[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 39 (Thursday, March 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING VALERIA SOWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 11, 1999

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ms. Valeria Sowell for her 
distinguished service to the Brooklyn community of East New York. A 
teacher for fifteen years, Ms. Sowell has served her community as 
educator, lobbyist, and activist.
  Known for her no nonsense approach to solving problems, Ms. Sowell 
earned the respect and admiration of members of the community by 
helping to establish The Cleveland Street Block Association. In 
addition to community development, Ms. Sowell is concerned about health 
issues in Brooklyn. Wearing her hat as community lobbyist, Ms. Sowell 
is presently working with members of the New York General Assembly to 
change state law to permit HMO coverage of alternative forms of 
medicine.
  While serving as American Federation of Teachers School Delegate, Ms. 
Sowell was honored by her peers with the prestigious Very Special Arts 
Award and later the Impact Award. She is affiliated with several 
organizations, including the NAACP, Democratic National Committee, New 
York Alliance of Black School Educators, New York Coalition of Black 
School Educators, Association of Orthodox Jewish Teachers, and the New 
York Coalition of 100 Black Women.
  Ms. Sowell is an active member of the Christian Life Center in 
Brooklyn. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Ms. Sowell was the fourth of five 
children from the union of her beloved parents, Mildred and Clyburn 
Sowell.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor an unselfish, positive 
role model for the community, Ms. Valeria Sowell.

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