In Recognition of Hispanic Leaders and in Commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month

IN RECOGNITION OF HISPANIC LEADERS AND IN COMMEMORATION OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH -- (Extensions of Remarks - October 27, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. NYDIA M. VELÁZQUEZ
OF NEW YORK
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2005

Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in commemoration of Hispanic Heritage month to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of remarkable leaders of the Hispanic community. I am honored to acknowledge the wonderful contributions of Margarita Rosa Esq., Frances Lucerna, Dr. Maria Montes, Elizabeth C. Yeampierre and Rev. Jorge L. Roa, Jr. These individuals have been a true inspiration, working tirelessly to better the lives of New Yorkers and the Hispanic community by making a positive impact in our community.

Through devotion and commitment, these enthusiastic role models have excelled in their strong community service and diligent work to improve the quality of life in many disenfranchised neighborhoods, encouraging the next generation of Latino leaders. A living example of this arduous dedication is Ms. Margarita Rosa who is the Executive Director of Grand Street Settlement, a New York based community organization whose primary vision is to improve the lives of those less fortunate or disadvantaged by encouraging self-determination through learning advocacy, support and community building.

Margarita has been a steadfast, passionate advocate of human rights, as the first Hispanic woman to be appointed to the New York State Commission on Human Rights in the early 1990's. Working at the local government level gave her the unique perspective of understanding how public policy affects diverse communities. Margarita's accomplishments have been plentiful--being honored for her eager public service dedication, she received a prestigious teaching fellowship award, and is currently an active member of several Boards of Directors for organizations such as the Public Interest Law Foundation at New York University (NYU) Law School, the New York Civil Liberties Union, and the Lower Union East Side Family Union. These endeavors are a mere representation of Margarita's achievements and willingness to continue empowering those in need.

Another notable and distinguished leader has been an energetic force and true pioneer in the world of cultural and performing arts. Ms. Frances Lucerna founded the Williamsburg Arts and Cultural Council for Youth, a community performing and visual arts program for youngsters. She later became the co-founder and Executive Director of El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice, a Brooklyn youth-based community development organization nurturing leadership for peace and social justice. Frances' leadership and artistic vision motivated her to develop one of the most comprehensive Latino arts and cultural center, which provide young students with the opportunity to express themselves artistically.

As a strong advocate for education and a loving artist, Frances has broken barriers by channeling the talent and skill of thousands of youngsters into a bright path and a hopeful future for many within the community. As a visionary with an artistic soul, Frances has achieved many high recognitions highlighting her efforts, such as the 1998 Heinz Award for the Human Condition, and being appointed to the Advisory Committee to the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities, and the Community School Task Force for the White House Conference on Character Building for a Democratic, Civil Society. She has also served on the Boards of Directors of the Arts Center of the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Community Youth Development Guide Team of the National Network for Youth.

Among the list of remarkable thinkers impacting higher education is Dr. Maria Montes Morales, Vice-President and Dean of Academic Affairs at Boricua College. Dr. Montes Morales understood the critical value of education and how peoples' lives could be transformed. She lived and realized the educational injustices faced by Latinos, which allowed her to make a difference and change the traditional college learning environment. Her vision and commitment to educate and empower Latinos in New York City motivated her to help establish the first Boricua College campus in Williamsburg, Brooklyn which opened in 1974.

This was a tremendous achievement for the community, especially since many of the Williamsburg residents were Spanish speaking and interested in furthering their education at an institution that was culturally sensitive, community based, competitive and accessible. Since its creation, thousands of students have graduated from this Boricua College campus, with many remaining in the community and providing professional human services.

Maria's contribution to higher education for all students, especially Latinos, is highly commendable. Her leadership at Boricua College successfully promotes student learning through active participation in meaningful and planned service experiences in the community that are directly related to course content. With a humanistic approach, such as a sense of civic responsibility, self-awareness, and commitment to the community, Dr. Montes Morales makes Boricua College an outstanding and unique higher learning institution in New York City.

Mr. Speaker, I am also proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing the great efforts of Mrs. Elizabeth C. Yeampierre, Executive Director of the United Puerto Rican Organization of Sunset Park (UPROSE), Brooklyn's oldest Latino community-based organization. Under Elizabeth's leadership, UPROSE has become the frontier organization on multiracial environmental justice issues impacting the community. Its ``Youth Justice'' program has set the path to several victories advocating on behalf of low-income and minority communities that are environmentally overburdened.

Elizabeth's dedication and endeavors at UPROSE have included promoting youth, family and community empowerment, and creating awareness for environmental issues impacting the living conditions of residents in Sunset Park. Her accomplishments range from successfully leading UPROSE in opposition to the Sunset Energy Fleet 520--a power plant proposal to place two power plants in the area--to campaigning against the placement of a sewage sludge treatment plant in Sunset Park, and advocating the prevention of child lead paint poisoning.

Elizabeth has also created an effective ``Youth Justice'' program which provides young environmental activists across the country with opportunities to promote environmental issues. As a result, these young leaders were able to organize the first environmental justice conference in Sunset Park. The outstanding work and contributions of UPROSE under Elizabeth's leadership has had a valuable impact on the residents of Sunset Park.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to commend and acknowledge the highly regarded work of Reverend Jorge L. Roa, Jr. a native of Brooklyn and a devoted pastor who committed his life to God, and assisting those most in need, including youngsters and the Hispanic community. Rev. Roa has been a true inspiration who has excelled in promoting youth programs within his church, ``the Missionary Christian Church,'' in Manhattan where he preaches and is very pro-active on social and justice issues.

Rev. Roa has touched many lives by helping his community seek spiritual guidance and a path, collaborating in missionary projects such as rebuilding churches, and collecting donations for relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. He has been a humanitarian champion in this country and abroad, taking part in missions providing food, water, medicine and other resources to impoverished communities throughout different countries, including Latin America and Africa.

Rev. Roa, is also the program director of a radio and TV show known as ``En sus Pasos'' or ``In Your Steps,'' which is transmitted in Manhattan. He is also the author of a renowned book, ``Una Luz de Dios, La Historia de la Iglesia Cristiana Misionera,'' ``A light of God, the History of the Christian Missionary Church.'' Rev. Roa's true vocations have enlightened the community and changed the lives of many youngsters throughout his 24 years of ministry. His excellence in leadership and service is laudable for Latinos and residents of the Manhattan community and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor for me to rise today and recognize these wonderful Hispanic leaders who I firmly believe possess key elements that strengthen our culture, community and nation. In commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month, it is essential and truly important to emphasize the life-time commitment these remarkable persons have demonstrated in breaking down stereotypes about Latinos, and empowering the Hispanic American community.

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