[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H3400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING JOHN McDERMOTT DURING NATIONAL FAIR HOUSING MONTH

  (Mrs. Ramirez of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, this morning I rise to celebrate a 
longtime Chicago leader, an organizer for housing justice, my mentor, 
and a dear friend, John McDermott.
  John's legacy fighting for affordable housing is written across our 
city. From his work as the executive director at the Lakeview Action 
Coalition to his tenure at the Palenque LSNA, and his work to protect 
and preserve affordable and public housing at Lathrop Homes, there are 
few people whose names are as synonymous with housing justice as John's 
McDermott's.
  Because of his mentorship and organizing, the Preserve Lathrop 
Campaign secured the replacement, rather than the demolition, of 925 
public housing units and the preservation of historic buildings.
  But John's impact extends beyond any one single campaign. John's 
mentorship has built housing justice leaders, many of whom serve now as 
Chicago's public servants today. I count myself among them.
  On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is my sincere 
honor to commend John McDermott for his lifetime of contributions in 
the fight for housing justice and affordable housing for all.
  I congratulate John.


                     Honoring Felicia Davis Blakley

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Felicia Davis 
Blakley for her service to community, her commitment to women and 
families, and her fierce leadership.
  A self-described girl from the South Side, Felicia has worked at the 
intersection of public policy and community equity and inclusion for 
over three decades. Her notable and impactful career in nonprofit 
leadership and public service has blazed trails for women and girls 
across our entire city of Chicago.
  Currently serving as the chief executive officer of Primo Center, 
Chicago's largest provider of services for families experiencing 
homelessness, Felicia's leadership is empowering families and creating 
equitable and sustainable communities across the city of Chicago.
  As president and CEO of the Chicago Foundation for Women, she 
completed a historic $45 million campaign, expanding critical resources 
for women and their families, and launching the SHEcovery initiative at 
a moment of profound need in response to COVID.
  On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is truly my 
privilege to commend Felicia Davis Blakley for her radical 
authenticity, her unparalleled passion, and inspirational vision which 
she uses to shape initiatives that address the root causes of 
instability.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Felicia. Her name and the impact she has 
made throughout the city of Chicago and Illinois is now permanently 
entered in the Congressional Record.

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