[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 17, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E516-E517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING THE 90TH BIRTHDAY OF MS. VIRGINIA KEE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 17, 2022

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the 90th 
birthday of Ms. Virginia Kee, a dedicated public servant, longtime 
constituent, and a dear friend. She is widely recognized, respected and 
a pillar of strength in New York City's Chinatown community. I met Ms. 
Kee three decades ago when I first ran for office. She welcomed me and 
helped me better understand the social, immigration and small 
businesses needs of the community. I realized that Ms. Kee and I were 
more alike than different and for that reason I am always grateful for 
her friendship.
  As an Asian American woman, Virginia's experience with the systemic 
racism in her community helped forge her passion for social justice and 
strengthened her determination to break barriers. As a dedicated New 
York City public school teacher in the 1960's, Ms. Kee witnessed first-
hand the poverty and disadvantages faced by Asian immigrant students 
and their families. She realized that the best weapon against poverty 
was education and she diligently worked to motivate students to learn 
and achieve. Virginia became actively engaged in the community after 
the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. An act that 
overhauled the immigration system and lifted the longstanding policy of 
limiting immigration based on national origin. This new policy opened 
the door for Asian immigrants with families living in the United 
States.
  Ms. Kee was devoted to advancing the social and economic conditions 
of her community. As an advocate for children, she was instrumental in 
bringing the first Youth and Head

[[Page E517]]

Start Program to Chinatown in 1965. In addition, to address the growing 
needs of Chinatown's Asian American low-income and immigrant 
communities she became the founding member of the Chinese American 
Planning Council (CPC), one the largest and most comprehensive 
organizations serving low-income Asian American families in the 
Northeast. Today, decades later, CPC serves more than 60,000 families 
annually and continues to deliver cultural and holistic services to New 
York City's expanding Asian community. Ms. Kee remains an active member 
of the Board.
  Ms. Kee realized early that civic engagement and political 
participation were key to securing resources, making local decisions, 
and improving public services in her community. A pioneer both as a 
woman and an Asian American, she became one of the first Chinese 
Americans to be elected to party office in the Democratic Party. In 
1980 she was a member of Governor James Hunt's Commission setting the 
rules for the Democratic Presidential Nominating Procedures. She fought 
for and achieved the inclusion of Asian American representation as 
delegates to the Democratic Party Presidential Convention. Her 
relentless efforts in community action have resulted in the empowerment 
of her community. In year 2000 she served as a member of the New York 
State Electoral College. She has been a strong voice for equitable 
representation by Asian Americans in all levels of government and 
voting rights in New York City.
  Over the years Virginia has received numerous awards. She was 
recognized by the National Conference of Christians and Jews as one of 
their Fifty Extraordinary Women. United Federation of Teachers 
presented her an award for community service. Her alma mater, Hunter 
College of the City of New York inducted her into their Hall of Fame. 
In the aftermath of Abner Louima, she provided leadership on the 
Taskforce on Police and Community. She was a Member of the New York 
City Human Rights Commission and a champion against hate crimes and 
civil rights violations.
  Ms. Virginia Kee's life, public service and love of her community is 
an example of a life well-lived serving others. Her poise, elegance and 
authenticity are admirable. Therefore, Madam Speaker, I ask that you 
rise with me today to honor and celebrate Ms. Virginia Kee's 90th 
Birthday.

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