[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 158 (Thursday, October 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO MRS. HAZEL BALDWIN FORBES

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 18, 2007

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Hazel 
Baldwin Forbes. Hazel is a native of Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina and 
the daughter of Colene M. Baldwin Stanley and Prince Baldwin. She 
showed a genuine interest and aptitude for music at an early age. She 
first studied piano under the tutelage of Mrs. Tabitha Thompson from 
age seven through high school. At the age of 15, she became solely 
responsible for directing the senior choir at the Little Wheel of Hope 
Baptist Church in Lake Waccamaw. During her years as a teen musical 
prodigy, she was in great demand for performances at weddings, 
funerals, concerts, recitals and as an accompanist for soloists and 
vocalists.
  Upon Hazel's admission to Shaw University, she auditioned and was 
selected as a pianist and accompanist for the University Chorale 
Society under the direction of Professor Harry GilSmyth. Holding a 
double major in English and Music, she graduated from Shaw University 
with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She subsequently earned a Master's of 
Social Work Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.
  For more than 30 years, Hazel served as a Clinical Social Worker. Her 
practice includes work with adolescent girls, families, couples, 
parents and children; individuals living with mental illness, abuse, 
neglect, fears, and violence that interfere with meaningful 
relationships and a positive sense of self. Hazel now focuses her 
practice on providing clinical supervision and coaching to 
psychiatrists, nurses, other clinical social workers, and case 
managers.
  Though Hazel remained true to her trade, she never lost her passion 
for music. She found time to keep active in a variety of musical 
interests. She has served choirs as their directress and accompanist 
for more than 25 years in New York City, Richmond, Virginia, and 
Raleigh, North Carolina. In New York, she was employed as a music 
instructor at Bedford Stuyvesant's Junior High School 35. She also 
served for a number of years on the faculty of the Hampton Ministers' 
Conference and Organist and Musicians Guild and most recently as 
Directress of the Adult Choir at Christian Faith Baptist Church from 
which she is now retiring.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the impressive achievements 
of Hazel Baldwin Forbes and her commitment as a social worker and a 
gifted musician. I also want to thank and applaud Mrs. Forbes for 
sharing that gift with the rest of us.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
this wonderful, caring and talented woman.

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