[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E40]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DIANNE JACKSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 18, 2012

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of a stalwart 
champion for New York's working families. After more than 27 years of 
service to the residents of Cooper Park Houses, Dianne Jackson is 
retiring. Through her decades of service, she has made countless 
contributions, improving not just Cooper Park Houses, but the 
surrounding Williamsburg community.
  Throughout her nearly three decades of service, Dianne has been an 
unwavering voice for some of the most vulnerable members of our City. 
As President of the Cooper Park Resident Council, she advocated for 
tenants' rights on a range of issues--from fighting to ensure buildings 
are repaired and maintained to pushing for more green space and 
ensuring the local community is consulted when development decisions 
affect the residents.
  A graduate of the Neighborhood Women's College Program at LaGuardia 
Community College, Dianne's career is characterized by a tireless 
commitment to helping others. In addition to serving as President of 
the Cooper Park Resident Council, she was one of the founding members 
of the Center for Elimination of Violence in the Family. Today, that 
organization houses up to 1,000 women and children, each year, 
providing a helping hand to members of our community most in need of 
assistance.
  In addition to her tireless advocacy and work in the community, 
Dianne overcame personal struggles, as well. A cancer survivor, she 
exhibited the perseverance, resolve and toughness to not only recover, 
but remain a driving force for positive change in Brooklyn.
  Mr. Speaker, one would be hard pressed to find a better example of 
how one person can make a difference improving their community, city 
and society, overall. Dianne Jackson should be commended for her years 
of service. I wish her only the best for an enjoyable, well-earned 
retirement.

                          ____________________