[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 79 (Monday, June 19, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO ELBA ROMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 19, 2006

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Elba Roman, a 
distinguished member of the Brooklyn, New York, community. It behooves 
us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues 
will join me in recognizing her impressive accomplishments.
  Elba Roman was born in the picturesque town of Cayey, Puerto Rico, 
which is located in the Central part of the island. She came to 
Brooklyn, New York, in 1954 and began working at an early age in her 
community. She accompanied her father to several community meetings and 
demonstrations for the betterment and social progress of the people of 
in her neighborhood.
  Elba Graduated from Eli Whitney High School in Williamsburg and went 
on to attend Pace University. She continued with her community work and 
founded the Alliance of United Women of Brooklyn, an organization of 
Hispanic women geared to serving and addressing community concerns.
  As President of the Alliance, Elba organized numerous food drives, 
feeding thousands of underprivileged families in the Bushwick 
community. Her organization also took over the management of the Martin 
de Porres Day Care Center of Bushwick, which serves over 200 families.
  Elba was elected to Community School Board 32 and as a member, led 
the drive for drug-free school zones and rehabilitation and 
modernization of many of the school facilities in the district. She was 
also elected Female District Leader of the 54th Assembly District and 
as a Democratic District Leader, she became actively involved in the 
83rd Community Precinct Council where she and her husband, Edmundo 
Roman, organized a yearly fundraiser to provide Christmas gifts for the 
children in the Bushwick area. During her tenure as District Leader, 
Elba led several voter registration drives where tens of thousands of 
new voters were registered in Brooklyn. With her husband, Edmundo, she 
was also actively involved with opening Woodhull Hospital. Elba had 
served as a member of community Board 4 and is a member of the Women's 
Caucus for Congressman Edolphus ``Ed'' Towns. Additionally, Elba was 
the Founder and past President of the Boriqua Festival in Prospect 
Park, Brooklyn, New York.
  Elba and her husband, Edmundo Roman, who is an attorney with a 
private practice, co-founded Precision Abstract LLC, the first Puerto 
Rican title abstract in the City of New York. She is presently an 
active member of the Sunset Park Lions Club, where she helps collect 
and wrap thousands of toys that are distributed to organizations that 
serve children in Brooklyn.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize 
the accomplishments of Elba Roman as she offers her talents and 
services for the betterment of our community.
  Mr. Speaker, Elba Roman's selfless service has continuously 
demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes her most 
worthy of our recognition today.

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