[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 54 (Wednesday, March 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           A TRIBUTE TO THE REVEREND DR. M. JWAHIR BRATHWAITE

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 28, 2007

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Reverend 
Dr. M. Jwahir Brathwaite. Dr. Brathwaite is a graduate of the Howard 
University School of Business and Public Administration, the Howard 
University Graduate School of Divinity, and the United Theological 
Seminary. She has also received educational certification from the 
University of Dayton.
  Dr. Brathwaite serves the community as an associate pastor at the 
Stuyvesant-Heights Christian Church in Brooklyn, New York. Ordained at 
the Concord Baptist Church of Christ in 1997, Dr. Brathwaite is a 
Professor of Religious Studies and Holistic Health and Wellness at the 
College of New Rochelle's School of New Resources at both the Brooklyn 
and Harlem Campuses.
  Dr. Brathwaite has been a fitness-professional for more than 25 
years. She has worked with the YMCA in Brooklyn, New York, Washington, 
DC, and Memphis, Tennessee. She presently serves her community through 
the YMCA Bedford-Stuyvesant Branch.
  In addition to teaching for the College of New Rochelle, Dr. 
Brathwaite has taught fitness health and wellness for Catholic 
University of America in Washington, DC, Shelby State Community 
College, and the University of Memphis in Tennessee. Dr. Brathwaite has 
trained International Dance and Exercise Association instructors and 
several others who have gone on to teach at places such as: the New 
York State Conservatory Police, colleges and universities, family 
fitness ministries, and numerous other fitness facilities.
  Dr. Brathwaite is the president and founder of Family Fitness 
Ministries, a ministry focusing on fitness and wellness for churches 
and their communities. Dr. Brathwaite's training roster includes: 
Author Zora Neal Hurston; the internationally acclaimed singing group 
Sweet Honey in the Rock; late film, stage, and television actress 
Rosland Cash; and a host of Fortune 500 Company professionals.
  A Christian broadcaster for more than 20 years, Dr. Brathwaite has 
carried the healing message of God throughout the community through 
public speaking and outreach. The world of Christian Broadcasting 
afforded her the opportunity to work with the National Association of 
Broadcasters' number one religious radio organization in the country, 
Salem Communications Corp. She also worked with A&M Records where she 
represented such gospel recording artists as: Richard Smallwood; AI 
Green; the Clark Sisters; Reverend Shirley Caesar; Rosie Grier; and 
Sweet Honey in the Rock.
  Dr. Brathwaite has been recognized numerous times for her community 
involvement and leadership. She has received awards from the National 
Council of Negro Women, Inc., the Ford Foundation, Outstanding Women of 
America, John Burroughs Elementary School, and the International Who's 
Who of Professional Business Women just to name a few.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize this pillar of our community 
the Reverend Dr. M. Jwahir Brathwaite for all that she has 
accomplished.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
the Reverend Dr. M. Jwahir Brathwaite.

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