[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25222]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO SHARONNIE M. PERRY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 2009

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sharonnie M. 
Perry, a great community activist.
  Sharonnie has lived her life by one of her favorite mottos, ``I Have 
Come To Serve And Not To Be Served.'' She has served for over 35 years 
as a community activist, beginning in her early days fighting against 
decentralization of public schools.
  As founder of ``Parents on the Move'', a self-help organization for 
homeless parents and children, she advocated for affordable housing, 
education and employment for the homeless population across New York 
City. In 1982, Sharonnie saw a need which became one of her greatest 
passions to date. She has traveled across the country conducting 
workshops and speaking out for quality health care and services for our 
brothers, sisters and children living with HIV/AIDS.
  Sharonnie was born in the village of Bedford Stuyvesant. She is the 
mother of two sons, Da-Shawn and Jah-Son, and the proud grandmother to 
Jaylin and Jah-Son, Jr. She is a woman of faith and believes if you put 
God at the head and Jesus at the center of your life that you won't 
fail. Sharonnie attributes her victories and successes, first and 
foremost to the Creator, her parents, family, her mentors, spiritual 
advisors and friends.
  Sharonnie has been recognized across the country for her activism on 
behalf of the underserved people in our communities. In summarizing her 
commitment to family, church and community, she always says, ``If I Can 
Help Somebody Along The Way, Then My Living Would Not Have Been In 
Vain''.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
Sharonnie M. Perry.

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