[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MR. TED JEFFERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2005

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise during this month devoted to the 
celebration of Black History to pay tribute to Mr. Ted Jefferson, an 
outstanding individual who has been actively involved in my community 
for more than 40 years.
  For the past 18 years, Ted has served as the Executive Director of 
the Bronx Shepards Restoration Corporation. He has been a leading force 
in the Bronx in providing affordable housing through rehabilitation or 
new construction.
  The Bronx Shepard's Organization offers home ownership opportunities 
to first time home buyers, a weatherization program with an annual 
budget of over 1.5 million dollars and a variety of other programs that 
are of direct benefit to residents of the Bronx community. An example 
of Ted's leadership was the construction of the Daniel Nickerson Arms 
building, a home for the frail and elderly. He led Bronx Shepards in 
developing what began as a vision into what now stands as a model of 
how the government, the private sector and the local community can 
overcome insurmountable odds when working together.
  Ted has also served the community as a volunteer with the Morris 
Heights Neighborhood Improvement Association, the Webster Action 
Committee, Community Board #13, Community Board #6, the Twin Parks 
Association, the Community Advisory Board of the Local Initiative 
Support Corporation and the Bronx Borough President's transition team. 
He is presently a member of the board of the Marcella Brown Foundation 
and the President of Black United Leadership in the Bronx.
  Ted's philosophy is to develop a vision for the Bronx in which all of 
its residents have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life 
through the development of educational, social, economic and housing 
opportunities.
  Mr. Speaker, during Black History Month we honor individuals such as 
Harriett Tubman, and Rosa Parks; African Americans who sacrificed their 
own well-being so that all Americans could have the opportunity to 
enjoy the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of 
happiness. Today I want to honor not only these great Americans but 
also those who in the spirit of selflessness, continue to help others 
achieve a better life. I ask that my colleagues join me in paying 
tribute to Mr. Ted Jefferson for his outstanding service to the people 
of my community.

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