The publication is reproduced in full below:
REMEMBRANCE OF ROSEMARY HOLLEY
______
HON. GWEN MOORE
of wisconsin
in the house of representatives
Monday, December 27, 2021
Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Rosemary Holley, a lifelong advocate for the poor and needy, a community leader, a trailblazer, and a multiple tenure Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners for Milwaukee's Social Development Commission (SDC). It saddens me to say that Mrs. Holley passed away on December 7, 2021, at the age of 95.
The Social Development Commission is a community action agency with the sole purpose of advocating for and assisting Milwaukee County residents living in poverty. SDC is a citizen led coalition designed to give people in poverty the organizing power to influence policies that will directly affect them. The members of SDC are not politicians or bureaucrats--they are everyday citizens that care deeply about their communities and want to have their voices heard. One-third of the governing board members live in poverty. The SDC equips its members to affect meaningful change in their own lives.
None of this would have been possible without the hard work and self-
sacrifice of Mrs. Rosemary Holley.
Mrs. Holley has been with SDC since its creation. She first served on the Head Start Parent Council and was elected to the SDC's Board of Commissioners. Her passion and leadership were soon recognized by all and in 1996, she was elected as the Chairperson of the SDC's Board of Commissioners. She was reelected as the Chairperson in 1998 and served until 1999.
Mrs. Holley stepped away from SDC in 1999 while in her mid-70s. Most people would have then retired, but Mrs. Holley continued to serve the Fourth Congressional District on a volunteer basis. She coached young leaders with her wisdom and experience, all while continuing to serve the very neighbors who inspired her in the first place. In 2013, she rejoined SDC's Board to serve as Governance Technical Assistance Resource Provider, using her knowledge and experience on the SDC Board to provide advice on matters related to Board Governance. SDC and the Milwaukee Community are indebted to Mrs. Holley for her lifelong, tireless service.
Mrs. Holley was a lifelong advocate for the poor and needy. She had multiple opportunities to work in more financially rewarding positions but found her purpose in helping those who were not able to help themselves. Mrs. Holley was the epitome of public service and altruism--to say Rosemary Holley has been a beacon of light to this community is not an exaggeration. Her altruistic spirit and love for others are an inspiration of what we all should strive for in our service to the public.
The citizens of the Fourth Congressional District, the State of Wisconsin and the Nation have benefited tremendously from her expansive service. As a former employee of the SDC and as both a Congresswoman and a mentee of Mrs. Rosemary Holley, I am deeply grateful for her service and impact on our community. I am honored for these reasons to pay tribute to Rosemary Holley. May she Rest in Peace.
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 221
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