[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1431]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF SAMUEL C. LOPEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ALAN GRAYSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2014

  Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in honor of Hispanic Heritage 
Month, to recognize Samuel C. Lopez. Samuel was born in Brooklyn, New 
York and graduated from the Bronx Vocational High School. Samuel went 
on to attend New York State School of Industrial & Labor Relations at 
Cornell University. After graduating, Samuel worked as a Journeyman 
Electrician Craftsman with the International Brotherhood of Electrical 
Workers, Local Union Number 3 for over 30 years.
  Samuel has always been involved with politics and helping his 
community. First getting involved in electoral campaigns in New York in 
the 1970s, he has remained active in politics since moving to Florida 
in the 1990s. Samuel has participated in numerous national, state, and 
local elections.
  Samuel has taken the lead as Founder, Chairman, and President of 
numerous organizations including U.T.B., United Third Bridge, Inc. 
(U.T.B.), the Florida Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Inc. 
(FPRHCC), the Florida Puerto Rican/Hispanic and Minority Empowerment 
Committee, Brevard County's Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade, and the 
Royal Order of Juan Ponce de Leon Historical V Centennial Celebration 
Committee.
  Samuel is currently a member of the Brevard County School System's 
Minority Advisory Committee, the Eastern Florida State College Police 
Advisory Council, the Brevard Community College Minority Partnership, 
and is a past member of the Brevard County Historical Commission.
  Samuel partnered with the Equal Opportunity Commission in bringing 19 
successful discrimination lawsuits against the International 
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union Number 3, which resulted 
in a hiring practice that promotes hiring minorities. Through his work 
with U.T.B. and the FPRHCC, Samuel spearheaded the effort for the 
installation of a Juan Ponce de Leon statue and sponsorship wall at the 
Ponce de Leon Historical Landing Site at Melbourne Beach.
  I am happy to honor Samuel C. Lopez, during Hispanic Heritage Month, 
for his leadership and contributions to the Central Florida community.

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