[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    A PROCLAMATION HONORING THE HARLEM COMMONWEALTH COUNCIL AS THEY 
         CELEBRATE 41 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE HARLEM COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 22, 2008

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker:
  Whereas, Since 1967, The Harlem Commonwealth Council has been 
dedicated to empowering the Harlem community through job creation and 
ownership of local commerce, industry and real estate. From the time of 
its humble beginnings, they have embarked in a mission to stimulate the 
overall economic development of Harlem through the creation of 
enterprises, generation of jobs, and improvement of services; and
  Whereas, Today, The Harlem Commonwealth Council has continued to hold 
firm on its pledge to serve the Harlem community by implementing 
successful ventures and programs through the years that promote self-
sufficiency amongst its citizenry and create stability in Harlem 
through economic development projects, academic empowerment, and 
entrepreneurial support; and
  Whereas, Harlem Commonwealth Council has the distinction of having 
made historically significant contributions to its vibrant 
multicultural community in many instances without the financial support 
of governmental agencies or outside entities. Through a team of Harlem 
professionals, community and business leaders, it continues to engineer 
new initiatives that will foster and sustain economic prosperity to 
Harlem's residents and businesses; and
  Whereas, Leading the way towards the future of the Harlem 
Commonwealth Council is none other than the distinguished Harlem 
veterinarian Dr. Joseph L. Tait. While pursuing Veterinary goals, he 
became a Director in the Commonwealth Holding Company, Inc. Board. 
Through hard work and perseverance he gained the confidence of his 
peers who elevated him to the position of Chairman of The Council and 
ultimately the President and CEO. As President, Dr. Tait has shifted 
the focus to include reaching out to the young people of our community 
to offer opportunities for growth professionally and educationally; and
  Whereas, As the Harlem Commonwealth Council celebrates forty-one 
years of service to the Harlem community, it is important to note that 
when the world had given up on Harlem and urban communities like it 
nationwide, HCC and other community based organizations, business 
owners and residents did not. They continue to serve as a shining 
example of what people can accomplish when they are dedicated to a 
vision and work together to realize it; and
  Resolved, That along with all the residents in the 15th Congressional 
District of New York, I congratulate The Harlem Commonwealth Council on 
their forty-first anniversary. Through their unwavering efforts to 
secure the future of the Harlem community, The Harlem Commonwealth 
Council has contributed to the effervescent Harlem of today.

                          ____________________