[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 65 (Thursday, April 30, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1036-E1037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SALUTING HARLEM'S OWN RAMONA ``MONA'' LOPEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 2009

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to salute and congratulate my 
dear friend, an outstanding businesswoman and community leader, Ramona 
``Mona'' Lopez in celebration of the 369th Veterans' Association Annual 
Pre-Mother's Day Brunch taking place on Sunday, May 9 at the elegant 
Marina del Rey.
  Affectionately known in Harlem as Mona by her many fans, friends, 
business associates and Jazz musician legends, was born on the Island 
of Puerto Rico and came to New York at an early age. Mona was educated 
in the Public School system, raised three daughters and embarked on a 
career that has spanned over three decades. Her daughters Joann, Eva, 
and Dolores have blessed her with four grandchildren, Margaret, 
Kimberly, Eva, and Jonathan.
  Since December 1978, Ms. Mona Lopez has managed Showman's Cafe in all 
of its locations within my Congressional District. Showman's, 
originally located next to the

[[Page E1037]]

World Famous Apollo Theatre, over the years has been the home club of 
choice and hangout for many of Harlem's renowned entrepreneurs and 
personalities. Since 1942, Showman's Jazz Cafe has showcased top 
musicians for Harlem and International audiences, as Mona, Co-Owner and 
retired Son of Sam New York City Police Detective Al Howard, and former 
barmaid ``Lil'' Pierce refer to as ``family.''
  Madam Speaker, The Friends of Showman's roster include luminaries and 
entertainers like Count Basie, Billy Eckstine, Sammy Davis, Jr., 
Charles Honi Coles, Leroy Myers, Gregory Hines, Pop Brown, Nat Davis 
and Savion Glover. Personalities like Jesse Walker, Joe Yancy and Jimmy 
Booker. Performers like Bill Doggett, George Benson, Seleno Clarke, 
Irene Reid, Jimmy ``Preacher'' Robins, Gloria Lynne, Joey Morant, Akiko 
Tsuruga, Grady Tate, Frank Dell and the Prince of Harlem Lonnie 
Youngblood.
  Mona has always been, and still is a ``Hands-On'' person and as 
Operations Manager she along with her dedicated and energized staff, is 
responsible for the reputation that Showman's has maintained for being 
``The Jazz Club in Harlem'' since it was founded back in 1942. For her 
service to the community, Mona has been honored to receive a ``Woman of 
the Year'' award from the Tioga Democratic Club, the Women's Ministry 
Achievement Award, and a special award from the Greater Harlem Uptown 
Chamber of Commerce Association. In 2009 Ms. Lopez became a partner in 
Showman's Jazz Club.

                          ____________________