[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 83 (Monday, May 21, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E701]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING FRANCES LUCERNA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 21, 2018

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize a 
trailblazer and pionera of community arts and education, and a friend, 
Frances Lucerna, who was bestowed the title of Doctor of Humane Letters 
(Honoris Causa) by the Bank Street College of Education on May 10, 
2018.
  Frances is the Co-Founder and Artistic Executive Director of El 
Puente, a non-profit Brooklyn based community and youth development 
organization that promotes the arts, leadership, peace and social 
justice. This organization was founded at the height of the gang and 
drug epidemic in the Williamsburg, Brooklyn community. Frances, a 
former dancer believed that arts and culture could be spiritually 
healing and transformational for young people and their families. Since 
inception in 1983, El Puente has positively transform the lives and 
future of hundreds of underserved and low-income at risk-youths with 
its arts, dance and literacy-based after school programs. It has 
introduced and opened the doors to the theater and film for many young 
people. In addition, the holistic approach to art combined with 
academic enrichment programming and activities is unique and has 
positioned El Puente to be one of the most celebrated Latino cultural 
organization's in my district.
  Without a high school for participants to further their interest and 
education in the arts and social justice, in 1993 she championed and 
founded El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice High School. It was the 
first school in the country dedicated to human rights and a national 
model for community based schools serving students from 9th through 
12th grade.
  In 2012, Frances spearheaded the development of the Global Justice 
Institute, El Puente's training, research, and development center, 
which engages individuals and organizations from around the world in 
learning about El Puente's social justice practices while creating 
strategies for sustainable, community-driven change for a more healthy, 
vibrant, livable community.
  Her advocacy, passion and dedication to strengthening the human 
condition is immeasurable. She has earned the respect of leaders, both 
local and global. Although she is the recipient of numerous awards, 
being conferred the title of Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) 
reaffirms her life's work and significant contribution to society.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Frances Lucerna for a 
distinguished life of public service and accomplishments. My district 
is enriched because of her vision and leadership.

                          ____________________