[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 11 (Friday, January 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E101-E102]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MS. JOAN WILLIAMS

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 17, 2014

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
accomplishments of Ms. Joan Williams. A lifelong community leader, Ms. 
Williams is being honored with the Martin Luther King Community Service 
Award on January 23rd for her unending service to our city and its 
people.
  Since her graduation from Lincoln University in 1971, Ms. Williams 
has been a force for change. Professionally, Ms. Williams worked in the 
U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights from 1972 to 2006, 
eventually becoming a Senior Equal Opportunity Specialist, 
investigating discrimination complaints regarding elementary, 
secondary, and postsecondary education programs. She now serves as the 
First Vice President & Director of Programs & Projects for the West 
Philadelphia Coalition of Neighborhoods and Businesses. In this role, 
Ms. Williams acts as a liaison between businesses and corporations and 
community members seeking employment, working to help all of her 
neighbors achieve better circumstances.
  Ms. Williams was also instrumental in establishing the Community 
Advisory Committee, which serves as an oversight committee for the 
Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Service Center, making the Center safe 
and of assistance to the community. For her personal and professional 
work, Ms. Williams has received many awards, including, but not limited 
to, the 190th Legislative District Image Award from State 
Representative Vanessa Lowery Brown and the Community Service Award 
from the Henry Hill Post 385 American Legion. On reflecting on Ms. 
Williams's long history of working for social justice, I cannot think 
of someone more deserving of this year's Martin Luther King Community 
Service Award.
  It is a privilege to recognize a person whose leadership and 
commitment to our city has enriched the lives of countless individuals. 
I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in 
commending Ms. Williams for her lifetime of service and dedication to 
Pennsylvania's First Congressional District.

[[Page E102]]



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