US House of Representatives Passed Cynthia Jenkins Post Office Building Renaming Bill Sponsored by Congressman Meeks

US House of Representatives Passed Cynthia Jenkins Post Office Building Renaming Bill Sponsored by Congressman Meeks

WASHINGTON, D.C.--Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 3957, which renames Post Office at 218-10 Merrick Boulevard in Springfield Gardens New York after Cynthia Jenkins, Southeast Queens’ first African-American assemblywoman.

“Prior to her 12-year term in the New York State Assembly, Cynthia Jenkins served her community for 22 years as a resident, community activist and professional librarian. In 1969 Cynthia Jenkins founded the Social Concern Committee of Springfield Gardens, Inc., which was an Educational Action Program designed to train parents, interested individuals and community people on effective techniques to deal with school situations, problems and issues.” Congressman Meeks continued, “an issue that Cynthia Jenkins felt passionate about was providing our veterans with quality and affordable world class health care. Ms. Jenkins was a stalwart advocate for bringing the state veterans home to St. Albans and fought tirelessly to that end. As a result for her efforts and those of the community as a whole, St. Albans is one of the most important facilities in the New York Harbor veterans affairs Healthcare system, with programs and services that benefit the entire city of New York. “

“To honor Cynthia Jenkins dedication to public service and her community, her devotion to libraries and literacy, and her commitment to social and racial equality, as well as her efforts to get quality health care to deserving New Yorkers in need, I thank my colleagues for joining me in memorializing the late Cynthia Jenkins.”

Congressman Meeks' floor statement below:

Rep. Meeks Floor Statement-H.R. 3957 Cynthia Jenkins Post Office Building Renaming

Mr. Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues,

As the sponsor of H.R. 3957, I urge its quick and unanimous passage. Please join me in passing H.R. 3957 to honor one of Southeast Queens’ most memorable public servants, Cynthia Jenkins.

This bill would rename the Post Office at 218-10 Merrick Boulevard in Springfield Gardens New York after Southeast Queens’ first African-American assemblywoman. The late Mrs. Jenkins served the people in her district with distinction for twelve years.

Prior to her 12-year term in the New York State Assembly, Cynthia Jenkins served her community for 22 years as a resident, community activist and professional librarian. In 1969 Cynthia Jenkins founded the Social Concern Committee of Springfield Gardens, Inc., which was an Educational Action Program designed to train parents, interested individuals and community people on effective techniques to deal with school situations, problems and issues.

This corporation gave birth to the Housekeeping Vendor Agency and the Social Concern Community Development Corporation which gave birth to a health care home attendant agency. Together these programs employ over 2000 persons annually. Cynthia Jenkins founded the Social Concern Federal Credit Union, the Social Concern Urban Redevelopment Corporation and is also a founder of the Queens Women’s Political Caucus. Also, her advocacy on behalf of civil rights was inspiring for many in a time when civil inequality ran rampant.

An issue that Cynthia Jenkins felt passionate about was providing our veterans with quality and affordable world class health care. Ms. Jenkins was a stalwart advocate for bringing the state veterans home to St. Albans and fought tirelessly to that end. As a result for her efforts and those of the community as a whole, St. Albans is one of the most important facilities in the New York Harbor veterans affairs Healthcare system, with programs and services that benefit the entire city of New York.

To honor Cynthia Jenkins dedication to public service and her community, her devotion to libraries and literacy, and her commitment to social and racial equality, as well as her efforts to get quality health care to deserving New Yorkers in need, I hope you will join me in memorializing the late Cynthia Jenkins.