[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 21 (Wednesday, March 1, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                A TRIBUTE TO EVELYN ``TESSIE'' WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 1, 2000

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of a 
dedicated city employee, Evelyn ``Tessie'' Williams.
  ``Tessie'', as she is affectionately known to all her friends and co-
workers, was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. Her family moved to the 
Fort Greene neighborhood in Brooklyn when she was 7 years old. Tessie 
is the mother of five children and grandmother of 13. She developed an 
interest in better quality education for children in the New York City 
school system and served as the P.T.A. President at P.S. 46 in 
Community School District 13 for four years.
  Her volunteer service led to employment as one of the first para-
professionals in the City, enabling her to resume her education at New 
York City Community College and Richmond College (presently The College 
of Staten Island), as a student of early childhood education. Tessie 
then enrolled at John Jay College of Criminal Justice to study 
Government and Public Administration.
  In 1979, Tessie became District Manager of Community Board #2. She 
brought her skills and talents acquired during her five years in the 
private sector as a program coordinator of the NY/NJ Minority 
Purchasing Council. Her varied abilities and new position reaffirmed an 
earlier awareness that true change in government begins when one 
becomes involved and gains knowledge of how the system works. As 
District Manager, she shares that knowledge and is truly committed to 
making a difference in the community she grew up in and now represents.
  Tessie was the co-founder of the Better Education Committee, 
Community of Business Labor, Educational Services (CABLE), and the 
Brooklyn Women's Political Caucus. She is also on several boards, is an 
affiliate with many organizations and the recipient of numerous honors. 
Please join me in recognizing the contributions of one of Brooklyn's 
most respected city employees, Evelyn ``Tessie'' Williams.

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