[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 152 (Tuesday, October 20, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2577-E2578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO SHARONNIE M. PERRY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 2009

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sharonnie M. 
Perry, a great community activist.
  Sharonnie has lived her life by one of her favorite mottos, ``I Have 
Come To Serve And Not To Be Served.'' She has served for over 35 years 
as a community activist, beginning in her early days fighting against 
decentralization of public schools.
  As founder of ``Parents on the Move'', a self-help organization for 
homeless parents and children, she advocated for affordable housing, 
education and employment for the

[[Page E2578]]

homeless population across New York City. In 1982, Sharonnie saw a need 
which became one of her greatest passions to date. She has traveled 
across the country conducting workshops and speaking out for quality 
health care and services for our brothers, sisters and children living 
with HIV/AIDS.
  Sharonnie was born in the village of Bedford Stuyvesant. She is the 
mother of two sons, Da-Shawn and Jah-Son, and the proud grandmother to 
Jaylin and Jah-Son, Jr. She is a woman of faith and believes if you put 
God at the head and Jesus at the center of your life that you won't 
fail. Sharonnie attributes her victories and successes, first and 
foremost to the Creator, her parents, family, her mentors, spiritual 
advisors and friends.
  Sharonnie has been recognized across the country for her activism on 
behalf of the underserved people in our communities. In summarizing her 
commitment to family, church and community, she always says, ``If I Can 
Help Somebody Along The Way, Then My Living Would Not Have Been In 
Vain''.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
Sharonnie M. Perry.

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