[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 123 (Friday, July 31, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO ANNA TERESA NARVAEZ BOU

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 31, 2015

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Anna Teresa 
Narvaez Bou in celebration of her 100th birthday. She was born in 
Corozal, Puerto Rico on July 26, 1915. She married Ramon Narvaez Ferrer 
and had two children, Ramond Luis Narvaez Bou and Carmen Lourdes 
Narvaez Bou.
  Dona Teresa, as she is affectionately known, came to New York in 1952 
during the great migration from Puerto Rico to the States. The Great 
Depression of the 1930s and the impact of World War II in the 1940s on 
the island doubly effected poverty and the prospect of employment for 
many Puerto Ricans. This combined with the launch of commercial air 
travel influenced her and her family to come to New York. She settled 
at 25 McKibbin Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. A few years later they 
were displaced due to the city's urban renewal development project in 
the area. Housing discrimination patterns and the language barrier 
resulted in further displacement for the family in the years that 
followed.
  In spite of the challenges faced by living in a new city and learning 
a new language and culture, Dona Teresa persevered. She earned her 
living working at a factory and lived her life, then and now, 
selflessly with honor and pride. She raised her children and instilled 
the values of integrity, fairness, service, faith and community. Her 
determination motivated her to triumph during difficult times. Her 
experiences compelled her to advocate for safe, decent and affordable 
housing for the growing Puerto Rican community in Williamsburg, 
Brooklyn.
  Today, Dona Teresa continues to exemplify a love for her family and 
friends. She is proud of her children and grandchildren who embody a 
life of service whether in the community or serving the nation. Her 
sense of humor, generosity, and perseverance has served her well for 
100 years.
  Mr. Speaker, it is women like Dona Teresa that embody the heart of 
our great nation as well as the spirit of the proud Puerto Rican woman 
and mother who dreamed of a better life for her family and community.
  Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 7th Congressional 
District of New York in wishing Anna Teresa Narvaez-Bou a very happy 
100th birthday.

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