[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 148 (Monday, November 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1897]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO DARLENE MEALY

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 15, 2010

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Darlene 
Mealy for her service to Brooklyn's 41st District.
  Darlene Mealy was born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Brooklyn's 
Bedford-Stuyvesant area, in Brooklyn's 41st District. She attended P.S. 
28, J.H.S. 271, and George W. Wingate High School. She later studied at 
the Borough of Manhattan Community College and Cornell for Labor 
Women's Studies.
  Council Member Mealy is a young grassroots leader committed to bring 
about a positive change in her community. She serves as an outspoken 
community leader responding to the needs of the people of her community 
with honor and integrity. Her perseverance helps her to achieve 
positive results.
  Darlene Mealy has served as the Council Member in Brooklyn's 41st 
District since January 2006. Prior to her election to the council, she 
was employed at the New York City Transit Authority for 17 years in the 
Department of Buses, Technical Services Division. She is the Founder 
and President of a multiple block association known as the Fulton 
Street/Atlantic Avenue/Ralph Avenue/Rochester Avenue F.A.R.R. Community 
Association, Inc. Council Member Mealy has served as a National 
Delegate for the Reverend Al Sharpton for President and is a Board 
Member of Neighborhood Housing Services. She was also the former 
Secretary of both the 81st Precinct Community Council and the Unity 
Democratic Club.
  Currently in her second term, Council Member Mealy was appointed 
Chair of the Contracts Committee, where she has led the fight for 
reform in New York City contracts procedure and diversity in the 
awarding of city contracts. She has committed to the expansion of 
Minority Women Business Enterprises and diversification in both prime 
and sub-prime contracts. The awarding of Minority Women Business 
Enterprises is currently at the highest level ever. Additionally, 
during her time as Chair, the Small Business Service has partnered with 
the U.S. Small Business Administration in an effort to ensure the 
increase of city contracts to small businesses. Throughout her time on 
the Council, Council Member Mealy has demonstrated a strong commitment 
to public service.
  Council Member Mealy is a member of Christ Memorial Church, Pastor 
Flora L.H. Grant under the Pilgrim Church, Chief Prelate Archbishop Roy 
E. Brown.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
contributions of Darlene Mealy.

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