[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 196 (Thursday, November 20, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H4865-H4868]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LIFE OF ERIC ANDREW FARMER
(Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Mr. Torres
of New York was recognized for 30 minutes.)
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life
and legacy of a Bronx giant, Eric Andrew ``E Boogie'' Farmer. His
passing on October 8 leaves a profound void in Forest Houses and in the
heart of our borough.
[[Page H4866]]
Eric Farmer was born and raised in the Bronx, and for more than 50
years, he embodied the very best of our community. A gifted athlete
whose dreams were interrupted by tragedy, Eric transformed personal
loss into public purpose. In 2012, he became the tenant association
president of Forest Houses, a role he carried out with honesty,
compassion, and relentless effectiveness. When Eric called a meeting,
the room was full of people because people trusted him. They knew he
listened, and they knew he delivered.
Eric forged partnerships with NYPD PSA 7, community organizations,
and city officials to bring real resources into Forest Houses. He
invested deeply in young people by offering mentorship, securing
grants, creating summer programs, and opening doors for anyone seeking
a second chance. His community events, like book bag giveaways, turkey
distributions, and Christmas gifts for every child, were not just
traditions. They were often lifelines.
Eric's leadership extended far beyond the Bronx. His work on the
Gramsci Monument brought international attention and investment to
Forest Houses, employing more than 150 residents and showcasing the
cultural brilliance of our community.
Eric never sought recognition. His mission was the people. He was the
heartbeat of Forest Houses, a mentor, connector, unifier, and friend.
May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy continue to guide
the Bronx for generations to come.
{time} 2010
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Roza Gjonaj
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life
and legacy of Roza Gjonaj, a woman whose story embodies the very best
of the American immigrant experience.
Born in 1948 in Montenegro, Roza grew up grounded in compassion,
community, and faith. In 1966, she married her beloved husband, Zef.
Just 2 years later, they embarked on a courageous journey to the United
States to build a better life, and what a life she built.
As a devoted mother to Mark, Elza, and Paul, and as ``Nana Roza'' to
seven grandchildren, Roza created a family rooted in love, generosity,
and unwavering support. Her nurturing spirit and deep care for her
family were evident in everything she did.
Roza's commitment extended far beyond her home. She was a dedicated
friend, a pillar of her community, and a passionate supporter of civic
engagement. This was never more evident than in her tireless advocacy
during her son Mark's political endeavors.
As a woman of deep Catholic faith, Roza carried and shared that faith
everywhere she went, often literally by gifting rosaries to others. Her
spirituality was not only personal; it was a beacon of hope and a
reminder of the power of prayer.
Roza Gjonaj's life was defined by love, faith, and service. Her
legacy lives on in the community she strengthened and the family she so
fiercely cherished. May her memory be a blessing, and may we honor her
by striving to live with the same grace that she exemplified every day.
Recognizing Domonic Smith
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, Domonic Smith is a testament to
perseverance, purpose, and the power of second chances.
A graduate of the college of New Rochelle with a bachelor's degree in
psychology, he continued to elevate his expertise by becoming a
certified substance abuse counselor. His journey has been anything but
linear, from exploring the music industry as an aspiring writer and
artist to becoming a respected leader in youth development.
For more than 18 years, Mr. Smith has dedicated his life to uplifting
youth and families across New York City. His work has connected him
with parents, teens, educators, elected officials, and community
members who share his belief that every young person deserves guidance,
opportunity, and hope.
As a preventive manager at the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center,
where he has proudly served for over 12 years, he oversees
transformative programs, including drug prevention and restorative
justice. Through his leadership, these programs reach more than 700
youth and families every year.
Mr. Smith's impact also extends to his time as the program director
at MMCC's Edenwald Community Center. There, he launched essential
support systems, such as Narcotics Anonymous meetings, a mentorship
program for high-risk youth, and a men's support group, spaces that
continue to change lives and restore hope to those who participate.
Beyond titles and positions, Mr. Smith is a youth advocate at heart.
He is a motivational speaker, mentor, and guide for young people who
are navigating some of life's toughest challenges. As the CEO and
founder of Your2ndChance, he leads a powerful youth leadership
initiative that supports high-risk students, alternative school
populations, justice-involved youth, and individuals returning home
from incarceration.
Mr. Smith's story is a reminder that, with resilience, vision, and
commitment to serving others, one person can inspire change that
ripples across families, communities, and endures for generations.
Recognizing Reverend Reginald E. Paris and United Christian Baptist
Church
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a
remarkable leader and a cornerstone of faith in the Bronx, Reverend
Reginald E. Paris of the United Christian Baptist Church.
Since its founding on May 16, 1960, by the late Reverend Elias Miner,
United Christian Baptist Church has stood as a steadfast pillar of
hope, service, and spiritual resilience. What began as a small
gathering of believers has grown into a thriving ministry that has
produced reverends, deacons, evangelists, and generations of community
leaders, all committed to winning the world for Christ.
