[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 125 (Friday, September 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1953]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF ARMANDO PEREZ

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 29, 2006

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the floor of the U.S. 
House of Representatives to recognize the life and contributions of a 
tremendous community advocate, Armando Perez.
  For over 30 years, Armando Perez was an outspoken advocate who 
championed the rights of the Lower East Side's poor and working class. 
Armando was the co-founder, and Artistic Director of CHARAS/EI Bohio 
Cultural and Community Center--a building in our community which 
recently received landmark status as it embodied the spirit of the 
neighborhood's history of organizing and grassroots activism--largely 
due to the work and dedication of Mr. Perez.
  Armando was a true champion and leader within our community. Not only 
was he a Democratic district leader for his neighborhood, but he was 
also a tireless community activist on multiple fronts. Armando can be 
credited with helping to lead the fight to preserve the character and 
history of the Lower East Side--and succeeding.
  Those that had the honor of working alongside Armando, and knowing 
him on a personal level, remember him for both his strong sense of 
honesty and for his humor. Many were inspired by the feelings of trust 
he instilled in others, the passion he had for the pursuit of justice, 
and the encouragement he offered to all in fighting for the betterment 
of our community.
  Mr. Perez spent his lifetime helping others, especially the poor and 
working class. His commitment, contributions and leadership are now 
engrained in the Lower East Side. In honor of Armando's work and 
dedication to our community, a local street, E. Ninth, will be renamed 
for him. This is a small token of appreciation for all that Mr. Perez 
gave to our community--but one that will be recognized for generations 
to come, keeping his memory alive and vibrant throughout our 
neighborhood.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I rise with my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives to honor the life and contributions of Armando Perez--a 
true, champion.

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