[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 177 (Tuesday, December 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOY McDUFFIE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 8, 2015

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize and 
honor the life and legacy of Ms. Joy Wiley McDuffie, whose death on 
November 21st, 2015 at age 59 was a loss not only to her large and 
loving family and friends but to my hometown of Buffalo, New York where 
she was a true champion for fairness and equality in the city she loved 
so much.
  A woman of courage and conviction, Joy McDuffie will be long 
remembered as a highly respected and motivated community activist 
dedicated to social justice, fair housing and a better future for 
Buffalo's children.
  Born and raised in Buffalo, Joy was the third of twelve children. She 
personified her belief in the value of life-long education as she 
earned her associate's and bachelor's degrees and eventually received 
her master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University 
of Buffalo at age 50. Her work ethic was indisputable as she served as 
a business analyst in the private sector, and put her experience and 
social skills to great success as the owner and operator of ``Club 
Joy.''
  She would later use her experience as the owner of a development 
company that purchased and restored homes as a GIS analyst and housing 
counselor with the Western New York Law Center. In this capacity, Joy 
McDuffie brought real data and a real commitment to ensure increased 
opportunities and greater access for all those wanting to own their own 
home.
  Her passion for stronger neighborhoods and no-nonsense approach to 
problem solving made her an ideal Chairperson for the Distressed 
Properties Task Force in the City of Buffalo. She was a force as, under 
her leadership, this committee was re-energized with a renewed focus on 
reducing vacant and abandoned properties in the city she fought for and 
helped make so much stronger.

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