[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 148 (Wednesday, September 10, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H4231-H4233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING SOPHIA L. REID
(Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Mr. Torres
of New York was recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the
minority leader.)
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr.
=========================== NOTE ===========================
On September 10, 2025, on page H4231, in the third column, the
following appeared: Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr.
The online version has been corrected to read: Mr. TORRES of New
York. Mr.
========================= END NOTE =========================
Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary leader in my district
and a true champion for older adults in the Bronx, Ms. Sophia L. Reid.
For nearly two decades, Ms. Reid has dedicated herself to the health,
dignity, and well-being of our senior community. As program director of
the Eastchester Neighborhood Older Adult Center under R.A.I.N., Sophia
is more than an administrator. She is a mentor, a caregiver, and a
tireless advocate for our community's older adults.
Sophia brings compassion and leadership to everything she does by
fostering a sense of community, by organizing health education
programs, and hosting wellness activities. As one of her residents
retells: ``Sophia has provided an environment where her older adults
feel safe, comfortable, and happy to be in daily.''
The older adults that come are from various ethnic backgrounds and
not all speak English, but Sophia says: You don't have to love each
other, but you must respect each other, and that is how it is.
Her years of dedicated service and passionate care have led her to
receive countless awards from the New York City Council, the Bronx
Borough President's Office, and now a congressional recognition.
Her work in recognition speaks volumes to the impact that Sophia has
had on the Bronx. Sophia has created a space where our seniors feel
safe, valued, and seen.
In a city as diverse as New York, she reminds us that respect,
community, and care are the foundations of aging with dignity.
On behalf of the people of the Bronx, I thank Sophia Reid for her
unwavering service.
Honoring Allison Griffith and Radcliff Magenta Block Association
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I want to honor the
extraordinary dedication of community leader Allison Griffith and the
Radcliff Magenta Block Association, whose tireless work has transformed
their Bronx neighborhood.
Over 20 years ago, Lillian McDuffie and Yvonne Long fought against a
serious health hazard in which raw sewage was backing up into their
homes every time it rained. Their persistence brought attention to a
dangerous problem that endangered children playing in basements and
resident safety.
After over a year of fighting for the issue to be addressed and for
the continued cleaning of the sewer system, the request was approved,
and the reconstruction on the area began to fix the sewer system as a
whole.
Their commitment didn't stop there. Seeing neighborhood children with
nothing to do, they helped start a block party to bring the community
together, fostering connection and care among neighbors.
[[Page H4232]]
Today, Allison Griffith carries on this tradition as the chairperson
of the Radcliff Magenta Block Association, keeping the community united
and engaged year after year. I have had the pleasure of attending the
block party since I began representing the community, and it has been a
day full of fun and events for the full neighborhood.
I am proud to support this extraordinary community organization and
its efforts to build a healthier, stronger Bronx. Their story reminds
us that real change begins with neighbors looking out for one another.
Recognizing Cheryl McNear
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cheryl
McNear, the newly elected president of the 47th Precinct Community
Council and a steadfast leader in our Bronx community.
Cheryl has dedicated nearly a decade of service to the council
holding multiple leadership roles, including vice president, recording
secretary, corresponding secretary, and assistant secretary before
being elected president.
As a retired associate dean of student affairs, she brings a wealth
of experience in leadership, policy, and institutional structure,
skills she now applies to strengthen community safety and engagement.
Beyond her professional achievements, Cheryl serves as a community
chaplain and is deeply engaged with organizations like the NAACP
Williamsbridge branch and Not On My Watch Incorporated.
Her leadership is shaped by clarity, order, and emotional
intelligence, anchored in a deep understanding that community work is
not just a responsibility but a ministry.
For Cheryl, serving the community is not a job. It is a lifelong
calling rooted in principle and purpose. Mr. Speaker, Cheryl McNear's
life deserves to be honored for her outstanding leadership and
dedication to making the Bronx a safer, stronger place for all.
{time} 1840
Honoring Margaret Alexander
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Margaret
Alexander, a dedicated and passionate community service advocate, and a
voice for the voiceless who volunteers for various causes.
Margaret's projects include coordinating events for The Beacon of
Hope, as a youth mentor with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and
recently held a key role as an ambassador advocate for the Alzheimer's
Association.
She cared for her mother and aunt, both of whom succumbed to
Alzheimer's, for over 15 years. As an experienced caregiver, she turned
her pain into power. Her work with the Alzheimer's Association has
afforded her the opportunity to attend rallies and meet with elected
officials.
