[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 23, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H3562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1050
                          HONORING JOHN SPEARS

  (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life of John Spears, the director of the Buffalo & Erie County Public 
Library system.
  Although John only became director of the Buffalo & Erie County 
Library in April 2022, his brief tenure, backed by 25 years of 
experience, left an indelible mark on western New York.
  John was an inspiring leader who worked tirelessly to expand access 
and make libraries in western New York more inclusive, from eliminating 
fines for overdue books to redesigning the Central Library to be safer 
and more welcoming for everyone.
  John was a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion. He was 
honored by the New York Library Association for innovative leadership 
and fostering relationships across every community.
  In 2022, I had the privilege of working alongside John on a project 
to digitize the William A. Miles collection at the Merriweather 
Library, the largest resource center in western New York for 
information on African-American history.
  From the moment the effort began, John was all in. This was just one 
of the countless examples of John's commitment to making our public 
institutions more just, representative, and responsive to the people we 
serve.
  John saw libraries as a way of connecting people to their potential--
a place where anyone, regardless of their background, could go, sit 
down, and learn.
  On July 20, after a courageous battle with cancer, John passed away. 
Yet, his legacy lives on. He created a stronger, more inclusive library 
system that he helped to build. His legacy will last forever.
  John is survived by his partner, Brian Dimit; his father, Robert; his 
brother, Evans; and his sister, Katherine. He leaves behind countless 
friends and colleagues across western New York and beyond.
  I thank John for his service, compassion, and unwavering belief in 
the power of community. He will be deeply missed.
  May John Spears rest in peace.


    Celebrating Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo on 80th 
                              Anniversary

  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration 
of an incredible milestone, the 80th anniversary of the Jewish 
Community Center of Greater Buffalo.
  Since its founding in 1945, the JCC has stood as a pillar of 
strength, compassion, and community in western New York. For eight 
decades, it has served as a cornerstone of our region that reflects the 
diversity, resilience, and generosity of western New York. With two 
vibrant campuses, one in Amherst and one in the heart of Buffalo, the 
JCC opens its doors to over 1,000 individuals each and every day.
  Whether it is early childhood education, enriching after-school 
programs, fitness classes, summer day camps, or arts and cultural 
events, and much more, the JCC is a space for everyone at every stage 
of life.
  At its core, it is a place that brings people together. It is where 
families grow, friendships form, traditions are celebrated, and 
community is built.
  The JCC's mission is rooted in inclusion. Regardless of background, 
faith, or ability, everyone is welcome.
  The 80th anniversary of the JCC is more than a celebration. It is 
about the legacy that continues to shape the present and inspire the 
future.
  I thank the leadership, staff, volunteers, and generations of 
families who have walked through the JCC's doors for creating a home 
where values endure, culture thrives, and people belong.
  On behalf of a grateful western New York, I congratulate them on a 
remarkable 80 years. Here is to many, many more.

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