[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 160 (Tuesday, December 7, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO MS. SHARONNIE M. PERRY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2010

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. 
Sharonnie M. Perry.
  Ms. Perry was born in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New 
York. She is the mother of two sons, DaShawn and Jah-Son. She is also 
the proud grandmother of Jaylin and Jah-Son, Jr. Ms. Perry is a woman 
of faith; she believes if you put God at the head of your life and 
Jesus at the center, you will not fail.
  Ms. Perry lives her life by one of her favorite sayings, ``I have 
come to serve and not to be served.'' In this spirit, she worked as a 
community activist for over thirty-five years, fought against 
decentralization of public schools and founded Parents on the Move, a 
self-help organization for homeless parents and children. Ms. Perry 
also advocated for affordable housing, education, and employment of New 
York City's homeless population.
  In 1982, Ms. Perry saw a need that became one of her greatest 
passions to date: HIV/AIDS activism. She has traveled the country to 
inform people about the health care and services offered to individuals 
living with HIV/AIDs; she also advocates on behalf of individuals 
living with this difficult disease. In addition, it should be noted 
that Ms. Perry is a valued political consultant. In various capacities, 
she has helped elect countless elected officials at all levels of 
government.
  Ms. Perry attributes her success in life to the Creator, first and 
foremost; her parents, Dolly and James; family; mentors; spiritual 
advisors; and friends Father Jim Goode, Bishop Albert Janiison, 
Carmuela Rodriguez, Annette Robinson and Mama Lola. She also never 
forgets the ancestors whose shoulders she stands on: Baba MezeeMoyo, 
Queen Empress Akwcke, Thomas Faulkner, Charles Pinn and all those who 
have passed this way.
  It comes as no surprise that Ms. Perry has been recognized across the 
country for her commitment to the underserved people in our society. In 
summarizing her own devotion to family, church and community, Ms. Perry 
would say, ``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 the 
achievements of Ms. Sharonnie M. Perry.

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