Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-13

CELEBRATING JOHN McDERMOTT DURING NATIONAL FAIR HOUSING MONTH

Housing

Context

On 2026-05-13, Representative Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-3) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING JOHN McDERMOTT DURING NATIONAL FAIR HOUSING MONTH" in the House.

Full Text

CELEBRATING JOHN McDERMOTT DURING NATIONAL FAIR HOUSING MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)] [House] [Page H3400] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING JOHN McDERMOTT DURING NATIONAL FAIR HOUSING MONTH (Mrs. Ramirez of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, this morning I rise to celebrate a longtime Chicago leader, an organizer for housing justice, my mentor, and a dear friend, John McDermott. John's legacy fighting for affordable housing is written across our city. From his work as the executive director at the Lakeview Action Coalition to his tenure at the Palenque LSNA, and his work to protect and preserve affordable and public housing at Lathrop Homes, there are few people whose names are as synonymous with housing justice as John's McDermott's. Because of his mentorship and organizing, the Preserve Lathrop Campaign secured the replacement, rather than the demolition, of 925 public housing units and the preservation of historic buildings. But John's impact extends beyond any one single campaign. John's mentorship has built housing justice leaders, many of whom serve now as Chicago's public servants today. I count myself among them. On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is my sincere honor to commend John McDermott for his lifetime of contributions in the fight for housing justice and affordable housing for all. I congratulate John. Honoring Felicia Davis Blakley Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Felicia Davis Blakley for her service to community, her commitment to women and families, and her fierce leadership. A self-described girl from the South Side, Felicia has worked at the intersection of public policy and community equity and inclusion for over three decades. Her notable and impactful career in nonprofit leadership and public service has blazed trails for women and girls across our entire city of Chicago. Currently serving as the chief executive officer of Primo Center, Chicago's largest provider of services for families experiencing homelessness, Felicia's leadership is empowering families and creating equitable and sustainable communities across the city of Chicago. As president and CEO of the Chicago Foundation for Women, she completed a historic $45 million campaign, expanding critical resources for women and their families, and launching the SHEcovery initiative at a moment of profound need in response to COVID. On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is truly my privilege to commend Felicia Davis Blakley for her radical authenticity, her unparalleled passion, and inspirational vision which she uses to shape initiatives that address the root causes of instability. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Felicia. Her name and the impact she has made throughout the city of Chicago and Illinois is now permanently entered in the Congressional Record. ____________________

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CELEBRATING JOHN McDERMOTT DURING NATIONAL FAIR HOUSING MONTH Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)] [House] [Page H3400] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING JOHN McDERMOTT DURING NATIONAL FAIR HOUSING MONTH (Mrs. Ramirez of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, this morning I rise to celebrate a longtime Chicago leader, an organizer for housing justice, my mentor, and a dear friend, John McDermott. John's legacy fighting for affordable housing is written across our city. From his work as the executive director at the Lakeview Action Coalition to his tenure at the Palenque LSNA, and his work to protect and preserve affordable and public housing at Lathrop Homes, there are few people whose names are as synonymous with housing justice as John's McDermott's. Because of his mentorship and organizing, the Preserve Lathrop Campaign secured the replacement, rather than the demolition, of 925 public housing units and the preservation of historic buildings. But John's impact extends beyond any one single campaign. John's mentorship has built housing justice leaders, many of whom serve now as Chicago's public servants today. I count myself among them. On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is my sincere honor to commend John McDermott for his lifetime of contributions in the fight for housing justice and affordable housing for all. I congratulate John. Honoring Felicia Davis Blakley Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Felicia Davis Blakley for her service to community, her commitment to women and families, and her fierce leadership. A self-described girl from the South Side, Felicia has worked at the intersection of public policy and community equity and inclusion for over three decades. Her notable and impactful career in nonprofit leadership and public service has blazed trails for women and girls across our entire city of Chicago. Currently serving as the chief executive officer of Primo Center, Chicago's largest provider of services for families experiencing homelessness, Felicia's leadership is empowering families and creating equitable and sustainable communities across the city of Chicago. As president and CEO of the Chicago Foundation for Women, she completed a historic $45 million campaign, expanding critical resources for women and their families, and launching the SHEcovery initiative at a moment of profound need in response to COVID. On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is truly my privilege to commend Felicia Davis Blakley for her radical authenticity, her unparalleled passion, and inspirational vision which she uses to shape initiatives that address the root causes of instability. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Felicia. Her name and the impact she has made throughout the city of Chicago and Illinois is now permanently entered in the Congressional Record. ____________________