[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 82 (Thursday, May 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E431]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CELEBRATING THE 65TH BIRTHDAY OF LEONA HARPER

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                        HON. TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2025

  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
65th birthday of a great leader and dear friend in Western New York, 
Leona Harper. Leona is a lifelong Buffalonian whose innumerable 
contributions to our community have made a difference in the lives of 
so many. With nearly three decades of service at M&T Bank and prior 
experience at HSBC Bank, Leona's professional accomplishments are 
eclipsed only by her love of family, especially her beloved children 
Brandon and Jacqueline, as well as her adored grandchildren. A tireless 
volunteer, Leona stands as a pillar of the community, always ready to 
help those in need, serving as a shining example of what it means to be 
a citizen in the City of Good Neighbors.
  Born on April 26, 1960, in Buffalo, Leona Harper is a graduate of 
Bennett High School and Bryant & Stratton College. Her father, Norman, 
inspired her love of public service through his leadership in the 
United Auto Workers. Her life has been marked by selfless public 
service. From her work reactivating the St. Martin DePorres Boy Scout 
Troop No. 39, to her efforts to assist those impacted by the Tops 
Supermarket domestic terror attack, to her corporate service as a 
member of M&T Bank's African American Resource Group, Leona Harper 
never ceases to find new ways to give back to the community that has 
given her so much. She has served as her block club president, a member 
of the Naomi Chapter No. 10 Order of the Eastern Stars, and is always 
ready to jump into action.
  Through her various roles and tireless efforts, Leona Harper has 
demonstrated a profound commitment to the well-being of Buffalo's 
children, families, and communities, carrying forward a legacy of 
service and activism. As a result of her work, lives have been 
transformed, and the Queen City is a better place to live and raise a 
family.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing Leona Harper the happiest of 
birthdays and thanking her for her volunteerism. I know that she will 
continue to play an important leadership role in Western New York for 
many, many years to come.

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