[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 143 (Monday, September 16, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E897]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DIANNE JACKSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 16, 2024

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Dianne Jackson. Dianne Jackson was a lifetime public housing 
resident, leader and activist dedicated to improving living conditions 
and advocating for tenant rights. She had firsthand experience with the 
injustices faced by public housing residents and their communities and 
dedicated her life to fixing them.
  As a member and graduate of the National Congress of Neighborhood 
Women (NCNW) college program, Dianne used her voice to bring attention 
to issues such as substandard housing conditions, lack of access to 
resources and opportunities, and discrimination residents face. She 
served as President of Cooper Park Resident Council for a decade and on 
the board of NYCHA's Citywide Council of Presidents. Dianne worked with 
NCNW and helped organize women in the fight for healthcare services, 
daycare, and community services for young people. She served on 
numerous anti-poverty boards, including the first NYC Area Policy 
Board, comprised of community leaders charged with helping to secure 
local funding for communities.
  She was a member of the NYPD Community Council and a voice against 
police abuse, while supporting public safety measures to keep 
neighborhoods safe. Dianne organized residents to join the fight 
against environmental degradation, local waste companies, and polluting 
manufacturers. Cooper Park Houses, a predominately Black and Latino 
community, has been impacted by environmental injustices that hurt the 
health and wellness of residents. Dianne Jackson became a recognized 
and respected leader of influence. She has been featured in community 
documentaries and recognized by the City, State and Federal leaders for 
her advocacy.
  Dianne touched so many lives through her work, and our city is 
undoubtedly a better place because of her. She will be sorely missed, 
but I'm heartened to know that her legacy will inspire young people 
looking to stand up against injustice in our great city. My thoughts 
are with her family and all the New Yorkers who had the pleasure to 
know her. May she rest in peace and may we all honor her memory.

                          ____________________