[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7097]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                    HONORING ETHEL BAMPFIELD DENMARK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 8, 2000

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Mrs. Ethel Bampfield Denmark, 
an educator, community leader, wife, parent, and a pillar of her 
community. Ethel Bampfield was born in Hampton, South Carolina, to Mr. 
and Mrs. James H. Bampfield. In 1958, she graduated from the Mathis 
School for Girls and enrolled in Florida A & M University. She was a 
proud graduate of FAMU in 1968, and joined her family, who had moved to 
Brooklyn, and made it her home for the past thirty-two years.
  When Mrs. Denmark began her career in the field of Juvenile Justice, 
it never occurred to her that she was beginning an impressive, 
challenging, and extensive career that today holds for her many 
positive memories, and opportunities for meaningful moments of 
reflection. In 1969, Mrs. Denmark was hired as a caseworker at the 
Manida Juvenile Center For Girls. Had it not closed, this innovative 
center would have become part of the New York City Department of 
Juvenile Justice. After spending approximately two years with the 
Manida Juvenile Center For Girls, Mrs. Denmark decided to seek a 
graduate degree. In 1972, she began pursuing her Masters of Social Work 
Degree at Hunter College School of Social Work. In 1974, she earned her 
MSW degree, and shortly thereafter accepted a position as a Foster Care 
Worker and the New York State Division for Youth. In the years that 
followed, she also obtained her license as a New York State Certified 
Social Worker.
  While pursuing the position with the Department of Youth, Mrs. 
Denmark met Thaila Carpenter-Paige and Beatrice A. Hudson, two women 
she came to know, respect and appreciate over the past 26 years. 
Throughout her career with OCFS, she feels fortunate and blessed to 
have had mentors who recognized her abilities, believed in her 
potential, and provided opportunities that contributed to her growth 
and development while she was with the Division for Youth.
  Over the past three decades, Mrs. Denmark has remained very aware of 
all of the people who have contributed to her professional 
achievements. On behalf of Mrs. Denmark, I want to thank everyone who 
touched her life, and to convey to them her belief that her work in the 
Downstate area rang of success only because of the efforts of those 
with whom she worked--those who supported her and provided her with 
valuable opportunities.
  Mr. Speaker, today Mrs. Denmark wants to pay homage to her family: 
her husband James Denmark, an outstanding contemporary artist; her 
mother, Mrs. Johnnie B. James, and; her children and grandchildren. She 
believes that, had it not been for her families' blessing, she would 
not have been able to devote the time and energy that she did to her 
very demanding career. Even as she prepares to retire, Mrs. Denmark 
continues to participate actively in the Brown Memorial Baptist Church 
in Brooklyn, as well as in a number of social and civic organizations, 
and also to serve on various Boards and Committees.
  Mr. Speaker, Ethel Bampfield Denmark feels fulfilled for having had 
the opportunity to touch as many lives as she has through teaching, and 
learning, during her tenure with OCFS. Her travels brought her to us in 
Brooklyn, where she has stayed for three decades, always enjoying the 
experience of life to its fullest. She has earned this honor, and I 
hope that my colleagues will join me in wishing her peace and happiness 
as she continues her travels through this remarkable journey we call 
life.

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