[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 150 (Wednesday, November 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO EDNA M. JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 28, 2012

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor Edna 
Johnson, for her contribution to her community and dedication to my 
Brooklyn office.
  Edna Johnson was born and raised in small steel mill town in 
Clairton, Pennsylvania, the youngest of nine children where her parents 
also raised four of their grandchildren. She studied music at the Hayes 
Schools of Music in Pittsburgh at a very young age. After graduating 
from Clairton High School she relocated to New York City where she 
lived in Manhattan for over 30 years. She joined Broadway United Church 
of Christ and served as Deacon, Trustee, and Steward. The church took 
it upon itself to pay her college expenses, which led her to Pace 
University in the evenings for seven years before receiving a BA in 
Political Science.
  Edna previously worked as a Parent Organizer working with parents in 
the public schools. While living in Manhattan she became chairperson of 
the Tenant Association in Clinton Towers for five years. Edna also 
chaired the 79th Precinct Community Council for six years where she 
changed the attitudes of people in the community to work with the local 
police.
  Edna served as Special Assistant to in my office serving the 10th 
Congressional District in Brooklyn. She is also a member of Community 
Board 3 and has received several citations for perfect attendance. In 
her first year on the board she was Chairperson of the Police, Fire and 
Safety Committee. Edna now Chairs the Health Hospital and Social 
Services Committee. She is currently in her third year as Chair of the 
Board of Directors for Northeast Brooklyn Housing Development Co.
  In recognition of her services she has received citations from me, 
City Councilwoman Robinson, The NYC Police Department, The 79th 
Precinct Council, The Brooklyn Job Corps, A.I.D.P. at P.S. 26, Hebron 
Baptist Church, Greater Cross Road Baptist Church, Bridge Street 
Development Corporation, The Bedford Stuyvesant Community Block 
Association and The National Night Out Committee.
  Edna is a very active mother in the lives of children, D'Shawn & 
Fred, her son-in-law Mark, and two grandchildren, Markell and Kayla. 
She is Choir Director, Trustee, Chair of the Pastoi's Aide Committee 
and member at The Greater Cross Road Baptist Church. She is also an 
original member of Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens singing all over 
the United States and Canada.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mrs. Edna Johnson for her 
commitment to our Brooklyn community.

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