of their President, Rabbi David Niederman, The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg has established itself as a direct provider of social and housing services and is the address for urban planning, public health and community development services for the Jewish community of Greater Williamsburg.

The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg, has been a leader in providing low-income housing to the Williamsburg community. Their most recent project includes the development of a waterfront property at the site of the former Schaeffer Brewery, which has 149 housing units reserved for low-income people. Additionally, they are the central address for the New York State and New York City Departments of Health and the Center for Disease Control in researching and conducting pilot projects on Cancer and Shigellosis in the culturally rich Hasidic Jewish community. They also have been instrumental in providing treatment to those suffering from the adverse effects of tobacco as well as being involved in collaborative efforts witl1 other not-for- profits to providing for the overall betterment of the Williamsburg community.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the achievements of the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg. After the destruction and decimation of many Hasidic dynasties in Europe during the Holocaust, it is truly an inspiration to see the Hasidic sects of Satmar, Pupa, Vishnitz, Vien, Tzelem, Skver, Klausenberg and Spinka join together under the umbrella of The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and call Brooklyn their home.

Mr. Speaker, may our country continue to benefit from the civic actions of The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and community groups similar to them.