[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1078-E1079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF RICKY PEREZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 12, 2001

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Ricky Perez for his 
tireless devotion to improving his community.

[[Page E1079]]

  Ricky continues to distinguish himself in his efforts to improve 
community life through leadership development. He believes that 
leadership development is the key to community empowerment. Ricky's 
experience in grassroots-style leadership helped him to develop the 
East New York Community Anti-crime Project. This project advocates 
gathering all the leaders from the community's small organizations for 
training in the program. This led to revitalization among the 
organizations, which brought about dramatic and lasting improvements to 
their areas.
  Ricky Perez is known as a leader who puts education and youth first. 
Growing up in an underserved and underprivileged area, Ricky 
understands where many members of the community are coming from. He 
takes pride in his ability to lead by example. Ricky's best work with 
youth is seen through his Police and Community Together Center. This 
volunteer operated center runs programs such as youth-police dialogue, 
community patrols, and instruction in youth entrepreneurship.
  In addition, Ricky is a successful advocate on behalf of the members 
of the East New York community and the youth in particular. He is 
continuously pushing for greater computer literacy among the youth and 
adults in the neighborhood. In addition, he is a proponent of better 
education by advocating literacy academies. Ricky's team approach style 
has allowed him to become more involved in the area's health issues.
  Mr. Speaker, Ricky Perez has devoted his life to serving his 
community. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition 
today. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this 
truly remarkable man.

                          ____________________