[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 134 (Wednesday, July 29, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING DONA GRACIELA CRUZ

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2020

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of 
Dona Graciela Cruz. It is with a heavy heart that I reflect on our loss 
of a valued member of our community in my district. Ms. Cruz, who 
passed in early June, left us with a legacy of compassion and kindness, 
which lives on in both the memories of her loved ones and those in 
Williamsburg she inspired.
  Ms. Cruz spent the majority of her life in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, 
and sought to repay her community for the kindness it showed her. She 
did not spend her days idly, instead preferring to pour her energy into 
the neighborhood around her. In the 1970's, she served as the coach for 
a women's softball league at McCarren park, teaching others how to find 
the same joy she had for her favorite sport. Throughout her life, she 
was an active member of her local church, regularly putting all of her 
effort into events and activities for the local youth. Her work with 
the children was borne of a true love for seeing those around her 
flourish.
  Ms. Cruz possessed the strong spirit of an activist, putting that 
energy towards the betterment of her community where we needed it most. 
She always believed in political empowerment and the importance of 
encouraging more people to vote. Some might say she loved two sports 
equally: softball and politics.
  Ms. Cruz, along with other members of her community, fought to start 
a garden in her neighborhood, later known as the Keap Street Community 
Gardens. Despite opposition from some local elected officials, Dona 
Graciela persevered. She and neighbors broke down both physical and 
political barriers to take a previously unused space and transform it 
into a valuable community anchor.
  Over many decades, she became a steadfast activist for tenants' 
rights, and attended countless rallies over the years to fight for 
fair, livable housing. Her devotion is truly inspiring to everyone she 
knew, myself and my staff included.
  Dona Graciela is survived by her children, extended family, and 
friends, as well as a community that has felt her loss deeply. My 
thoughts and prayers are with her family. I hope they may take some 
comfort during these difficult times in knowing just how deeply she is 
missed by us all.

                          ____________________