[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 54 (Thursday, May 4, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         10TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE TO 100 WOMEN FOR MAJOR OWENS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MAJOR R. OWENS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 4, 2000

  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I pay special tribute to a group of dedicated 
community activists in my 11th Congressional District of Brooklyn, NY.
  Founded in March, 1990, by Council Member Annette Robinson, Margaret 
Wiseman, Mary Eccles, Linda Breakenridge, Celeste Green, Sylvia 
Whiteside and Lorrelle Henry, 100 Women for Major Owens was organized 
in order to provide an opportunity for women of diverse backgrounds and 
cultures to work together in order to improve the quality of life for 
their community.
  On May 5, 2000, 100 Women for Major Owens will formally celebrate its 
10th Anniversary with a dinner and a special viewing of ``Grace In The 
Light'' at the famous Billie Holiday Theater in Brooklyn, New York. 
This milestone highlights the many years of service this organization 
has given Central Brooklyn by serving as mentors and role models for 
young women and their families. Through programs that range from 
educational seminars focusing on health care, teen pregnancy 
prevention, HIV-AIDS awareness, public education reform and a number of 
other important initiatives, the leadership has guided its members to 
becoming a powerful force for the residents of our community. In 
addition to also providing scholarships to deserving students in 
Brooklyn, Ms. Alice Spratley and Ms. Audrei Boyce have skillfully, 
since the beginning of the program administered the Congressional 
Awards Program which will, this year nominate several candidates for 
the Gold Medal.
  Mr. Speaker, in celebration of their 10th Anniversary, I am honored 
to salute this prestigious and spirited group of leaders, their past 
Presidents, Ms. Celeste Green one of the founding members and first 
President, Ms. Bernice Carter and their current President, an 
outstanding educator, Ms. Verdeen Gaddy and wish them continued 
success.
  Finally, I would like to acknowledge with deep gratitude, the 
officers and members of this stellar organization: Verdeen Gaddy, 
President; Audrei Boyce, 1st Vice President; Bernice Carter, 2nd Vice 
President, Norva Butler, Recording Secretary; Edena Gill, Corresponding 
Secretary; Eileen Graham, Financial Secretary; Theopia Green Treasurer; 
Evy Papillon-Juste, Chaplain; Adelaide Wyllie, Parliamentarian; Celeste 
Green, Historian.
  Ms. Mattie Pusey, another dedicated public servant is serving as this 
year's Anniversary Committee Chairperson. She is being assisted by Ms. 
Margaret Wiseman, Ms. Annie Nicholson and Mr. Garry Tilzer of my 
Brooklyn Staff. Her committee consists of Ms. Ann Munroe, Ms. Adelaide 
Wyllie, Eddye Elijah, Erma McEachine, Martha Greene, Sylvia Whiteside, 
Alice Spratley, Audrei Boyce, Edena Gill, Lorraine Smith, Orette Spence 
and Mart Blake.

                          ____________________