[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 19, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E517-E518]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF LILLY COX-KELLAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 19, 2003

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lilly Cox-Kellar for 
her significant contributions in business, as a community leader and 
family stalwart. Ms. Cox-Kellar has been a powerhouse of innovation and 
commitment, her discipline and hard work has led to a record 
achievement of many ``firsts'' for an African American who opened the 
doors for so many others.
  Just to highlight a few of her accomplishments, Lilly was the first 
African American to be hired at the American Federation of Television 
and Radio Artists (AFTRA) where she worked as Executive Secretary to 
the Treasurer. She was the first minority to hold a position with 
Hirshe, Rotman and Druck, an international public relations firm. As a 
Human Resources and Benefits Specialist, she was the first minority 
staff person recruited by Cogan, Berlin and Weill, a major Wall Street 
firm with a national staff of more than two thousand employees. As 
Director of Chapter Relations for the National Audubon Society, Lilly 
was responsible for the administrative oversight of

[[Page E518]]

more than five hundred chapters nationwide. In the majority of these 
position, she was afforded the opportunity to hire additional African 
Americans. In addition, to her management and human resources skills, 
Lilly worked as a housing consultant to First Baptist Church of Crown 
Heights, Church of St. Mark Episcopal, Bridge Street A.W.M.E. Church, 
Berean Missionary Baptist Church, Harlem Congregations for Community 
Improvement and Northeast Brooklyn HDFC/Wayside Baptist Church to 
develop 524 units of senior housing. However, Lilly felt she could do 
more.
  Lilly ventured out on her own and opened LWC & Associates, a housing 
development consulting firm, which evolved into the current LWC 
Management Corp., now a real estate management and development 
corporation. Through this multi-faceted company working primarily with 
churches and community-based organizations, over $56 million worth of 
housing has been developed for senior citizens, low and moderate income 
persons and families, and the formerly homeless. She is most gratified 
when housing is developed for senior citizens and the homeless. In her 
effort to promote housing development, she also owns Brisa Builders 
Corporation, a general contracting/construction manager firm. Her firm 
is currently involved with 230 units of senior housing under 
construction in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
  Lilly, as a person of deep convictions, is grounded in her faith and 
family. She believes in the spirit of ``community'' and ``having a 
quality education'' for our youth. She is a lifetime member of the 
NAACP, committed exclusively to their educational programs. Lilly also 
shares her wealth of knowledge and information regularly as she 
develops, directs and facilitates workshops, seminars and other 
training for non-profit organizations, boards of directors and 
volunteers. Lilly has also served as a guest lecturer at the Harvard 
Divinity School, lecturing on ``The Urban Church and Community 
Development.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Lilly Cox-
Kellar for her leadership specifically with community based development 
and the many other contributions to her community. Her endeavors and 
accomplishments deserve our praise and appreciation.

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