[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 21, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     A TRIBUTE TO CHRISTOPHER BANKS

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 21, 2011

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Christopher Banks.
  Christopher Banks is the Executive Director and CEO of the East New 
York United Concerned Citizens, Inc. Born twenty-seven years ago in 
Brooklyn, NY to immigrant parents from Trinidad and Tobago, his first-
hand witness to the struggles of disenfranchised individuals in his 
community greatly influenced his dedication to public service and 
advocacy.
  Mr. Banks attended the New York City High School for Leadership and 
Public Service, and CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice where he 
pursued a degree in political science. He founded the East New York 
United Concerned Citizens, Inc. making his dream of creating a social 
service and non-profit organization come true.
  Over the past ten years, Mr. Banks has focused his advocacy on the 
areas of youth, seniors, block associations and tenant associations to 
provide services to the East New York community. He has worked in 
partnership with organizations such as NYC Citizens Committee, East New 
York Development Corporation, Linden Houses Tenant Association, Emerald 
Green Tenants Association, The Justice Fund, The East New York Council 
for the Aging, the National Association of Black Business and 
Professional Women's Brooklyn Club, and a host of other organizations.
  Mr. Banks was appointed to Community Board #5, serving as one of the 
youngest members in the capacity of Executive Board Member and Chair of 
the Transportation Committee. He also served as Co-Chair of the Youth 
Services Committee, Co-Chair of the Aging Committee and Public Safety 
Committee. He is currently President of his Block Association, has 
previously served as President of the Black Business Professional 
Women's Youth Club and as an Advisory Member of the Pink House 
Cornerstone Program. Additionally, Mr. Banks has worked for 
organizations over the past eight years such as the Italian American 
Civil Rights League and The Federation of Multicultural Programs, and 
has served as an Adolescent Services liaison for the Youth Services 
Department. Mr. Banks is a proud member of Changing Lives Christian 
Center.
  He is an innovative, charismatic and dynamic young man, on a mission 
to empower and change the dynamics of his community and the world at 
large.

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