Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, in honor of Caribbean Heritage Month, I would like to honor Shelley Briggs. Shelley Ann Briggs was born in London, England, on July 5 to the late Joan Ann Grant. Joan had migrated to London from Georgetown, Guyana, to complete her studies, and, due to hardships, Shelley was sent to Georgetown, Guyana, to live with her grandmother when she was a baby. Seeking better opportunities and a better life for her family, her grandmother migrated to the United States of America when Shelley was 4 years old, soon settling in Brooklyn, New York. As a child growing up, Shelley was raised under Guyanese traditions and customs, and, even though she lived in Brooklyn, the neighborhood reflected the West Indian culture Shelley grew to admire. Shelley attended several private schools and graduated from Catherine McAuley High School. During this time, she also became a U.S. citizen through the help of her mother, who had joined the family in the U.S. when Shelley was 10 years old. After high school, Shelley made the decision to join the United States Army after attending college for one semester. Shelley then relocated to Florida to help take care of her mother, who had been diagnosed with cancer. While in Florida, her mother introduced her to the Caribbean and Floridian Association, and soon Shelley became a member. She has served CAFA in a variety of capacities over the last 20 years, and currently she is chairperson for the Service and Education Committee.…”