Ayanna Pressley

“Pierre Damas Bel was a 20-year-old Haitian student who died after the Trump administration threatened to deport him. The House already voted to protect people from Haiti from deportation. The Senate needs to pass that bill now.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise for the family and loved ones of Pierre Damas Bel, a beloved son and brother, 20-year-old college student, and Haitian immigrant with temporary protected status. He found joy on the soccer field and dreamed of studying medicine until the Trump administration forced an ankle monitor, really a shackle, on him and threatened his deportation. Trump’s termination of Haiti TPS robbed this young man of his humanity, stripped him of his dignity, and inflicted mental trauma that became too much for him to bear. He simply could not go on. Trump’s cruel attacks on our Haitian neighbors certainly will take a toll on our economy and our national security but also a psychological and emotional toll. Mr. Speaker, no parent should lose their child, no sibling their older brother, yet Trump is traumatizing communities in every corner of our country. Pierre should be alive today, falling in love, playing soccer, and on path to becoming a doctor. We honor his memory by doing everything we can to save lives and extend TPS for Haiti. The House has already passed our legislation to do just that, and the Senate must follow suit without delay. Pierre’s father’s last words to him were: ``Pierre, come home.’’ Because of the cruelty, anti-Blackness, and anti-immigrant policies of this administration, which I consider to be un-American, sadly, Pierre never will make it home. Rest in eternal peace.”

“I want to honor Celtics player Jaylen Brown. He won an NBA championship for Boston, and he helps our community through his charity work.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the contributions of NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown to the city of Boston on and off the court. Born in Marietta, Georgia, and drafted number 3 overall by the Celtics from the University of California, Jaylen embraced our community and the city of Boston from the day he arrived in 2016. Fiercely competitive on the basketball court, never missing the playoffs in his 10 seasons with the Celtics, he has been equally driven to uplift those around him through mentorship in his nonprofit, Boston XChange, which seeks to build wealth in communities of color, as well as his 7uice Foundation, connecting young people in and around Boston with opportunities. In 2022, just before the Celtics turned their season around and made it all the way to the NBA Finals, Jaylen stated simply: ``The energy is about to shift.’’ Mr. Speaker, thanks to the example, impact, and influence of this brilliant and proud Black man, the energy has shifted in Boston. Jaylen delivered banner number 18, the most in NBA history. His legacy as an advocate, truth teller, community builder, justice seeker, and champion will endure. Job well done. We thank him. His faith, consistency, and hard work have certainly paid off.”

“I want to honor the life of Pastor Byron Christopher Sumner. He was an athlete, a church leader, and worked for years to help young people and families in Boston.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my family--my husband, Conan, and our daughter, Cora--and the city of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to honor the life of Pastor Byron Christopher Sumner. A beloved son of Roxbury, Chris deserved to grow old, but he transitioned on July 5 due to complications from ALS. He excelled from a young age in athletics, particularly basketball, which brought him to Canada, where he earned scholarships and eventually played semi-pro. His commitment, talent, agility, and strength went beyond the court. He returned to Boston, where he devoted his career to serving his community as executive director of the I Have a Dream program, Blue Hill Boys & Girls Club, Boston TenPoint Coalition, and St. Stephen’s Youth Programs. His final role was an appointment from Governor Healey as executive director of the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center, what he often called his dream job. Chris’ true passion was his family and his faith. I have said so often, I would rather see a sermon than hear one any day. Chris was a sermon, the best kind. He married his wife, Katani, in 1985, and they raised three beautiful children: Kandice, Kortney, and Kristian. He also faithfully served as executive director and executive pastor of Jubilee Christian Church, supporting our community with spiritual covering, stewardship, and, most of all, joy. As we grieve his loss, may we move forward in service of our children, young adults, families, and elders, or, as Chris would say, our city’s treasured assets. May he rest peacefully in eternal rest.”