[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E39]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          A BEACON-OF-HOPE FOR ALL AMERICANS: ANNIE NICHOLSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          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 to 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 nonelected leaders throughout our Nation. The fabric of 
our society is generally enhanced 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.
  Annie Nicholson is one of these Beacons-of-Hope residing in the 
central Brooklyn community of New York City and New York State. Since 
1982, Annie has served as case worker for Congressman Major Owens. She 
has gained critically needed emergency services for people in need, and 
she has recovered thousands of dollars in entitlement funds for 
citizens who have been unjustly treated by government agencies. Few 
people know their way through the social service bureaucracy as well as 
Annie Nicholson.
  Ms. Nicholson is a rare combination of case worker and community 
activist. She is a member of the board of directors of the Paul J. 
Cooper Human Services Center; a member of the board of the Atlantic 
Avenue TAP Center; and a member of 100 Women for Major Owens.
  Annie Nicholson is a native of Gulfport, MI where she graduated from 
the 33d Avenue High School. She later attended Kingsboro Community 
College and received training for manpower and career development 
counseling; welfare advocacy; and legal service advocacy. Annie is also 
the proud mother of two sons--Jerry and Rodney Nicholson.
  Annie Nicholson is a Beacon-of-Hope for central Brooklyn and for all 
Americans.

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