[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25067]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO EDNA M. JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 16, 2009

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Edna M. 
Johnson, a model citizen and extraordinary leader in the community.
  Edna Johnson was born and raised in a small steel mill town in 
Clairton, Pennsylvania, the youngest of nine children. Ms. Johnson 
began singing at the age of seven and, because of her love of music, 
Ms. Johnson began singing in several different locales, including 
church and eventually as member of the group ``Naomi Shelton and the 
Gospel Queens''.
  After graduating from Clairton High School, she relocated to New York 
City. She found solace with her church family when she joined Broadway 
United Church of Christ, where she served as Deacon, Trustee and 
Steward. Never forgetting the importance of education that her parents 
instilled in her, Ms. Johnson's church family assisted her with 
attending Pace University. She would later receive her Bachelor of Arts 
degree in Political Science.
  Ms. Johnson has always understood the importance of service, working 
as a parent organizer in the public schools and as a tenant organizer. 
She was the first to successfully implement the Neighborhood 
Revitalization Program with New York City Department of Housing 
Preservation and Development. While living in Manhattan, she became 
chairperson of the Tenant Association in Clinton Towers for five years. 
She also chaired the 79th Precinct Community Council for six years, 
where she helped facilitate a more cohesive relationship between the 
people and the local police.
  Always eager to serve, she is currently a member of Community Board 3 
and has received several citations for perfect attendance. In her first 
year on the Board, she was Chairperson of the Police, Fire and Safety 
Committee. Ms. Johnson now serves on the Health Hospital and Social 
Science Committee. She also serves as first Vice President for 
Northeast Brooklyn Housing Company Inc. and Second Vice President for 
the African American Planning Commission Inc.
  Ms. Johnson currently serves as Special Assistant to the Honorable 
Edolphus ``Ed'' Towns, navigating federal agencies on behalf of 
hundreds of constituents and serving as a liaison to the broader 
community.
  In recognition of her services, she has received citations from 
Congressman Edolphus Towns, City Councilmember Annette Robinson, The 
New York City Police Department, The 79th Precinct Council, The 
Brooklyn Job Corps, A.I.D.P. at P.S.26, Hebron Baptist Church, Greater 
Cross Road Baptist Church, Bridge Street Development Corporation, The 
Bedford Stuyvesant Community Block Association and The National Night 
Out Committee.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. 
Edna M. Johnson, a tireless community organizer, and dedicated servant 
of the public.