[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 20 (Friday, February 8, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE HELEN DIANE FOSTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 8, 2013

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, since Dr. Carter G. Woodson first initiated 
the idea of Black History Month in 1926, Americans have celebrated the 
contributions of African-Americans to our country's great history. 
Their contributions know no boundaries and can be felt in literature, 
arts, sciences, politics and every other facet of American life.
  As the Representative of the Fifteenth Congressional District of New 
York, I have had the opportunity and pleasure to know and work with New 
York City Councilmember Helen Diane Foster.
  Standing on the shoulders of the brave African American women who 
fought so hard for their rights, Councilmember Foster is a beacon of 
inspiration and role model for women of all races. She was born in the 
Bronx and is the second child of educator Helen Foster and former 
Councilmember Pastor Wendell Foster. At a very young age she was taught 
the importance of hard work, civility and public service.
  Before running for office, Councilmember Foster attended and 
graduated from Howard University and the CUNY School of Law. She worked 
as the Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney's 
Office, served as Assistant Vice President for Legal Affairs at St. 
Barnabas Hospital. She also happens to be a proud member of the 
nation's oldest Black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In 
November 2001, Councilmember Foster was the first African-American 
woman elected to the New York City Council from Bronx County. 
Throughout her tenure as a member of the New York City Council, she has 
become well-known for her strong work ethic, no nonsense stances on 
local issues and robust legislative agenda.
  It is leaders like Councilmember Foster who are today's inspiration 
for future generations of African American women. We honor her, along 
with all of the courageous African American women, past and present, 
for their courage and tenacity to help create better communities and a 
better nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in remembering 
the many strong African American women who have shown us what equality 
is and how as Americans we all must come together to fight for equality 
of all races and genders. Today we honor a woman who stands amongst 
them. Join me in paying tribute to New York City Councilmember Helen 
Diane Foster and the great African American women who have come before 
and currently stand beside her.

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