[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 146 (Tuesday, October 6, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1433-E1434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING THE 2015 HONOREES OF THE TOLEDO AFRICAN AMERICAN LEGACY 
                                PROJECT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 6, 2015

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate thirteen 
community leaders who are being recognized as 2015 honorees of the 
Toledo African American Legacy Project. The Toledo African American 
Legacy Project is dedicated to bringing together people to document and 
preserve the history of northwest Ohio's African American communities 
and demonstrate the impact and influence of individuals upon Toledo and 
the greater world community.
  This year's honorees are indeed a celebrated group. Elinor Allen is a 
retired school teacher who for 33 years served as an elementary 
teacher, Unit Leader, and reading teacher in Toledo Public Schools. 
Ronald Jackson, Sr., was appointed as the first African American Deputy 
Chief of the Toledo Police Department and also served as Executive 
Director of the Board of Community Relations. Theresa M. Gabriel has 
served in many capacities within the city government including Director 
of Parks, Recreation and Forestry and Director of Department of Human 
Resources. She currently serves on Toledo City Council. John Moore is a 
consultant, motivational speaker and author whose current and past 
board memberships include Owens Community College and the College's 
foundation, Boys and Girls Clubs of Toledo and Hospice of Northwest 
Ohio. Doni Miller is the CEO of the Neighborhood Health Association, a 
federally qualified health center. She earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence 
from the University of Toledo and has 25 years of experience in health 
administration in addition to hosting a local public affairs television 
program. Ben Williams has dedicated his life to youth. He is currently 
the Executive Director of the Ben E. Williams Youth Service, Inc., and 
was the first African American coach inducted into the Ohio High School 
Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

[[Page E1434]]

  The Toledo African American Legacy Project also posthumously 
recognized: Dr. Frank A. Brown, who was elected the first African 
American as Vice President of the Toledo Board of Education and 
eventually President; and Roland A. Gandy, Jr., who was Chief of Staff 
at Mercy Hospital and Maumee Valley Hospital and was known for 
providing services free of charge to Scott High School and the 
University of Toledo athletics.
  In addition to honoring these community leaders, the Toledo African 
American Legacy Project also highlights young, emerging African-
Americans leading the way for the future. This year, four people were 
recognized for their efforts. Larome Myrick is a Parole Service 
Supervisor in the Department of Youth Services Toledo Region. Kelly 
Westmoreland is an agent for Bankers Life and Casualty. Jason Woodward 
is a minister, deacon and finance director at Trinity Faith Tabernacle 
Church. Rashieda Timpson is founder and CEO of the Christian based non-
profit organization United Sisters (women inspiring women).
  It is my sincere pleasure to congratulate all of these honorees for 
their hard work and dedicated service. We stand on the shoulders of 
those who came before us and together we build community forward. The 
2015 African American Legacy Project honorees represent the excellence 
that is in us. Their leadership inspires.

                          ____________________