Recognizing Crystal Domenech

RECOGNIZING CRYSTAL DOMENECH -- (Extensions of Remarks - January 23, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. NYDIA M. VELÁZQUEZ
OF NEW YORK
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2004

Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the achievements of Crystal Domenech, who was raised in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, in my Congressional District.
At 19, Crystal has done what many people only dream to achieve in a lifetime. Since the age of 13, she has been an active member of the United Puerto Rican Organization of Sunset Park (UPROSE)--the oldest Puerto Rican community-based organization in Brooklyn.

Since Sunset Park is a working class, immigrant waterfront neighborhood and the site of many industrial uses, UPROSE's mission of youth and community empowerment seeks to make Sunset Park a better, safer place to live for local residents.

It is young people like Crystal who are truly changing the direction of our communities. She is one of the founding members of UPROSE's Environmental Enforcers, a youth group that has taken on many issues relating to environmental justice.

Crystal's list of accomplishments is long. She has worked tirelessly with me and other elected officials in educating-the public on the unfair siting of power plants and other polluting facilities in low-income communities. Currently, she is working with UPROSE on its Urban Forestry Project and on a community design plan for a public open space greenway along the Sunset Park waterfront. She has caught the attention of politicians, community leaders and the media alike.

Given her energy and commitment, it was easy for me to nominate Crystal as one of just five New York City students to travel to Antarctica for a 14-day expedition with Students on Ice. By embarking on this life-altering journey with her peers from countries all over the world, Crystal traveled from one end of the earth to the other in an effort to gain a new and deeper respect for the environment in which we live.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Crystal Domenech, and join with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to recognize her extraordinary work.