The church's journey from its humble beginnings on Amsterdam Avenue
to its permanent home on East 222nd Street reflects a legacy of
perseverance and divine purpose. With more than 22 ministries and
partnerships with over 20 interdenominational churches, United
Christian has fed the hungry, empowered families, supported youth, and
uplifted the Bronx for more than six decades.
At the heart of this extraordinary institution stands Reverend
Reginald E. Paris. Reverend Paris is a proud son of the Bronx, whose
own path to ministry began as a Sunday school teacher, then deacon, and
now just celebrated his eighth pastoral anniversary in the church. His
leadership is rooted in humility, compassion, and an unwavering
commitment to service.
Through initiatives like Cripple to Crowned, youth mentorship,
antigun violence advocacy, and daily acts of care, Reverend Paris lives
the gospel, not only in word but in deed. Under his guidance, United
Christian Baptist Church is a sanctuary where people are lifted,
restored, and empowered, and it remains a beacon of faith for the Bronx
community.
I thank Reverend Paris and the entire United Christian family for
their enduring service. May their work continue to bless the Bronx and
beyond.
Recognizing Tanya Pedler
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge Tanya
Pedler, a passionate community leader, disability advocate, and the
current president of the Morrisania Air Rights Houses Tenant
Association in the south Bronx.
A dedicated mother and tireless organizer, Tanya has become a leading
voice for families living in NYCHA developments, especially those
raising children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Since her son Glen's autism diagnosis in 2018, Tanya has worked to
address the lack of services, programs, and inclusive spaces for
children and families with special needs in the Bronx. She has made it
her mission to ensure that the New York City Housing Authority, NYCHA,
residents are not left behind in the fight for access, equity, and
opportunity.
Due to Tanya's dedication and activism, she was instrumental in
securing $750,000 in Federal funding for the first sensory garden and
sensory playground at the Morrisania Air Rights Houses. These
groundbreaking spaces are designed to provide safe, inclusive
environments for children of all abilities to play, explore, and
thrive, transforming public housing into communities where families
feel seen, supported, and valued.
[[Page H4867]]
In 2023, Tanya founded The Sensory Exploration Center, Incorporated,
a not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing sensory play,
therapy, and inclusive programming to the Morrisania Air Rights
community and beyond.
Tanya has also expanded her advocacy beyond local infrastructure. In
2025, she organized and led a groundbreaking trip for over 220 children
and families with autism, providing them with a day of joy and
connection in honor of Autism Awareness and Disability Pride Month.
Under Tanya's leadership, Morrisania Air Rights has become a hub for
inclusive programming, sensory-friendly initiatives, and strong
community engagement. Her vision and persistence have reshaped the way
NYCHA communities embrace children and families with disabilities,
setting a precedent--a powerful precedent--for public housing
developments within the Bronx and across New York City.
{time} 2020
Honoring Rosetta Kirkland
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a dear friend
and constituent, Rosetta Kirkland.
A dedicated Bronx community member, SEIU 1199 union member, and
current president of the board of directors of Concourse Village of the
Bronx, I am grateful for her immense community contributions, social
justice advocacy, and her ongoing fight to improve the lives of working
people in the Bronx.
Rosetta consistently strives to improve the lives of all working
people, as well as the lives of those she lives with in her community
in Concourse Village.
She has worked alongside local groups and elected officials,
including myself, putting on powerful community events such as family
days, turkey giveaways, and Halloween events. Through her tireless
work, Rosetta has become a powerful force for good in her community.
In addition to her Bronx community leadership, Rosetta is a leader in
her faith community. She has taken part in different functions at
Greater Universal Baptist Church, New Season Church, and the Pastor's
Aide League of Greater New York & Vicinity, as a choir member, the
president of the Pastor Aide Committee, and much more. Her commitment
to her faith is an integral part of her identity and an inspiration to
those around her.
Rosetta spent 21 years within the MTAs president's office aiding the
largest public transportation system in the country. While at the MTA,
Rosetta joined the powerful 1199 SEIU union and has been a proud member
since 2011. She was hired as part of the administrative staff at Kings
Harbor Multicare Center where her peers elected her as their union
delegate.
In that capacity, she persistently and effectively represented the
members in grievance procedures and ensured their rights were always
protected. She engages members in union campaigns to preserve
sufficient funding for healthcare and organizes Member-to-Member
electoral campaigns.
As a delegate, Rosetta went on to become a union activist where she
demonstrated her drive to make a positive difference for social and
human justice. She is now part of the 1199 candidate screening team,
which is a committee of 1199 staffers who the union relies upon to be
responsible for choosing the next political candidate they support with
an endorsement for their run for office.
It is with immense respect and admiration that I honor Rosetta
Kirkland for her dedicated service to her community, her advocacy for
workers' rights, and her ongoing commitment to improving the lives of
those around her. Her leadership, compassion, and tireless work on
behalf of others exemplify the values of our great borough.
Honoring Melissa Sigmond
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a New
Yorker whose leadership embodies the best of our city's spirit, a
spirit of service, inclusivity, and relentless dedication to community:
Melissa Sigmond.
