Floor SpeechNeutral2026-05-21

HONORING CHELSEA DOLINAR-HIKAWA

TaxesCrime & Justice

Context

On 2026-05-21, Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-7) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING CHELSEA DOLINAR-HIKAWA" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING CHELSEA DOLINAR-HIKAWA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)] [House] [Pages H3678-H3679] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING CHELSEA DOLINAR-HIKAWA (Ms. Pressley of Massachusetts was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. PRESSLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my dear friend, Chelsea Dolinar-Hikawa. [[Page H3679]] Chelsea and I grew up together in Chicago and attended Francis W. Parker School. She was my classmate and friend for 14 years. I admired Chelsea's effortless brilliance, basked in her artistic talents and her infectious laugh, and was most of all inspired by her kindness. Given her artistic talents, it was a surprise to no one that Chelsea became an artist, her love for music filling every corner of her life. She carried her vibrant passion for performance, travel, and the arts through every chapter of her life. I rise today for her beautiful family, Nick, Atreyu, Anoki, and Suniya. I also rise today for her many beloved family members and friends who are spread as far and wide as her devotion to them. Her love for each of them is eternal. Wherever Chelsea went, joy followed. She was melody, music, and magic. She lit up every room she entered with an unparalleled warmth and beauty. It is with a heavy but grateful heart that I remember my beautiful childhood friend. Our senior class song by Simple Minds was ``Don't You Forget About Me.'' We sure won't, Chelsea. How could we ever? Honoring the Life and Legacy of Brother Andrew Joseph, Jr. Ms. PRESSLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Brother Andrew Joseph, Jr., a father, husband, advocate, and a good man. We first met several years ago at a protest demanding an end to police violence. He, alongside his wife and partner of 28 years, Deanna Joseph, had experienced unspeakable heartbreak when their 14-year-old son, Andrew Joseph III, was killed as a result of police misconduct. Mr. Joseph turned his pain into purpose and committed to organizing with Black Lives Matter Grassroots for justice at the local, State, and Federal level, including advocating for the passage of my legislation, the Ending Qualified Immunity Act, to hold law enforcement accountable when they violate our rights. Our collective fight for justice was strengthened by Mr. Joseph, and he will always be remembered for his dedication to uplifting community. In addition to his wife, Mr. Joseph is survived by his daughter Deja, who recently graduated from Howard University with honors earlier this month. On behalf of myself, my family, and my team, I extend our deepest condolences. ``Amen''; ``Ashe.'' ____________________

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HONORING CHELSEA DOLINAR-HIKAWA Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)] [House] [Pages H3678-H3679] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING CHELSEA DOLINAR-HIKAWA (Ms. Pressley of Massachusetts was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. PRESSLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my dear friend, Chelsea Dolinar-Hikawa. [[Page H3679]] Chelsea and I grew up together in Chicago and attended Francis W. Parker School. She was my classmate and friend for 14 years. I admired Chelsea's effortless brilliance, basked in her artistic talents and her infectious laugh, and was most of all inspired by her kindness. Given her artistic talents, it was a surprise to no one that Chelsea became an artist, her love for music filling every corner of her life. She carried her vibrant passion for performance, travel, and the arts through every chapter of her life. I rise today for her beautiful family, Nick, Atreyu, Anoki, and Suniya. I also rise today for her many beloved family members and friends who are spread as far and wide as her devotion to them. Her love for each of them is eternal. Wherever Chelsea went, joy followed. She was melody, music, and magic. She lit up every room she entered with an unparalleled warmth and beauty. It is with a heavy but grateful heart that I remember my beautiful childhood friend. Our senior class song by Simple Minds was ``Don't You Forget About Me.'' We sure won't, Chelsea. How could we ever? Honoring the Life and Legacy of Brother Andrew Joseph, Jr. Ms. PRESSLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Brother Andrew Joseph, Jr., a father, husband, advocate, and a good man. We first met several years ago at a protest demanding an end to police violence. He, alongside his wife and partner of 28 years, Deanna Joseph, had experienced unspeakable heartbreak when their 14-year-old son, Andrew Joseph III, was killed as a result of police misconduct. Mr. Joseph turned his pain into purpose and committed to organizing with Black Lives Matter Grassroots for justice at the local, State, and Federal level, including advocating for the passage of my legislation, the Ending Qualified Immunity Act, to hold law enforcement accountable when they violate our rights. Our collective fight for justice was strengthened by Mr. Joseph, and he will always be remembered for his dedication to uplifting community. In addition to his wife, Mr. Joseph is survived by his daughter Deja, who recently graduated from Howard University with honors earlier this month. On behalf of myself, my family, and my team, I extend our deepest condolences. ``Amen''; ``Ashe.'' ____________________