Celebrating 100th Anniversary of The Buffalo Criterion

  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a
remarkable milestone in the history of western New York: the 100th
anniversary of The Buffalo Criterion.
  Founded by Frank Merriweather, Sr., and his wife, Carmelita, The
Criterion is the oldest Black-owned newspaper in western New York and
the oldest Black-owned business in Erie County.
  For over a century, four generations of the Merriweather family have
carried forward a simple but powerful mission: to tell the stories that
too often go untold and to ensure that Buffalo's Black community has a
voice that is heard loud and clear.
  Frank Merriweather, Sr., a graduate of the Tuskegee Institute, who
studied under Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver,
understood that journalism would be a force for justice, opportunity,
and change. That vision has endured for 100 years and counting.
  From the extraordinary leadership of Frank Merriweather, Jr., to
Evelyn Patterson Merriweather, Frank Merriweather III, Dr. Eva Doyle,
and countless dedicated journalists, photographers, and community
leaders, The Criterion has chronicled the triumphs, struggles, and
aspirations of generations of western New Yorkers.
  When our community faced tragedy following the racist terrorist
attack at Tops on Jefferson on May 14, 2022, The Buffalo Criterion
helped to tell Buffalo's story to the Nation and the global community.
  In a moment of profound grief, it became a source of truth, moral
clarity, strength, and healing. That is what The Criterion does. It
leads.
  For 100 years, The Criterion has spoken truth to power, preserved
history, amplified local voices, and strengthened our community.
  Today, we honor its extraordinary legacy and congratulate everyone
who has played a role and helped to make The Buffalo Criterion an
enduring institution in Buffalo and throughout western New York.
  I congratulate them on a century of work, and here is to many, many
more years to come.

                              {time}  1015
             RECOGNIZING 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALLEN, TEXAS

  (Mr. Self of Texas was recognized to address the House for 5
minutes.)
  Mr. SELF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the city of
Allen's 150 years of history and community spirit and encourage all
residents to join in honoring this sesquicentennial milestone.
  Founded in 1876, Allen has become one of north Texas' most vibrant
communities and has built a proud legacy of civic leadership,
opportunity, and service.
  Allen's story is one of vision, resilience, and progress. What began
as a small railroad settlement in rural Collin County has become a
dynamic city known for its flourishing neighborhoods, strong local
economy, high-ranking schools, and exceptional quality of life. Its
continued success reflects the dedication of generations of

residents, educators, business leaders, first responders, public
servants, city leadership, and staff who have helped shape Allen into
the excellent example it is today.
  As Allen has expanded in size and prominence, it has remained
grounded in the values that have long defined its character: Texas
toughness, hard work, civic pride, and a deep sense of unity. The
city's sesquicentennial anniversary is not only an opportunity to honor
its rich history, but to celebrate the bright future that lies ahead.
  Allen's legacy continues to reflect the strength, promise, and spirit
of north Texas. On behalf of Texas' Third Congressional District, I am
honored to recognize the city of Allen on the occasion of its 150th
anniversary and to extend best wishes as we celebrate this historic
milestone.

  Recognizing 75th Anniversary of North Texas Municipal Water District

  Mr. SELF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the North Texas
Municipal Water District as it celebrates its 75th anniversary of
service to the people of north Texas.
  Founded in 1951 by civic leaders from 10 original member cities who
understood that water would be the key to our region's future, the
District has spent the last 75 years turning that vision into reality.
What began as a partnership among a handful of communities has grown
into a regional utility of 13 member cities and 34 customers serving
more than 70 communities and over 2.4 million Texans across Collin
County and beyond.
  In Texas' Third Congressional District, I have witnessed firsthand
the extraordinary growth of north Texas. Communities such as McKinney,
Plano, Frisco, Allen, Wylie, Farmersville, and many others have become
one of the fastest growing areas in America. Families and businesses
continue to choose our region because of its opportunity, innovation,
and quality of life.
  However, growth does not happen on its own. It requires planning and
the willingness to build for tomorrow. Every home, school, hospital,
and business depends on reliable water infrastructure. Today, the North
Texas Municipal Water District provides not only drinking water but
also wastewater treatment and solid waste services that support
communities across our vast region.
  For 75 years, the District has demonstrated a commitment to the
region through responsible stewardship, long-range planning, and
investment in the infrastructure necessary to meet the needs of future
generations. Its leadership has helped ensure that one of America's
fastest growing regions has the resources to continue thriving.
  On behalf of the people of Texas' Third Congressional District, I
congratulate the North Texas Municipal Water District on this milestone
anniversary and thank the men and women of the District past and
present for 75 years of dedicated service.

             HONORING LIFE AND LEGACY OF SPENCER LEAK, JR.

  (Ms. Kelly of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5
minutes.)
  Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, Representative Jackson is going
to stand with me, but this is not his 5 minutes. He is just standing
with me.
  I rise today to honor the life and extraordinary legacy of Spencer
Leak, Jr., a devoted father, husband, son, brother, and faithful
community leader whose service left a lasting mark on the Chicagoland
area. Most of all, I am honored to have called him a friend and a
constituent.
  Spencer dedicated his life to serving the people of the Chicagoland
area. He carried forward his family's proud legacy and business, Leak &
Sons Funeral Home.
  He pursued his education with purpose, graduating from Southern
Illinois University with a degree in mortuary and funeral sciences and
becoming a licensed director in 1989. However, his calling started long
before that. Spencer began working at the family business at just 12
years old, answering phones and learning his trade. He rose to become
vice president in 1993, carrying on a tradition of faithful, kind,
and honest service to families in their most difficult moments.

  As a third-generation funeral director, Spencer expanded the vision
of his grandfather, Reverend Andrew Leak, so that Black people living
in the Chicagoland area could lay their loved ones to rest with the
dignity, respect, and care they deserved.
  Mr. Speaker, Spencer's work reached far beyond his profession. He was
an advocate for civil rights and justice, a trusted friend to leaders
across our community, and a generous supporter of the causes that
lifted up those in need. His commitment to service and to positivity
never wavered. He mentored young Black men, partnered with
organizations to empower residents, and stood as a true pillar to his
community.
  Spencer was a champion of the small, humble acts of kindness that so
often go unseen. His devotion to a more just world was never in
question, and through it all, he grew the Leak family legacy of making
the Chicagoland community better and more loving. His love touched
many. His generosity ran deep, and his service knew no bounds.
  Above all, Spencer was an amazing husband, father, a kind son, a
supportive brother, and a truly wonderful human being. His passing is
deeply felt by his beloved wife, Dr. Donna Leak, who is in the gallery;
his children, Spencer Leak III and Emma Leak; his parents, Spencer
Leak, Sr., and Henrietta Leak; his siblings, Stephen and Stacy; his
extended family; and the many friends and community members that mourn
his loss.
  On a personal level, I experienced Spencer's kindness on many levels,
but most personal was when he handled my husband's funeral services
almost 3 years ago.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the
extraordinary legacy of Spencer Leak, Jr., and extending my deepest
condolences to his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know
him.
  May his memory be a blessing. Rest in peace and power, my friend.