[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19121]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO DEREK PHILLIPS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2010

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Derek 
Phillips.
  Derek Phillips received his Master's Degree in African American 
Studies from the State University at Albany, NY and later received 
another Master's Degree in School Building Leadership from Mercy 
College. He completed his undergraduate studies at the State University 
at New Paltz.
  An Educator by profession, Derek taught History at Park West High 
School for one year. He went on to teach Math and History for eight 
years at the New York City Public School Repertory Company, a school 
for ``under-credited'' high school students. While at PSRC, he also 
served as the college advisor. Derek taught at the Eight Plus Learning 
Academy for region ten at Wadleigh High School in Harlem, NY for four 
years. The Eight Plus Program was a school for ``at-risk'' eighth 
graders who failed to fulfill the necessary requirements for promotion 
to high school. While at Eight Plus, he served as Math teacher, Dean 
and Site Coordinator. He also taught Social Studies and Global History 
at the Choir Academy in Harlem. Currently, he is an Assistant Principal 
at Queens Academy High School, a school for under-credited and over-
aged young people.
  In addition to being an educational leader, Derek is the Founder and 
Executive Director of the Real Dads Network--an organization that is 
committed to educating, supporting and empowering Black fathers. The 
Real Dads Network received national recognition in Ebony magazine, June 
2010 as one of the top ten resources for dads. Additionally, Derek 
serves as a spokesperson for fatherhood in several ways: by appearing 
as a guest on radio such as 98.7 Kiss FM's Open Line and Al Sharpton's 
Hour of Power, as a guest on the BET Special, Black Men the Truth, and 
as a panelist at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual 
Legislative Conference on Fatherhood. Derek was also featured in the 
New York Daily News' ``Spotlight on Great People,'' and created the 
Daddy Daughter Valentine's Dance, which has been adopted in other major 
cities. He contributed to the best-selling book I Got Your Back: A 
Father and Son Keep It Real About Love, Fatherhood, Family and 
Friendship, by Eddie Levert Sr. and Gerald Levert with Lyah Beth 
leFlore and co-directed and produced the award-winning documentary 
``Black Men on Fatherhood'' with commentary by the late Ossie Davis.
  Derek is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and 
through his works, words and actions, he is committed to educating, 
uplifting, and empowering our youth. His motto is ``if everyone does a 
part, then no one is left doing the whole thing.'' He resides in 
Peekskill, NY with Maria, his loving wife, and Jordyn and Maya, his two 
beautiful daughters.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
achievements of Derek Phillips.

                          ____________________