[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 6 (Monday, January 13, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E22]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING BARBARA HOLMES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RITCHIE TORRES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 13, 2025

  Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I want to celebrate the life and 
work of a Bronx icon, Barbara Holmes. As her daughter put it, ``She 
fought for the rights of her children, her neighbors and their 
children, her neighborhood and colleagues. No matter the fight she 
continued to fight a good one.'' This sentiment captures the light and 
good she brought into the world.
  Barbara always fought for what was right. In the 60's, the Board of 
Education teachers went on strike. Barbara organized school parents to 
make sure that not a single child was stopped from getting their 
education. Later in the 70's, as she attended Bronx Community College, 
her rights were violated. This led Barbara and her colleagues to stage 
a weeklong sit-in on campus to ensure their right to attend college was 
respected.
  Barbara touched the lives of countless individuals in her community 
as the President of the Community Council of Police Service Area 7. In 
her role, she was dedicated to assisting residents of NYCHA 
Developments with a wide range of challenges, particularly those 
related to public safety. As Tenant Association President, Barbara 
consistently went above and beyond. She organized programs to provide 
food for families in need, as well as toys and school supplies for 
children. Barbara accomplished all of this while tirelessly working to 
support the families and communities she served.
  Barbara was all about community and family. She worked for the 
benefit of others until the day she passed, and the entire community 
will be forever grateful. Her spirit will live on through the Barbara 
Holmes Impact Foundation and her entire Bronx family.

                          ____________________