[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 29 (Tuesday, March 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E321-E322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO NELLIE M. McKAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 2004

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
during this month of March, which has been designated Women's History 
Month, to pay tribute to Ms. Nellie McKay, an incredible woman who has 
dedicated most of her life to the service of others.
  Nellie was born in 1929 to two hard-working parents, Polly and Alex 
Brown. She grew up with 10 brothers and sisters and learned the 
importance of sharing and support at a young age. Nellie has applied 
these values throughout her life as a community activist. New York was 
fortunate enough to become home to Nellie in 1950, when she immediately 
became a volunteer with the Baby Tracks program at the old Lincoln 
Hospital in the South Bronx. She also lent her time and energy to the 
Prosthesis Clinic at St. Luke's Hospital, easing the spirits of 
patients there. Nellie was a key player in the immunization program at 
local public schools, which is a crucial initiative for underresourced 
schools, especially during that era.
  Mr. Speaker, Nellie has always been committed to educating and 
fostering awareness in those around her. Having earned a Bachelor

[[Page E322]]

of Arts degree from Norwich University, she champions the importance of 
education. She has facilitated countless workshops on Black History to 
empower members of the Black community with knowledge of their history 
and culture as well as to inform members of other ethnic communities. 
Her main goal was to bring people together through learning.
  Many young people and adults throughout the South Bronx consider 
Nellie a second mother. She has cared for hundreds of children in her 
home and coordinated numerous events with young people in the 
community. The fashion shows she organized with Mott Haven HeadStart 
children created wonderful memories for many. While Nellie may have a 
special place in her heart for children, she is also very concerned 
with general community development and giving everyone, children and 
adults alike, a sense of pride in their neighborhood. She has 
spearheaded the reparation of abandoned buildings and vacant lots and 
the repaving of roads and sidewalks. Knowing that she and her neighbors 
deserved quality public transportation service, she called for and 
received improvement of the local bus line. Nellie has also helped 
empower fellow Bronx residents by participating in a number of voter 
registration drives, encouraging her neighbors to make their voices 
heard.
  Mr. Speaker, at 74 years of age, Nellie continues to work hard and is 
currently the chairperson of the Housing Committee of Planning Board I, 
assistant chairperson of the Patterson Volunteer Committee, a lifetime 
member of the National Council of Negro Women, and a member of the New 
York NAACP, as well as many other prestigious organizations.
  In a day in age when many people do not pay attention to their 
neighbor, Nellie's selflessness is refreshing. For that reason, I ask 
that my colleagues join me honoring the contributions of this 
remarkable woman.

                          ____________________