[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E25-E26]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           A BEACON-OF-HOPE FOR ALL AMERICANS: EDENA C. GILL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MAJOR R. OWENS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 1997

  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, with the 1996 election behind us, this nation 
has completed another cycle for the ongoing democratic process which 
makes America great. The electoral process and the public officials 
selected through this process are invaluable assets in our quest to 
promote the general welfare and to guarantee the right of life, liberty 
and the pursuit of happiness. It is important, however, Mr. Speaker, 
that we also give due recognition to the equally valuable contribution 
of non-elected leaders throughout our nation. The fabric of our society 
in generally enhanced

[[Page E26]]

and enriched by the hard work done year after year by ordinary 
volunteer citizens. Especially in our inner city communities which 
suffer from long public policy neglect, local grassroots leaders 
provide invaluable service. These are men and women who engage in 
activities which generate hope. I salute all such heroes and heroines 
as BEACONS-OF-HOPE.
  Edena C. Gill is one of these BEACONS-OF-HOPE residing in the central 
Brooklyn community of New York City and New York State. During the 
1960's, Ms. Gill became involved in the Civil Rights Movement and was 
motivated by such mentors as Jitu Weusi, Al Vann and many others who 
were involved in the Ocean Hill Brownsville fight. She even worked with 
assemblyman Roger Green on his first campaign.
  Currently, she is a member-at-large of the Thrugood Marshall 
Democratic Club; recording secretary for the Central Brooklyn Martin 
Luther King Commission; member of the 100 Women for Major R. Owens; and 
member of the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights. Among her other 
affiliations, Ms. Gill is involved with the National Association of 
Business and Professional Women's Club, Inc. where she serves as 
President. Elena Gill also became active with the Lefferts Avenue 
Mothers, an offshoot of the Lefferts Avenue Block Association. She 
joined the Melvin Walker Democratic Club which later became part of the 
Partners for Progress Democratic Club.
  Married and a mother of two, sons Kyle and Gary, Edena Gill has 
distinguished her life as one of dedication to community, God and to 
family.
  Edena Gill is a BEACONS-OF-HOPE for Central Brooklyn and for all 
Americans.

                          ____________________