[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 22 (Thursday, February 9, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING KAREN WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE NEW YORK CITY COMMUNITY 
                            GARDEN COALITION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 9, 2012

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month 2012, I 
rise today to recognize a community leader from the Bronx whom I deeply 
respect, Ms. Karen Washington.
  Karen Washington was born and raised in New York City and has resided 
in the Bronx for more than a quarter century. She attended Hunter 
College, CUNY where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, with her Bachelor's 
in Health Sciences. She then attended New York University where she 
earned her Master's Degree in Occupational Biomechanics and Ergonomics. 
Since 1985, Ms. Washington has worked to improve the quality of life in 
the Bronx as a community activist.
  Ms. Washington works with residents of the Bronx to turn empty lots 
into accessible green spaces through her work as a community gardener 
and as a member of the Board of Directors of the New York Botanical 
Garden. Not only has her work brought much needed green space to our 
neighborhoods but, as President of New York City Community Gardens, she 
has fought for the protection and preservation of existing community 
gardens. As a Just Food board member and trainer, Ms. Washington also 
leads workshops on food growing and food justice for community 
gardeners throughout the city. She has also worked to increase access 
to fresh fruits and vegetables in the Bronx that are grown in our 
community gardens.
  Ms. Washington is the Co-Founder of Black Urban Growers, an 
organization of agricultural volunteers committed to building networks 
and support for growers in both urban and rural settings. Ms. 
Washington has achieved these impressive accomplishments while working 
professionally as a physical therapist for over 30 years.
  Mr. Speaker, Ms. Washington's work in creating green space in urban 
areas and in advocating for food equity has touched thousands of lives 
throughout New York City. Our communities are stronger and more vibrant 
due to Ms. Washington's unwavering dedication. Mr. Speaker, I ask that 
my colleagues join me in paying tribute to a woman of excellence, who 
aspires to make her community stronger, Ms. Karen Washington.

                          ____________________