[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 149 (Wednesday, October 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1553]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF REGINALD LAWSON, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 23, 2013

  Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Reginald ``Reggie'' Lawson, Sr., a New Orleans resident who 
exemplified the true value of citizenship and worked every day to 
improve his community. Mr. Lawson recently passed away after a battle 
with cancer. While today I am saddened by his passing, I wish to pay 
tribute to Mr. Lawson and the inspiration he provided to all those who 
desire to improve their own corner of the world.
  Mr. Lawson grew up in a single-parent household in public housing. He 
graduated from St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, where he 
played football and sang in the Glee Club, and was a proud Purple 
Knight alumnus. After studying at LSUNO and Straight Business School, 
he became a realtor in 1963. He remained in that trade for the rest of 
his life and developed a passion for helping those shut out of home 
ownership.
  In 1993, an important event for both Mr. Lawson and the St. Roch 
neighborhood occurred: Mr. Lawson moved to a house across the street 
from St. Roch Park. His love for the neighborhood and his desire to 
improve it led him to found the Faubourg St. Roch Improvement 
Association in 1995. His hard work and determination made him a key 
figure and leading force in the drive to improve St. Roch.
  Mr. Lawson's effect on the neighborhood can be seen in a wide variety 
of areas, including the physical improvements to the park, the 
development of youth sports teams, and the sponsorship of health and 
housing fairs by the Faubourg St. Roch Improvement Association. 
However, the best evidence of the great and positive influence he had 
comes from the testimony of those whose lives he touched. He was known 
throughout the city as ``the face of St. Roch.'' His hard work and 
dedication were widely noted and he served as an example of the good 
that a responsible member of a community can have on the lives of those 
around them.
  I want to join his family, the people of the St. Roch neighborhood, 
and the city of New Orleans in celebrating the life of an exceptional 
citizen.

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