[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 88 (Wednesday, June 3, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E833-E834]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING OSCAR HOPKINS, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GREGORY W. MEEKS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 3, 2015

  Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
accomplishments of Oscar Hopkins, Sr.:
  Whereas, Oscar Hopkins, Sr., a native of Sumter, South Carolina, was 
born in 1929. He worked as a farmhand before he left home to seek a 
better life for his family and establish his business as a barber in 
Springfield Gardens, New York; and
  Whereas, after moving to New York in 1951, Oscar Hopkins was drafted 
into the military, serving in the 7th Infantry Division, 31st Regiment, 
Company C as an ammunition bearer for 50-caliber machine guns during 
the Korean War. After completing his tour of duty and returning to the 
United States three years later, Oscar was united in holy matrimony to 
Novell Henry. Having made a lifetime commitment to each other, two boys 
and one girl were added to this union; and
  Whereas, deciding to go into business, Oscar took advantage of his 
veterans benefits by signing up for barbering courses working as an 
apprentice before obtaining his Master Barbering License and opening 
his own shop in 1966. The past several years Mr. Hopkins has been an 
exemplary member of the Southeastern Queens community; and

[[Page E834]]

  Whereas, for four generations Hopkins Barber Shop has served over 
500,000 people since opening its doors, serving as a forum for 
community residents to have healthy open dialogues regarding current 
affairs, politics, faith and sports. In addition to serving its 
community well, the barber shop has trained several dozen of men of 
color to become barbers. Having achieved the status of Mayor of 
Springfield Gardens, today we gather to salute this exceptional person; 
Therefore, be it
  Resolved, That I, Gregory W. Meeks, Member of the 114th Congress, 
representing the Fifth Congressional District of New York, congratulate 
you, for your service to your country, and your dedication to the 
Southeast Queens Community. On behalf of the 723,000 residents of the 
Fifth Congressional District, I thank you, Oscar Hopkins, Sr., for your 
outstanding and ongoing contribution to our community's well-being. I 
hereby proclaim today, May 15, 2015, ``Oscar Hopkins, Sr. Day''.

                          ____________________