[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 19 (Wednesday, January 30, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




JULIETTE ALKINS HANSEN CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER, HEALTH ADVOCATE, EDUCATOR, 
                            CITIZENS, MOTHER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GREGORY W. MEEKS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 30, 2019

  Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, Juliette Alkins Hansen was born in 
Washington Heights, reared in Harlem, educated in the New York City 
public school and university system--Juliette Alkins Hansen is a New 
Yorker. Her Barbadian parents instilled in her an appreciation and 
pride in her heritage. Their participation in church activities (St. 
Ambrose in Harlem) gave her grounding in learning how to ``give back'' 
to your community/organization.
  In their 47-year marriage, Richard and Juliette, individually and 
collectively, were involved in civic and community life. Juliette's 
non-political organizational activity included Alpha Kappa Alpha 
Sorority, Inc., the Girl Scouts of America, Jack and Jill of America, 
The Greater Queens Chapter of the Links, Juliette was the organizer for 
the Queens Chapter of the Links, York College Community Quilt, various 
scholars hip committees, and Magnet School Mentoring Program. Her board 
member participation included the American Lung Association; Jamaica 
Center for Arts and Learning, (JCAL). After several decades of JCAL 
board participation, Juliette retired. She was named the board's first 
Emeritus Board Member and remains active in many of the board's 
activities. This association gives her a continued ability to 
participate in the growth of this invaluable asset to our borough and 
city. She also served on the boards of Jamaica Service Program for 
Older Adults (JSPOA) and Jamaica NAACP. Being the Organizer of The 
Greater Queens Chapter of the Links brought her a sense of pride and 
accomplishment. Juliette feels blessed that God granted her the years 
to become a ``Golden'' 50-year Soror in her dear Alpha Kappa Alpha 
Sorority. She is an Emeritus member of the New York Chapter of the 
CARATS. Juliette and her family are members of Saint Albans 
Congregational Church.
  Politically, her late husband, Richard led the way. During his tenure 
as President of the Jamaica branch of the NAACP in the early 1970's, 
the chapter continued its tradition of activism. As second vice 
president, Juliette was at his side when the chapter fought for 
Rochdale, the establishment of York College in our community, fair 
housing in Forest Hills and NAACP reform, et al. After his term ended, 
the couple became associated with the political campaigns of several 
local, city, state, and national aspirants. They worked with others in 
major fund raising activities for several candidates.
  Through her various organizations, Juliette continued her connection 
with youth. She joined Dr. Gerald Deas in his campaign against 
``Quarter Water''. These sweet colored water drinks have been cited as 
being asthma ``triggers'' for young Black and Latino children. As a 
board member of the American Lung Association and part of the Links 
Chapter, she addressed New York legislators in Albany regarding the 
need for regulatory legislation against such products. Unfortunately, 
these drinks are still on the shelves.
  Now retired, Juliette had 23 years of varied experience in the field 
of education. As a charter faculty member of the Queens Bridge to 
Medicine program, she maintains an extended family of former students, 
who have kept her in their lives through graduate/medical schools, 
marriages and children. Juliette was honored with a nomination and 
placement to Who's Who Among American Teachers. Juliette's other honors 
include the Martin Luther King Scholarship--St. John's University; The 
Many Faces of Queens Women--Newsday; Community Service Award--Borough 
President Claire Schulman; Community Service Award--Borough President 
Helen Marshall; Community Service Award--Guy R. Brewer United 
Democratic Club, City Councilman Leroy Comrie's ``Unsung Heroes'' and 
the Queens Chapter of Jack & Jill honored her as one of their past 
chapter presidents.
  ``The greatest joy in my life has been my devoted late husband, 
Richard, our loving, statuesque daughters, Greer and Dionne and 
husbands, Manuel and Michael. My three munchkins (grandsons): Blake, 
Spencer, and Richard are my supreme joy! I feel honored to have 
received several awards from my community and to be blessed with many 
dear and true friends . . . thanks for giving me my roses while I can 
smell them.''

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