[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 27 (Friday, February 14, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING BERNEL ARTHUR RICHARDSON

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 14, 2014

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, as the Nation readies to observe the 50th 
Anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, I rise today to honor Mr. 
Bernel Arthur Richardson. Born in St. Croix, Mr. Richardson has been an 
activist, resident, lecturer, consultant, and economic development 
leader in Bronx County since 1969.
  As an active member of the Civil Rights movement, Mr. Richardson 
understood the vital need to end the economic and political inequities 
facing the African-American community. After graduating from Howard 
University, Mr. Richardson began working alongside many of the South 
Bronx's renowned transformative figures to develop programs and 
initiatives that would create new economic opportunities for South 
Bronx residents.
  Mr. Richardson started his public sector career in 1970 when he was 
appointed by Bronx Borough President Robert B. Abrams to sit as a 
member of the Community 3 Planning Board. His successes as a member of 
the Planning Board led him to become a part of the Mayor's Violence 
Against Women Task Force and to be asked to serve as a consultant on 
several citywide anti-poverty programs. He recently stepped down as 
Chairman of the Board at the Bronx Overall Economic Development 
Corporation but is still very active as the Executive Director of the 
Black United Leadership of the Bronx.
  Mr. Richardson has served as a leader in my borough for many years 
and has helped make the Bronx a better place through his tireless 
efforts. As I reflect on the more than four decades of Mr. Richardson's 
public service to the residents of the Bronx and to the constituents of 
the 15th Congressional District, it fills me with hope that today's 
young African American leaders have mentors in the community to look to 
for guidance as they continue to champion social justice issues in our 
neighborhoods.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that all my colleagues join me in recognizing the 
past, present, and future accomplishments of Mr. Bernel Richardson.

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