[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 177 (Thursday, November 9, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2149-E2150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           A POINT OF LIGHT FOR ALL AMERICANS: MARGARET ROSS

                                 ______


                          HON. MAJOR R. OWENS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 9, 1995

  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay homage to Margaret Ross, who on 
August 31, 1995, ended her 32-year career with the New York City Board 
of Education. She is an individual who selflessly dedicated her life to 
children and parents. Throughout her professional career as a social 
worker, supervisor, and administrator she has been viewed by all whose 
lives she has touched as a knowledgeable, fair, and caring person. 
Margaret Ross is an outstanding citizen and deserves to be recognized 
as a great ``point-of-light'' for all Americans.
  This longtime resident of Crown Heights, NY, in central Brooklyn, Ms. 
Ross is involved in many activities that contribute to the betterment 
of the community. She is a current member and past president of the 
Sterling Place Civic Association; a member of the Sterling Community 
Revitalization Corp.; a member of the Medgar Evers College Community 
Council; a member of the Brooklyn Women's Political Caucus; executive 
member of Thurgood Marshall Democratic Club; and an elected official of 
the Democratic Party serving as State committeewoman of the 43d 
assembly district. Ms. Ross serves as an executive member of the 
Coalition for Community Empowerment which was founded by Congressman 
Major Owens and is the leading policy setting organization for the 
African-American community in Brooklyn.
  Margaret Ross' dedication transcends professional, personal, and 
religious domains. Realizing her knowledge, skill, and compassion early 
in life, Ms. Ross utilized her talent to empathize with people in need. 
Upon graduating from undergraduate school, she worked as a caseworker 
in the Department of Welfare. For a short time thereafter, Margaret 
Ross worked as a psychiatric social worker in Kings County Hospital and 
then joined the Bureau of Child Guidance of the New York City Board of 
Education. Subsequently, she became a supervisor of school social 
workers and 6 years ago, chairperson of the committee on special 
education in district 13.
  In an effort to embrace her fellow professionals and to further 
develop her craft, Margaret Ross is also an active member of the 
National Association of Social Workers. Currently, she serves on the 
executive committee of the political action committee. Margaret Ross 
joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority at Morgan State University and has 
continued her affiliation with the Brooklyn alumnae chapter to the 
present day. She currently serves on the social action committee of the 
Brooklyn chapter.
  Ms. Ross began her service to her community and church early in life. 
She patterned herself after her mother, Alice Debnam, who was a 
prominent member of Concord Baptist Church. Widowed in her early 
1940's, Mrs. Debnam kept Margaret and her two sisters centered with 
strong religious values and an emphasis on education and a work ethic. 
After attending Public School 44 and Girls High School in Brooklyn, 
Margaret Ross received her bachelor of arts degree from Morgan State 
University. This led her to Howard University where she received a 
master of social work degree. Subsequently, she attended Brooklyn 
College for a master's degree in administration and supervision. 
Margaret Ross is married to Kenneth Ross of Trinidad and Tobago; and 
they have one daughter, Joann. Ms. Ross is the aunt of Assemblyman 
Roger Green. Along with her sisters Theopia Green and Ruth 

[[Page E 2150]]
Gray, Ms. Ross will continue in the family tradition of service and 
commitment to the community.
  It is unfortunate for the children of district 13 that Ms. Ross no 
longer lends her special touch to the New York City Board of Education. 
As she becomes accustomed to a well-deserved retirement, it is certain, 
however, that she will continue in some capacity as an inspiration to 
colleagues, parents, children, and staff. Her professional know-how and 
her sharp political savvy have in no way lessened her personal warmth 
and caring. In the 11th Congressional District she is appreciated as a 
great pillar of dedication and empowerment. Margaret Ross is a ``point-
of-light'' providing a bright and glowing inspiration for all to 
follow.

                          ____________________