[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 41 (Wednesday, April 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING LEROY IVORY JONES FOR OUTSTANDING AND CONTINUED COMMUNITY 
                 SERVICE TO LIBERTY CITY OF DADE COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 9, 1997

  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize 
Leroy Ivory Jones of Liberty City, FL, who has contributed to this Dade 
County community. Mr. Jones instituted Neighbors and Neighbors 
Association, a coalition of black-owned businesses that stimulates 
community awareness about black-owned establishments. This program is 
unique because it brings the community together in supporting local 
businesses and developing pride in the neighborhood.
  The Miami Herald commemorated Leroy Ivory Jones' civic service in an 
article titled ``Building Bridges Between Communities'' published 
January 20, 1997. I would like to submit this encouraging article for 
the Record.

                           Leroy Ivory Jones

       When Leory Ivory Jones walks into a black-owned grocery 
     store in Liberty City, he sees bare shelves, broken meat and 
     vegetable coolers--and a trickle of shoppers.
       Across the street is an Arab-owned market, brimming with 
     goods and luring a herd of customers with cheap cigarettes 
     and beer.
       ``We are the only group of people who don't support our 
     own,'' said Jones, 34, who runs a landscaping business. ``We 
     think about everybody else but ourselves.''
       Jones is fed up with seeing black shop owners struggle to 
     make a buck in their own neighborhoods. So he decided to heed 
     the call of Neighbors and Neighbors Association, a coalition 
     of black-owned businesses that has been challenging people to 
     patronize black-owned markets with a monthly event called a 
     buyout. The aim is to encourage shoppers to spend at least 
     $25 at the featured store.
       Jones, whose family has owned Missy's Grocery in Liberty 
     City for nine years, has hosted five popular buyout events.
       The first took place at L&M Market at Northwest 75th Street 
     and 22nd Avenue. The store raked in about $5,000 on buyout 
     day, more than black store owners make in two weeks.
       People in the community say Jones' buyouts are spreading 
     pride and hope.
       Last month's buyout took place at Grady's Kitchen, a soul 
     food restaurant at 8309 NW 22nd Ave. More than 115 people 
     were sold dinners that day. On a good day, co-owner Lottie 
     Grady said, she feeds about 70 people.
       ``He's building up the community, making us think about 
     where we spend our money,'' said Jencie Davis, owner of J+G 
     Market, 6406 NW Sixth Avenue. ``We don't stick together. He's 
     trying to change that.''
       Jones a father of nine who lives in North Dade, first had 
     to change himself.
       From cocaine possession to burglary, Jones knows trouble. 
     He has lost more than two years of his life, serving three 
     prison terms. His wake up call came six years ago when police 
     raided a relative's house filled with drugs and machine guns. 
     The relative took care of some of his children.
       Four years ago, Jones, an Edison Senior High School 
     dropout, found himself back in a classroom filled with 
     Haitian immigrants. He didn't know how to read and write.
       ``We don't need to keep suffering,'' said Jones, who was 
     recently elected to serve as a temporary member on the Martin 
     Luther King Economic Development Board. ``I'm sick of seeing 
     young brothers standing out on the corners. I used to stand 
     on those corners, too. But there is a better life out there. 
     Before I leave this world, there are going to be some changes 
     in this community.''

  Leroy Ivory Jones faced and overcame many obstacles in his life. He 
has demonstrated his commitment to strengthening and establishing 
black-owned businesses and pride in the Dade County community. His 
organization, Neighbors And Neighbors Association has contributed to 
increased economic growth in Liberty City. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of 
our entire community, I offer Leroy Ivory Jones my deepest thanks for 
his outstanding service to the community and our best wishes for 
continued success.

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