Recognizing the Diol Family
Floor Speech
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Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, in the early morning hours of August 5, five Senegalese immigrants, including an infant and a toddler, died in an arson fire in their Denver home. The victims deserve to be recognized.
Djibril Diol, who was 30 years old, immigrated to the United States from Senegal 10 years ago to make a better life for himself and his family. He graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in civil engineering and was an outstanding student with a bright future ahead of him.
He was well loved by his family and friends. His brother described him as ``a good person, a good worker, and a good Muslim.'' A coworker said that Djibril ``was a way better man than I will ever be.''
Djibril's wife, Adja, and 2-year-old daughter, Khadija, also died in the fire, as did Coumba Diol Hassan, Djibril's sister, and Hawa Beye, her 10-month-old son.
We don't know what motivated this attack, but it has deeply shaken our African immigrant community and left them feeling unsafe. While this was a tragic incident, and we mourn for the family, I want to emphasize the strength and resilience of our African immigrant community.
As a case in point, the African Leadership Group, ALG, a local nonprofit that provides a wide variety of vital services to our immigrant neighbors, has consoled and supported the Diol family and kept pressure on law enforcement to solve this horrific crime. Led by Papa Dia, who is a native of Senegal himself, I thank them for their service. Recognizing Stanley Marketplace
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Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the accomplishments of Stanley Marketplace, a community-focused urban market in Aurora, Colorado.
Located in northwest Aurora on the border of Denver's Central Park neighborhood, Stanley Marketplace is a community of businesses and people who believe in doing things differently--sustainably, creatively, and with more than the bottom line in mind.
The marketplace's 22-acre site was once the site of the Stanley Aviation factory. It is now a community gathering place, home to 50 independently owned Colorado businesses.
Today, the same innovative spirit that once filled Stanley's building has been harnessed to offer our community an urban marketplace featuring goods and services from local independent businesses.
The property includes a 30,000-square-foot sustainable greenhouse and an urban farm. Under construction is an inclusive playground where children of all abilities can play.
During the pandemic, the Stanley Marketplace team has gone above and beyond to support its community of small business owners, helping them weather the continued challenges of COVID-19.
Stanley Marketplace is guided by a document they call the Stanifesto, which includes these lines:
We believe the best rules are simple and clear: Love your neighbor. Leave each place better than you found it. Be good and do good.
I congratulate the Stanley team on their ongoing work to support our neighbors and locally owned small businesses. Honoring the Tireless Workers in Colorado During the 2020 Census
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Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the accomplishments of organizations in my district that have worked tirelessly to promote and ensure their communities are counted in the 2020 Census.
With over 800,000 citizens and 160 languages spoken in my district, making sure that every single resident is counted is difficult work. With the help of many hardworking organizations, Colorado's Sixth District has a self-response rate of 76.5 percent, surpassing its 2010 rate and surpassing the State average of 69.5 percent. In fact, it holds the highest response rate of any Colorado congressional district.
I would particularly like to acknowledge the following 11 organizations for their help in spreading awareness: Together We Count, the Asian Pacific Development Center, the Oromo Community of Colorado, The ARC of Aurora, the Aurora Economic Opportunity Coalition, the Mosaic Church of Aurora, the African Chamber of Commerce in Colorado, the Village Exchange Center, the City of Aurora, Arapahoe County, and Mi Pueblo Market.
These organizations truly make a difference in my district for their tireless work in the 2020 Census. Honoring Mary Hodge on Her Retirement
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Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the accomplishments of Mrs. Mary Hodge, a former State legislator and current Adams County commissioner, and congratulate her on her upcoming retirement.
Commissioner Hodge is a Colorado native, who has dedicated her career to making an impact in her home State. Mary, among many things, is a former State representative in the Sixth District of Colorado and a county commissioner. Mary has also taught first grade in Greeley and preschool in Glenwood Springs.
Mary went on to own and operate a motel in Wyoming and worked for several businesses. Her public service began in 2000, when she was elected as a Colorado State representative.
As a servant leader, Commissioner Hodge is a tireless champion for education and small businesses. I commend Mary for her support for the Colorado Air and Space Port. Her steadfast advocacy was integral in bringing that project to fruition.
Commissioner Hodge's diverse professional background and leadership experience has benefited our community for many years.
I congratulate Commissioner Mary Hodge on her retirement and thank her for her service to our community and to Adams County.
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