Her successful advocacy and dedication to her work led her to be a
lead speaker before the 2024 Alzheimer's National Forum in Washington,
D.C., where she was awarded an Alzheimer's National Advocacy Team
award.
Margaret currently leads a business that provides social activities
for folks living with mild and moderate dementia. Additionally, she has
participated in Alzheimer's research trials for over 5 years to assist
in the fight against this devastating disease.
Margaret's work has helped so many seniors in our community age with
dignity. I thank her for her incredible service.
Celebrating St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate a true
pillar of faith, resilience, and community in the Bronx, St. Luke's
Episcopal Church in Williamsbridge.
What began humbly in 1914 in the living room of Mr. and Mrs. William
Witty has grown into one of the most vibrant and enduring congregations
in our city. Through decades of transition, leadership, and vision,
from the Rev. Harold McLean to Rev. Pierre-Andre Duvert, St. Luke's has
been a beacon of hope, compassion, and purpose.
Whether building formal senior housing, launching youth ministries,
or expanding its spiritual and physical sanctuary, St. Luke's has
always understood that faith is more than words; it is action rooted in
love and service.
For over a century, St. Luke's has lived its mission not only within
its sanctuary but throughout our borough and the world. We thank its
clergy, leaders, and parishioners, past and present. We honor their
legacy, and we celebrate their unwavering commitment to lifting others
up.
May St. Luke's continue to be a light in the Bronx for generations to
come.
Celebrating the 67th Anniversary of NAACP Williamsbridge Branch
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and
celebrate the NAACP Williamsbridge Branch on its 67th anniversary gala.
For nearly seven decades, this branch has been a steadfast champion
for justice and equality in the Bronx, especially in the northeast
Bronx, where its leadership has empowered families, defended civil
rights, and strengthened neighborhoods through action.
From education to civic engagement, the Williamsbridge Branch has
been a powerful force for change, amplifying the voices of our
communities and ensuring that they are heard, valued, and respected.
This year's gala not only honors exceptional leaders in youth, health
education, and public service, but it also reaffirms the branch's deep
commitment to investing in the next generation.
On behalf of New York's 15th Congressional District, I commend the
Williamsbridge NAACP for its enduring legacy of advocacy. May the 67th
anniversary be both a celebration of progress and a call to continue
the vital work that lies ahead.
Honoring Rev. Dr. Alpher Sylvester
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I wish to honor an extraordinary
leader, scholar, and servant of God, Rev. Dr. Alpher Sylvester,
district superintendent of the Connecticut District in the New York
Annual Conference.
Born in Trinidad and Tobago, the seventh of ten children, Rev.
Sylvester was shaped by a deep faith and disciplined upbringing. His
journey from Sunday school in the Caribbean to lecturing at NYU and
ministering across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East is a testament
to his calling, his conviction, and his commitment to empowering God's
people.
He is not only a passionate preacher and teacher of the Word, but a
scholar, mentor, and global faith leader, sponsoring pilgrimages and
uplifting lives through exegetical preaching and compassionate service.
Through every role--as a husband, father, academic, and pastor--Rev.
Dr. Sylvester has embodied excellence and purpose.
On behalf of the people of New York's 15th Congressional District, I
commend him for his enduring dedication to ministry and to humanity.
May his life continue to be a blessing to the body of Christ and to the
world.
Honoring Ursula Cruz-Greene
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ursula Cruz-
Greene, a remarkable public servant, and a pillar of our Bronx
community.
Born in Lumberton, North Carolina, Ursula moved to New York and
quickly made her mark. After graduating as a valedictorian from Global
Business Institute, she joined Bronx Community Board 12 in 1995 and has
been serving with excellence ever since.
In 2000, she earned her bachelor's degree magna cum laude from Monroe
College, further proving her dedication to growth and service.
For nearly three decades, Ursula has gone above and beyond by
supporting residents, advocating for seniors, and ensuring that
government works for the people it serves. Her compassion,
professionalism, and commitment are felt in every corner of our
district.
On behalf of the Bronx and this House, I thank Ursula Cruz-Greene for
her extraordinary service and look forward to her continued leadership.
Recognizing Keith Elijah Thompson
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an
extraordinary spiritual leader and community pillar in the Bronx, the
Rev. Dr. Rabbi Keith Elijah Thompson.
For over four decades, Rabbi Thompson has served the people of the
Bronx with unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.
