[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 85 (Thursday, May 16, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H3279-H3280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MARLA BRAMBLE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Illinois (Mrs. Ramirez) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Madam Speaker, in recognition of Jewish American 
Heritage Month, I rise today to honor my constituent, a longtime 
defendant of our multicultural, multiracial democracy, Marla Bramble.
  Marla has dedicated her entire life to organizing multicultural, 
interfaith coalitions for economic and racial justice. For the last 10 
years, Marla has been a passionate voice for our Jewish neighbors, 
leading the community-organizing team at the Jewish Council on Urban 
Affairs.
  Through these efforts, she has helped achieve significant victories 
for our community, city, and State, ending cash bail in Illinois, 
protecting affordable housing units across the city of Chicago, 
expanding Medicaid coverage for undocumented immigrants, and making 
sure that our communities understand the importance of affordable 
housing.
  Marla has lived in the beautiful Humboldt Park community for over 20 
years. I have had an opportunity to see her work, how she organizes 
from a place of love, from a place of justice, and from a place of 
peace.
  Marla has devoted herself to mentoring young Jewish leaders and 
people of all backgrounds, like me, demonstrating how, through 
solidarity, we can unite across faith communities in our fight for 
justice and peace.
  On behalf of the Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is the 
greatest honor of my life to commend Marla Bramble for being a guiding 
light for the Jewish community and for all of us in Illinois-03.
  Madam Speaker, I thank and congratulate Marla.


                    Commending HANA Center and AFIRE

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Madam Speaker, in recognition of Asian American, Native 
Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I rise today to commend 
two essential Asian-American organizations serving families in 
Illinois-03.
  Albany Park in Illinois-03 is home to the HANA Center and the 
Alliance of Filipinos for Immigrant Rights and Empowerment, or, as we 
call it, AFIRE.
  Both organizations are central to serving families of Korean, 
Filipino, and Asian heritage through social services, education, 
culture, and community organizing.
  By hosting citizenship workshops, health fairs, and other events to 
engage the community in culturally competent ways, HANA Center and 
AFIRE demonstrate the strength and cultural richness of the Asian 
diaspora and the immigrant community overall.
  I am grateful for their presence in Illinois-03 and for their work 
building the power of Asian-American and immigrant communities to 
organize around their needs.

[[Page H3280]]

  On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I am honored to 
commend the HANA Center and AFIRE for their unwavering work to uplift 
our Asian-American, Native American, and Pacific Islander families.
  Madam Speaker, I congratulate AFIRE and the HANA Center.


                         Honoring Dr. Tom Jobe

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the 
legacy of Dr. Tom Jobe, a trailblazer in the field of mental health.
  As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, it is fitting to honor 
the contributions of a man who expanded our understanding of 
psychiatry.
  Dr. Jobe's multidisciplinary approach challenged established norms. 
His innovative research shed light on alternative treatment approaches 
that brought hope, humanity, and possibilities to patients across 
Illinois and across the Nation. He provided care for 
people, constituents, on the West Side and South Side of Chicago when 
very few others were doing it.

  Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Jobe's warmth, empathy, and 
generosity touched all who knew him. His passing was deeply mourned.
  He was a brilliant man with interests that ranged from medicine to 
philosophy that enriched not only his work but the lives of all people 
who ever met him and surrounded him. His commitment to mental health 
care for everyone touched many lives.
  He is deeply, deeply missed by his partner, Anna Weaver, his loved 
ones, and the entire community of the State of Illinois. We know that 
his legacy lives on.
  Today, let us remember Tom Jobe's many contributions as we continue 
the vital work of advocating for mental health awareness, support, and 
resources.
  In his memory, we honor Tom Jobe today.

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