[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 52 (Friday, May 1, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E737]]
   CONGRATULATING THE RECIPIENTS OF ``POSITIVE FAMILY IMAGE AWARDS''

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 1998

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate six of my 
constituents who, for their service to the community, have been named 
the recipients of ``Positive Family Image Awards'' by the Urban League 
of Hudson County, New Jersey. Mr. Michael Yorker, Mrs. Ella M.G. 
Lawrence, Mr. George Wilson, Mrs. Henrietta Robinson Booker, Mr. 
Rhudell Snelling and Ms. Elizabeth Henry will be honored at the Urban 
League's Twentieth Annual Equal Opportunity Day Dinner, being held at 
the Meadowlands Hilton in Secaucas, New Jersey.
  My colleagues, let me take a brief moment to tell you about these 
great people who are so vital to the Urban League and the entire 
community.
  When Mrs. Henrietta Robinson Booker arrived in Jersey City, New 
Jersey from Statesboro, Georgia, she stayed in the House of 
Friendliness, the Branch of the YWCA for Colored women, as quarters 
were segregated back then. From that point on, Mrs. Booker has been the 
voice of hope, courage and strength for those in dire need. As a 
prominent member of numerous organizations--the NAACP, J.C. Title I 
Advisory Board, Council for Companions for Senior Citizens, the Red 
Cross and the Salvation Army--Mrs. Booker has enriched the lives of 
countless citizens of Jersey City. For her presence in the community, 
we are blessed.
  Mr. Rhudell Snelling, a graduate of Lincoln High School in Jersey 
City has contributed to the community through his musical talents. As a 
member of St. John's Baptist Church, `Rhudy' was named the director of 
the Church's choir and became minister of music in 1960. Rhudy has also 
volunteered his musical abilities as a member of the NAACP and has 
recorded with the Eastern Choral Guild of Montclair on United Artists 
Labels. For the sharing of his talents to benefit others, I thank Mr. 
Rhudy Snelling.
  Elizabeth Henry is a dividend clerk at Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., 
and will soon be working on the New York Stock Exchange. This career 
woman serves as a wonderful example for all single mothers as she 
guides, encourages, and inspires her three boys Leonty Danzie, 17 years 
of age, Shawn, 14, and Antonio Farthing, Jr., her foster son and 
nephew. For her loving dedication to her children, I applaud Mrs. 
Henry.
  Mrs. Ella M.G. Lawrence, a graudate of Seton Hall University, is a 
mother of five children and is retired after teaching English and being 
a guidance counselor in the Jersey City Public School System for thirty 
years. As one of the founding members of the organization, Citizens 
Against Rate Increases, a member of the Board of Trustees for the Model 
Cities program, and a lifetime member of the NAACP, Mrs. Lawrence has 
been a force in the community and well deserving of this award.
  Mr. George Wilson, a native of Sumter, South Carolina came to Jersey 
City in search of a better opportunity for employment. In 1968, after 
attending Jersey City State College and serving in the United States 
Army for two years, he ended that search as he was sworn in as a Jersey 
City Policeman. In 1989, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant, and 
in 1996 was appointed to the position of Undersheriff of Hudson County, 
where he serves today. He has served his community as a leader in 
various ways including being a founding member and past president of 
the Interdepartmental Minority Police Action Council, the president and 
a successful coach of the Bergen/Lafayette Little League, and the 
president of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Scholarship 
Committee. He is married to Naomi Motley Wilson and has four children 
and eight grandchildren.
  Finally, I would like to express my gratitude toward Mr. Michael 
Yorker. Mr. Yorker, a undergraduate and post graduate of Jersey City 
State College, has served in the Jersey City public schools system in a 
variety of positions over the last twenty years and is currently the 
acting principle of Public school 32/SSP. His community involvement 
includes serving as speaker for many organizational conferences such as 
Delta Sigma Theta, Block Associations, and various Church and youth 
groups. Not surprisingly, Mr. Yorker has received numerous awards for 
all his contributions to the community. He is married to Rene and is 
the proud father of five children.
  These six fine citizens exemplify just what the Urban League of 
Hudson County is all about. It is an organization committed to the 
needs of the community, reaching out, being proactive, and taking real 
initiative to improve economic and social conditions and opportunities 
for African Americans and other minority groups in Hudson County, New 
Jersey. Again, my thanks and congratulations to these six awardees and 
all who are a part of the Urban League of Hudson County.

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