[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 60 (Thursday, April 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING NAIMAH BILAL

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2017

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, this past February we celebrated Black 
History Month, during which time we recognize the important 
contributions made by African-Americans to this great nation. Nowhere 
is that heritage more visible than in New York City. That is why, at my 
office's annual Black History Month Celebration, I was honored to 
recognize Ms. Naimah Bilal, who has been a lifelong, tireless community 
advocate.
  Born and raised in Harlem, NY, she started her community involvement 
at an early age. She and other community members marched for an 
overpass to be built for the newly constructed FDR Drive, where many 
accidents occurred as people tried to cross over to the park where the 
basketball and handball courts were located. Her efforts were 
successful, the overpass was built and accidents decreased.
  Later, Naimah and her family moved to Lenox Avenue in Harlem and she 
continued to be active on several committees at Masjid Malcolm Shabazz.
  Naimah worked for the NYS Division of Housing & Community Renewal 
(DHCR) Representing the Clerical Staff of this Agency and Delegate of 
DC 37 until retiring after 22 years in October 2007.
  Upon moving to the Bronx, she got involved with several community 
based organizations including the 44th Precinct Community Council and 
CASA (Community Action for Safe Apartments). She is the President of 
Council Member Vanessa Gibson's Tenants Block and Neighborhood Council 
and President of her Tenants Association. She is an active member of 
DC37 Retirees.
  Ms. Bilal prides herself on being a mother, grandmother, great-
grandmother, and a community organizer. She encourages all to get 
involved, especially the Youth, so they have a full understanding of 
what is going on in their communities and to be aware of what their 
rights and responsibilities are so that they are empowered and 
civically engaged. Ms. Bilal serves as a wonderful example of those 
important values. She has made great contributions to the Bronx and my 
congressional district, and I am truly thankful to count her as a 
constituent.
  Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring Ms. Naimah Bilal for her continued 
commitment to service.

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