[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 84 (Wednesday, May 15, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H3260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            HONORING DON LEE

  (Mr. GOLDMAN of New York asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of a giant in the New York City AAPI community, Don Lee.
  Don was driven by a passion to support his AAPI neighbors and make 
government work for everyone. He connected underserved AAPI businesses 
with resources and government contracts traditionally kept out of 
reach.
  After 9/11 devastated the Manhattan Chinatown community, Don served 
as a liaison between neighborhood businesses and FEMA.
  He protested for transit access after the Grand Street Subway closure 
in 1995, helped expand licenses for Chinatown street vendors, and 
tirelessly fought against anti-Asian hate in the wake of COVID.
  Throughout all of this, Don was the board chair of Homecrest 
Community Services for two decades, an anchor for disadvantaged 
communities throughout South Brooklyn. Homecrest created three new 
centers under his leadership.
  Last weekend, Don passed away, somewhat suddenly, and we all mourn 
his loss.
  On a personal note, Don was an early supporter of mine who took the 
time to invest in me, mentor me, guide me, and helped build my 
relationship with the large AAPI community in my district.
  My heart breaks for his wife, Lai, and daughter, Victoria, in the 
wake of his passing, but I know that they, along with New York's AAPI 
community and our entire city, are inspired by the life Don led and the 
legacy that he leaves.

                          ____________________