[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3485]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO YOLANDA GARCIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 2005

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sympathy that I rise today 
to give a final farewell to an outstanding woman and a dear friend. Ms. 
Yolanda Garcia passed away on February 17, 2005 at the age of 53. She 
was an inspiring person who gave so much of herself for the benefit of 
others. Words can't explain how much she will be missed by all who knew 
her.
  This daughter of the Bronx accomplished so much in her lifetime that 
it would be impossible for me to sum it all up here today, however; I 
would like to take a moment to highlight the great contributions she 
made to the people of my community.
  Yolanda was a co-founder of ``We Stay/Nos Quedamos'' Committee, Inc., 
a community based organization located in the South Bronx. ``Nos 
Quedamos'' was founded as a response to New York City's Melrose Commons 
Urban Renewal plan which would have displaced some 6,000 people from 
their residences and businesses. In order to save not only her own home 
and business but those of her neighbors as well, Yolanda organized 
tenants, homeowners, property owners, local non-profits, and business 
people to deliver the message ``We Stay/Nos Quedamos''. The group won 
the right to become equal partners with the city of New York in 
planning for the community's redevelopment. Through ``Nos Quedamos'', 
Yolanda coordinated a collaborative, community-based planning process 
resulting in the creation of a more environmentally friendly plan that 
created new affordable housing without displacing people from the 
community.
  Yolanda, who lost a son to asthma, struggled mightily to ensure that 
other families would not have to suffer such a tragedy. She became a 
strong leader in the South Bronx environmental movement which has 
blossomed in recent years. Her organization joined the Organization of 
Waterfront Neighborhoods to fight the expansion and proliferation of 
waste transfer stations in the South Bronx and teamed up with the South 
Bronx Clean Air Coalition to shut down a medical waste incinerator that 
had fouled the air for ten years. In 2000, as a tireless leader in the 
fight to keep New York City's children safe from asthma, Yolanda 
established a multi-year partnership with New York University and local 
nonprofits to conduct research and community education about the causes 
of the asthma crisis.
  No city, state or nation could exist without individuals willing to 
give all of themselves for the good of the greater population. These 
individuals often possess qualities that enable them to uplift and 
inspire their peers. Yolanda Garcia was indeed one of these 
individuals. After the loss of her son to asthma, Yolanda did not pack 
her bags and leave the Bronx. She stayed and fought to improve the air 
quality to ensure that no other mother would have to endure the pain of 
losing a child. If everyone possessed such love in their hearts we 
would undoubtedly be able to enjoy heaven here on earth.
  As a result of Yolanda's courage to stand up and say: ``Nos Quedamos/
We Stay'', countless children will breathe a little easier and 
countless residents will be able to live in affordable housing. 
Although she has passed on, her good works will continue to benefit 
many generations to come. Surely, that is the mark of a great life.
  Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know this 
selfless, kindhearted gallant woman and as she is laid to rest on this 
the 3rd day of March 2005 I ask that my colleagues join me in paying 
tribute to my friend.

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