[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 136 (Wednesday, September 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1626]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE BOOKER T. WASHINGTON LEARNING CENTER ON THEIR 
                            25TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 14, 2011

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm that I rise to 
congratulate The Booker T. Washington Learning Center as they reach 
their 25th milestone. This accomplishment has been achieved through 
dedication and committed service to the most vulnerable children and 
their families in my Congressional District.
  Since 1986, thousands of families have found support, opportunity and 
resources that have made a life-changing difference through the Booker 
T. Washington Learning Center. They have made it possible for people in 
my community to not only survive, but thrive. The center was originally 
founded under the parent organization, East Harlem Churches and 
Community Urban Center by Reverend Leroy Ricksy who decided to help 
four children being raised by their grandmother. Today, the learning 
center led by Executive Director, Reverend Kimberly Wright, has 
expanded its services to include an after school program, Saturday 
readings, adult education, summer camp, college preparation and 
support, and art therapy. There is a very personal approach taken at 
Booker T. They offer children, teens, and adults the extra that they 
need in order to find success.
  The Learning Center is able to look back over these 25 years and feel 
proud of the investment that they have made in so many lives. They have 
watched their children grow up to be extremely responsible, hard 
working, and productive citizens. There are so many who have overcome 
learning disabilities, achieved academic success--even in a failing 
school system, graduated high school and gone on to college. It 
continues to be a cornerstone in my beloved East Harlem Community for 
families who would otherwise not be able to afford quality services for 
their children and have no place to turn. Their programs meet the needs 
of many who are in desperate need of guidance and academic support. The 
small group of young people the learning center started with are all 
enjoying their careers, their families, and their lives. They have 
overcome poverty and beaten the odds.
  Booker T. could not exist if it were not for people who believe in 
our youngsters and their work. They are most fortunate in having the 
most dedicated group of staff and volunteers that continue to ensure 
that Booker T. offers quality enrichment programs that move people from 
poverty and despair to independence and hope.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in celebrating 
with the staff and wonderful volunteers at the Booker T. Washington 
Learning Center on their milestone. Let's encourage others to help 
programs like these to ensure that they continue to offer a helping 
hand to our fragile families and make certain that each child in our 
great nation find a second home, a second family, and a second school 
in our learning institutions.

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