[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 92 (Wednesday, July 7, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MR. DEREK WINANS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 6, 2004

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, it is with sorrow that I rise to inform my 
colleagues of the sudden passing of Derek T. Winans. Mr. Winans, a 
direct descendent of William Wheeler, a founder of Newark with Robert 
Treat in 1666, lived in my hometown of Newark for over 40 years. He was 
known for his deep commitment to civil rights and was a major figure in 
organizing and winning support for anti-poverty, alternative education, 
and community development programs.
  He was a graduate of St. Paul's in Concord, NH, and of Harvard 
College. His senior thesis at Harvard received a magna cum laude. His 
own success in education inspired him to devote himself to providing 
similar opportunities for the youth in our community. Derek founded the 
Newark Day Care Council/Springfield Avenue Community School, the 
Ironbound Community Corporation/Ironbound Children's Center, and the 
Community Mobilization Center. He was co-founder of the Newark 
Community Project for People with AIDS, served as secretary of the 
Newark Coordinating Council, was active with the Newark Community Union 
Project, and acted as a spokesperson and planner for many civil rights 
and community-based organizations in Newark. He worked as deputy 
director for the International Youth Organization (IYO), planning 
director of the United Community Corporation, and was the staff person 
for Councilman Donald Tucker during his founding of the NJ Black Issues 
Convention.
  Derek was not only involved locally but he also made an impact 
nationally. He was very active with Congressman Barney Frank of 
Massachusetts, a Harvard classmate, on the enactment of the Ryan White 
Legislation in the early 90's, which significantly increased funding 
for education and treatment of HIV and AIDS. Earlier this year the 
House of Representatives approved a proposal written by Derek: The New 
Jersey Underground Railroad Cultural Heritage Project, for which IYO is 
serving as the lead agency. It was my privilege to work with Derek not 
only on these two projects but many others mentioned earlier.
  Derek loved public policy, believed in the power of people to govern 
well, and possessed a long history of civic and political involvement. 
He was an important figure in many New Jersey political campaigns, with 
State Assemblyman George Richardson, Mayor Ken Gibson, and the Newark 
City Council campaign of the late Jesse Allan. He was truly a great 
friend of mine.
  Derek was the son of the late Elizabeth Carrington and James 
Dusenberry Winans. He is survived by his stepmother, Polly Dudley 
Winans Beischer of Lakewood, NJ; a brother, Pete Torrey Winans of 
Amelia Island, FL; two stepbrothers; a stepsister; and numerous nieces 
and nephews.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in remembering the life of this 
remarkable man, and I encourage my colleagues to join me in recalling 
his lifelong commitment to service, integrity, and compassion. I 
express my condolences to his family and friends as they grieve his 
passing.

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