E426 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 22, 1996 ``There is always something new out of Afri- and spread goodwill. An organizer by nature, Havana, Cuba, Cristina was destined to be- ca.'' As we approach the 21st century, that Barbara is responsible for the Sisters Sharing come a renowned public personality from an statement is still extremely valid. There are Convocation in Buffalo, a program that fo- early age. She was raised in the image of her many scholars who track this phenomenon, cused on African-American women addressing grandfather, Don Francisco Saralegui, known but there is no one more renowned than Dr. solutions to critical problems that beset the as ``The Paper Czar'' throughout Latin Amer- John Henrik Clarke. black community. She is also a member of the ica for his prolific magazine publishing en- Dr. Clarke, a master teacher, always avails Missionary Society, the Brooklyn Historical So- deavors. In 1960 at the age of 12, Cristina left himself of opportunities to share his knowl- ciety, the NAACP, and Church Women United. Cuba for Florida, where she later attended the edge. This weekend he will visit Newark, NJ to A devoted mother and wife, Reverend University of Miami, majoring in mass commu- participate in a lecture series sponsored by Lucas has three children, Kemba, Hakim, and nications and writing. the New Jersey Black Issues Convention. Kareem. She also works with her husband, Cristina's involvements in the field of jour- In 1991, during the Congressional Black the Reverend Frederick A. Lucas, Jr., pastor nalism are diverse. While still in college, she Caucus Legislative Conference, I had the of Bridge Street A.M.E. Church. Reverend participated in an internship with Vanidades, honor and pleasure of convening a workshop Lucas has been the recipient of numerous the No. 1 ranked women's magazine in Latin in which Dr. Clarke participated. His presen- awards, including the Outstanding Young America. In 1979, Cristina's exceptional ability tation was simply spellbinding. Everyone Women of America, the Sister Sharing Award, as a journalist led to her being named editor- sensed and appreciated his labor of loveÐ and the Church Woman of the Year Award. I in-chief of Cosmopolitan En Espanol maga- teaching. I am sure my fellow New Jerseyans am pleased to recognize her unique achieve- zine, a position she held for 10 years. In 1989, will come away from this lecture equally stimu- ments and contributions. Cristina launched her own television program lated and satisfied. f ``El Show de Cristina,'' which has become a John Henrik Clarke was born on January 1, No. 1 rated talk show viewed by over 100 mil- 1915, in Union Springs, AL. He grew up in ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF PARK SLOPE CIVIC COUNCIL lion people worldwide in 18 countries. Cristina Georgia and moved to New York City in 1933 also utilizes her talents by hosting a daily where he wanted to pursue a career as writer. show on the radio called ``Cristina Opina''. After 4 years of military service, he attended HON. CHARLES E. SCHUMER Rounding out her successful mastery of the New York University and majored in history OF NEW YORK media is a monthly magazine Cristina La and world literature. From his early years Pro- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Revista through which Cristina endeavors to fessor Clarke studied the history of the world Thursday, March 21, 1996 improve the lives of Hispanic-Americans and and the history of African people in particular. Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to assists them in becoming more productive As a writer of fiction he has published over call attention to a distinguished organization, members of their communities. 50 short stories. His articles and conference the Park Slope Civic Council, serving the com- Cristina's legendary commitment to His- papers on African and African-American his- munity of Park Slope, Brooklyn, for several panic-Americans has been long recognized. tory, politics, and culture have been published generations, and hopefully many more to She was recognized by the Council on Wom- in leading journals throughout the world. He come. The tireless work and courageous lead- en's issues as a ``No-Nonsense American has written or edited over 21 books. ership exhibited by the members of the council Woman'' for being a premier role model. The Dr. Clarke has taught African history for 20 have helped make Park Slope the caring and stipend received from this award was donated years and presently in professor emeritus of close-knit community it is today. As a long- to the American Foundation for AIDS Re- African world history in the Department of time resident of Park Slope, I have witnessed search, where Cristina serves as a member of Africana and Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter the positive contributions made by this group the National Council. Other citations received College in New York City, and a former distin- and feel grateful for their commitment to im- by our esteemed honoree include being guished visiting professor of African history at proving the quality of life for my neighbors and named a ``Legendary Woman of Miami,'' and the Africana Studies and Research Center at their families. I wish them continued success a ``Corporate Leader Award'' from the National Cornell University. He has received over a and prosperity as they unite in celebration of Network of Hispanic Women. dozen citations for excellence in teaching and their 100th anniversary. It is an honor to have such an outstanding has received several honorary doctor of letters It is not too often that a small group of civic- and considerate individual visit my district. degrees. He was accepted into the Alpha Beta minded leaders join hands in furthering the Cristina Saralegui exemplifies the tremen- Upsilon Chapter of the honor society of histo- needs and interests of their community. Yet, dously positive influence one person can have rians, Phi Alpha Theta. this group is exemplary for making Park Slope on the lives of many. I am certain my col- Mr. Speaker, I encourage anyone who has a special place to live and grow up. For a leagues will rise with me and honor this re- an opportunity to learn from Dr. Clarke to number of years the residents of Park Slope markable woman. seize it. have benefitted from a wide range of civic f projects championed by the council. I am hon- f ored to have such a courageous and innova- TRIBUTE TO BARBARA AUSTIN UNFUNDED MANDATES AND CBO LUCAS tive organization working to unify the people of my neighborhood and district. I hope that the ESTIMATES Park Slope Civic Council will continue serving HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS its community for another 100 years as they HON. LEE H. HAMILTON OF NEW YORK are acknowledged for their remarkable leader- OF INDIANA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ship. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, March 21, 1996 f Thursday, March 21, 1996 Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, in the borough of HONORING JOURNALIST CRISTINA Brooklyn there is an institution called Bridge SARALEGUI Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, the Unfunded Street A.M.E. Church which serves as a bea- Mandates Reform Act of 1995 is intended to con of light and a source of spiritual suste- HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ assist Congress in its consideration of pro- nance for its parishioners. Assistant Pastor posed legislation by providing the develop- OF NEW JERSEY Barbara Austin Lucas contributes greatly to ment of information about the nature and size IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the positive activities and energies that flow of mandates in proposed legislation. The Con- from the church. Reverend Barbara has im- Thursday, March 21, 1996 gressional Budget Office is directed by that peccable academic credentials. She graduated Mr. MENENDEZ, Mr. Speaker, I rise today statute to help in developing such information. with honors from Tufts University, received to pay tribute to Cristina Saralegui, a distin- I am concerned that the Congressional masters degrees from Boston University and guished journalist and talk show host commit- Budget Office estimate received by the Inter- Colgate Rochester Divinity School, and earned ted to making a difference in her community. national Relations Committee on the con- her Ed.D at Union Theological Seminary and Cristina will be honored during afternoon cere- ference report on H.R. 1561, the America Teachers College, Columbia University. monies on March 22 by the communities of Overseas Interest Act, was not helpful in Reverend Barbara has traveled throughout Union City, West New York, and Jersey City. meeting the purpose of the law. the Western Hemisphere as well as the con- Cristina's contributions to her family, profes- My concerns are detailed in the exchange of tinent of Africa in her quest to seek knowledge sion and community are numerous. Born in letters that follows.