[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 46 (Tuesday, April 25, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E597]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO REVEREND JEROME A. GREENE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2006

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rev. Jerome A. 
Greene, a dear friend, who used his life to uplift and empower others. 
Although Reverend Greene passed away on August 23, 2004, his lifetime 
of service lives on in the hearts and minds of the residents of the 
Bronx. On Wednesday, April 19, 2006, his city and his home borough will 
show its gratitude to this remarkable man by renaming Teller Avenue 
between E. 168th and E. 169th ``Reverend Jerome A. Greene Place''.
  Reverend Greene was born March 12, 1941 in Welch, West Virginia to 
Emmanuel Greene and Savannah Elsie Anderson. As a young man he led the 
fight for the integration of his high school in West Virginia and 
became the first black male to graduate with honors. Upon graduating 
from high school, he moved to Queens, NY and enrolled in City College. 
Graduating with a degree in education, Greene began his teaching career 
in Harlem in 1963.
  In 1967, Reverend Greene left the public school system to serve as 
Director of Programming, Evaluation, Education and Training at the 
Morrisania Community Progress Center. Although he was no longer with 
the public school system, Reverend Greene remained committed to 
improving the educational experience of New York students. Realizing 
the importance of putting more teachers in the classroom, he helped to 
secure millions of dollars to create more than 600 paraprofessional 
jobs in various school districts. His efforts not only earned him the 
nickname ``Father of Paraprofessionals'' but the respect and admiration 
of the young men and women he helped to employ, myself included. My 
experiences as a paraprofessional in the late 1960's provided me with a 
unique understanding of the public school system and helped to shape my 
career as a public servant. I will always be grateful to Reverend 
Greene for helping to open the door that enabled me to serve my 
community.
  In 1975, Reverend Greene married his beloved Aurelia and for 29 years 
they worked side by side in an effort to improve the lives of the 
residents of the Bronx. It was not long after his marriage that he 
began teaching prayer ministry in his home, which ultimately became the 
Bronx Christian Charismatic Prayer Fellowship, Inc. In 1991, the church 
moved to its current location on Third Avenue in the Bronx, providing 
the good Reverend with more space to teach the benefits of living a 
virtuous life.
  Reverend Greene also served as Treasurer and Chairperson of Bronx 
Community Board #4 and was elected Male District leader of the 77th 
Assembly District, where he served until his passing in 2004.
  The recipient of many civic and professional awards, Reverend Greene 
was well loved and well respected. His works will continue to impact 
the lives of New Yorkers for generations to come. Surely, that is the 
mark of a great life.
  May ``Reverend Jerome A. Greene Place'' forever stand as a reminder 
of his selfless efforts to improve the lives of his fellow man and may 
it compel us all to do the same.
  Mr. Speaker, for his indomitable spirit that continues to inspire 
even though he has passed on, I ask that my colleagues join me in 
honoring Rev. Jerome A. Greene.

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