[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 69 (Monday, May 17, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E875]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO JOSSIE B. LAWSON

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 17, 2004

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Jossie B. Lawson in 
recognition of her commitment to public service through her work in the 
Brooklyn District Attorney's Office and dedication to her community 
through volunteer efforts in her church.
  Jossie B. Lawson was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 6, 1954. 
She is the proud mother of two talented daughters, Sareve C. Lawson and 
Alia H. Akili. Jossie is the product of the New York City public school 
system. After graduating from Performing Arts High School, she attended 
Hunter College. Her most recent academic achievement was the completion 
of the prestigious EEO Complaint Handling program at the Cornell 
University, School of Industrial and Labor Relations in 2001.
  Shortly after receiving her certification in Paralegal Studies from 
Long Island University, Jossie was hired as a paralegal by the Brooklyn 
District Attorney's Office in 1983. She was later promoted to 
Administrative Manager in 1990, and again to her current position of 
EEO Coordinator by the current District Attorney Charles ``Joe'' Hynes 
in 1998. She is also responsible for facilitating the College 
Internship program in the agency and has represented the District 
Attorney's Office on the Board of Women's Advisors for the City of New 
York.
  As a young adult, Jossie began working with the youth of her 
congregation, Zion Baptist Church where Dr. M. M. Peace is the pastor. 
She is a gifted singer and serves as a worship leader in her church. 
Her strong commitment to personal mentoring and use of her considerable 
skills as a life coach, has earned her the love and respect of many.
  Jossie has given her time and support to countless individuals across 
the years. Her ability to motivate and encourage people coupled with 
her gift of helping others discover and nurture the gifts within 
themselves is why she is frequently invited to participate in workshops 
and motivational sessions. Jossie is a woman who will push you to 
excellence, pray you toward success and pull you with the strength of 
her belief in your potential. Many have been blessed by her guidance. 
She is truly a woman who makes a difference.
  Mr. Speaker, Jossie B. Lawson has dedicated her life to her community 
through both her professional and her personal activities. As such, she 
is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and I urge my 
colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.

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