He is a man of God who is known across the community as a man who
inspires, teaches, and instills hope in those around him. Dr. Thompson
started out by leading a small, home-based Bible study for members of
his community.
[[Page H4233]]
In 1980, he would go on to become the founder and chief apostle of
the Bronx Miracle Gospel Tabernacle Word of Faith Ministry. He has
uplifted countless lives through dynamic preaching, compassionate
service, and inspired teaching.
Known as a teacher of teachers, Dr. Thompson has built a ministry
rooted in love, empowerment, and transformation. His leadership extends
far beyond the pulpit, establishing the Bronx Resource Community Center
in 2008, mentoring clergy, and serving for two decades as a trusted
liaison with the NYPD.
In a world too often defined by division, Dr. Thompson reminds us of
the power of faith to unify. His legacy is not just in the honors he
has received but in the lives he has changed.
Honoring Rev. Dr. Pierre-Andre Duvert
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Rev.
Dr. Pierre-Andre Duvert, a spiritual giant, and a community leader
whose life of service has touched thousands across the Bronx and
beyond.
Born in Haiti and ordained in 1991 at the Cathedral of St. John the
Divine, Dr. Duvert has spent 34 years in ordained ministry, living out
his calling with humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to
justice.
As rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in the Bronx, one of the
largest congregations in the diocese, he has not only shepherded his
parish but also uplifted our broader community.
His dedication extends far beyond the pulpit, from instituting the
Annual Police Appreciation Day, to serving on committees focused on
reparations and shared mission, to mentoring the next generation of
faith leaders.
With two doctorates and decades of academic and spiritual leadership,
he exemplifies the intersection of faith, intellect, and service.
I thank Dr. Rev. Duvert for his lifelong ministry and for being a
beacon of hope, healing, and unity in our community.
{time} 1850
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Aureo Ivan Cardona
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life
and legacy of Aureo Ivan Cardona, a son of Puerto Rico, a child of the
Bronx, and a giant in the fight for justice, dignity, and community.
Born in Arecibo and raised in Hunts Point, Aureo embodied the very
best of our community, rooted in faith, driven by purpose, and
committed to service.
Aureo often shared that he had a beautiful childhood. ``I never knew
we were poor because I was happy.''
Aureo was a tireless advocate for justice, a fearless voice of the
marginalized, and a champion of the underserved. His career began with
the Model Cities Program, tackling urban poverty, housing decay, and
racial inequality in New York City. He later became president of the
South Bronx Housing Corporation, tasked with rebuilding the community
after the devastating fires of the 1970s.
Aureo never stopped believing in the power of people to transform
their neighborhoods. He was a champion for youth, a builder of homes
and hope, and the founder of the National Hispanic Housing Coalition.
His legacy reaches from the Bronx to Miami, from Puerto Rico to Spain,
and far beyond.
Aureo's voice echoed for the marginalized. His leadership lit the
path for generations.
Aureo was more than an advocate. He was an artist, a mentor, a loving
husband, a father, and a friend. His life was a master class in
service, compassion, and joy.
To his beloved wife, Cookie; his daughter, Ralina; and his extended
family, I say thank you for sharing him with us. The Bronx is better
because your father and husband lived. May his memory be a blessing and
a call to action.
Recognizing Reverend Dr. Rabbi Keith Elijah Thompson
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an
extraordinary spiritual leader and community pillar in the Bronx: the
Reverend Dr. Rabbi Keith Elijah Thompson.
For over four decades, Reverend Dr. Rabbi Thompson has served the
people of the Bronx with unwavering faith, humility, and purpose, a man
of God who was known across the community as a leader who inspires,
teaches, and instills hope in those around him.
Dr. Thompson started out by leading a small home-based Bible study
for members of his community. In 1980, he would go on to become the
founder and chief apostle of the Bronx Miracle Gospel Tabernacle Word
of Faith Ministry. He has uplifted countless lives through dynamic
preaching, compassionate service, and inspired teaching.
Known as a teacher of teachers, Dr. Thompson has built a ministry
rooted in love, empowerment, and transformation. His leadership extends
far beyond the pulpit, establishing the Bronx Resource Community Center
in 2008, mentoring clergy, and serving for over two decades as a
trusted liaison with the New York Police Department.
In a world too often defined by division, Dr. Thompson reminds us of
the power of faith to unify. His legacy is not just in the honors he
has received, but also in the lives he has changed.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
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