Melissa is a transformational leader and currently the CEO of the
Riverdale Y. I can state from personal experience that partnering with
Melissa means partnering with someone who understands impact not in the
abstract but in the everyday lives of real people.
As the CEO of the Riverdale Y, Melissa has taken an already important
institution and elevated it to new heights. Under her leadership, the
Riverdale Y has not simply been a community center but a community
anchor. It supports New Yorkers of every age, background, and identity.
It is a place where children learn, where seniors find companionship,
where families gather, and where every person who walks through the
doors feels seen, valued, and welcomed.
In addition to her work at the Riverdale Y, her career spans Fortune
500 firms, financial institutions, and some of the most mission-driven
philanthropic organizations in our Nation.
Whether working with education nonprofits, technology innovators, or
faith-based institutions, Melissa has brought the same steady hallmark
of excellence: a commitment to strengthening community connections and
lifting people up. She understands something essential about public
life. Solutions are strongest when government, nonprofit leaders, and
industry work hand in hand.
Today, we honor her achievements, her compassion, and her unwavering
dedication to the people of New York.
Mr. Speaker, we thank her for her service, her vision, and her
enduring belief in what a community can be when we choose to build it
together.
Honoring Gene Edwards
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true
Bronxite, Mr. Gene Edwards. His story is inseparable from the story of
our borough, our city, and our country.
Gene grew up in the very heart of the Bronx, attended New York City
public schools, raised in public housing, and from those humble
beginnings, he charted a path defined by courage and service.
After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served for
10 years with distinction. Over three combat tours in Iraq, Gene
demonstrated extraordinary bravery and valor. His acts of service
earned him decorations and the deep gratitude of our Nation. In 2024,
he was rightfully inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall
of Fame.
When Gene returned home, he did what true public servants do:
continued to serve. For the past 15 years, he has worked in the Bronx
District Attorney's Office, fighting for justice on behalf of victims
of crime and standing up for the safety and dignity of our communities.
Gene's service extends far beyond the walls of any institution. He is
a senior leader of the youth literacy initiative, Ms. Ann's World,
which has placed thousands of free books into the hands of low-income
children to nurture the minds and imaginations of the next generation.
For his military service and his work as a district leader, Gene
serves as a Vice State Commander of the National Association of Black
Veterans, advocating at the State level to ensure that veterans receive
the support and services they have earned. As district leader of the
79th Assembly District, Gene has championed voter education, civic
engagement, and political empowerment, always ensuring that the people
of south Bronx know their rights and know their power.
Mr. Speaker, Gene has fought for this country. He has fought for the
Bronx, and he continues to fight every day for the people. His life is
a testament to what it means to rise from the Bronx and serve the Bronx
with unwavering devotion. It is my honor to recognize him today.
Honoring Sherman Browne
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize
Sherman Browne, an extraordinary community leader and the CEO of the
AIMHigh Empowerment Institute.
Raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands and now a proud member of the Bronx
community, Sherman brings a lifetime of resilience, public service, and
dedication to empowering young people.
His background in public administration and youth development gives
him a deep understanding of the challenges facing the young men he
serves. Through the AIMHigh Empowerment Institute, Mr. Browne leads a
transformative program that provides weekly in-school empowerment
sessions, personalized coaching, leadership training, and academic and
career support.
He works to ensure that students are surrounded by mentors who
believe in
[[Page H4868]]
their potential and he helps them build confidence, discipline, and
purpose. Reaching young adults early, ensuring they understand and
reach their potential, is critical work to prepare the next generation
of leaders in the Bronx.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Mr. Browne for his unwavering
commitment to our youth and for helping build stronger, brighter
futures across our community. He represents the best qualities in what
it truly means to be a mentor by inspiring, listening, and instilling
confidence in the youth of the Bronx.
Honoring Miguel Peterson
Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a man who has
dedicated his life to the Bronx and his community, Miguel Peterson,
president of the Teller Avenue Resident Association.
For more than four decades, Mr. Peterson has lived in the same
neighborhood, building a life rooted in family and community. He and
his wife, Maria, have been married for 43 years and together have
raised nine children.
{time} 2030
Mr. Peterson's family is a testament to generosity, responsibility,
and the values that have long strengthened the Bronx.
Mr. Peterson dedicated his professional career to helping others,
working as an orthotics and prosthetics technician before joining
NYCHA, where he rose to the position of superintendent.
Mr. Peterson's commitment to public service extends even further. He
served honorably in the U.S. Army Reserves, earning the rank of staff
sergeant, and volunteered as a police officer for more than 2 years,
leaving the police force with the rank of sergeant.
For nearly 20 years, Mr. Peterson has served as the president of the
Teller Avenue Resident Association. For the past 8 years, he has been
elected vice chair of the Bronx South District Council of Presidents,
where he advocates tirelessly for safer housing, stronger services, and
a better quality of life for his neighbors.
A graduate of Bronx Community College, a father to a Bronx family,
and a superintendent of Bronx housing, Mr. Peterson embodies the very
best of civic duty and community leadership.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize his extraordinary contributions
to our borough and thank him for a lifetime of service.
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