HONORING BARBARA HOLMES

HONORING BARBARA HOLMES

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 6 (Monday, January 13, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 6 (Monday, January 13, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E22] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BARBARA HOLMES ______ HON. RITCHIE TORRES of new york in the house of representatives Monday, January 13, 2025 Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I want to celebrate the life and work of a Bronx icon, Barbara Holmes. As her daughter put it, ``She fought for the rights of her children, her neighbors and their children, her neighborhood and colleagues. No matter the fight she continued to fight a good one.'' This sentiment captures the light and good she brought into the world. Barbara always fought for what was right. In the 60's, the Board of Education teachers went on strike. Barbara organized school parents to make sure that not a single child was stopped from getting their education. Later in the 70's, as she attended Bronx Community College, her rights were violated. This led Barbara and her colleagues to stage a weeklong sit-in on campus to ensure their right to attend college was respected. Barbara touched the lives of countless individuals in her community as the President of the Community Council of Police Service Area 7. In her role, she was dedicated to assisting residents of NYCHA Developments with a wide range of challenges, particularly those related to public safety. As Tenant Association President, Barbara consistently went above and beyond. She organized programs to provide food for families in need, as well as toys and school supplies for children. Barbara accomplished all of this while tirelessly working to support the families and communities she served. Barbara was all about community and family. She worked for the benefit of others until the day she passed, and the entire community will be forever grateful. Her spirit will live on through the Barbara Holmes Impact Foundation and her entire Bronx family. ____________________