[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 43 (Thursday, April 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E526]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO BURNETTA ROSE LEE GRAVES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 2006

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Burnetta Rose 
Lee Graves, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn community. I hope my 
colleagues will join me in recognizing her accomplishments.
  Burnetta is a native of Brooklyn, New York and the daughter of Helena 
and the late Abel Lee Graves both of Wilmington, N.C. She attended the 
public schools in Brooklyn, N.Y. for her formative education and 
graduated from George W. Wingate H.S. After attending Fashion Institute 
of Technology in Manhattan, she embarked on an entrepreneurial career 
as a clothing designer for 13 years.
  Burnetta is an active member of both the Brooklyn and Queens 
communities; her political affiliations include: Women's Caucus for 
Congressman Edolphus ``Ed'' Towns; Guy R. Brewer United Democratic Club 
of St. Albans, N.Y.; and the Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club of Kings 
County Inc. Additionally, while working for Philip Morris USA, the 
company aided Burnetta's community affiliation in various areas of New 
York.
  Bumetta has always been an active member of her church, St. Mark's 
United Methodist Church in Harlem USA. While there she was president of 
the Young Adult Club for 4 years and served as a Trustee for 3 years. 
In 1997, she was drawn to St. Paul Community Baptist Church in East 
New, Brooklyn, N.Y. because of the interactive relationship that the 
church has with the community. As a member of the Baby Dedication 
Ministry and various activities of the church, she has numerous 
opportunities to reach out to the community at large.
  Working for the Rochdale Village Community Center in Jamaica, N.Y. 
enables Burnetta to teach children ages 5-12 the art of quilt making. 
To this day the quilts are still displayed in the front entrance of the 
center.
  In 2002 she joined the staff of Congressman Ed Towns as a Special 
Assistant and Ecumenical Liaison. In that role she deals with all 
faith-based organizations in the 10th Congressional District of 
Brooklyn, N.Y. She also assists constituents in housing concerns and 
other issues. Burnetta's current project is ``Adopt A School'' working 
with Health-based organizations to insure better health care standards 
for the community.
  Mr. Speaker, Burnetta Rose Lee Graves' selfless service has 
continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes 
her worthy of our recognition today.

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