Washington, D.C. - Congressman Charles Rangel released the following statement in recognition of the life of Dominican-Haitian activist Sonia Pierre who passed on Sunday, December 4, 2011:

"I was so sad to learn that on Sunday, December 4, 2011, the Dominican-Haitian activist, Sonia Pierre passed away. Sonia was a fearless leader and relentless advocate for justice. She will be dearly missed as everyone remembers the incredible legacy she left behind.

"When Sonia was just 13 years old she was already leading a march of Dominican residents of Haitian decent for cane cutters' rights. She has been fighting ever since to secure citizenship and education for the Haitian minority in the Dominican Republic. An estimated 500,000 to 1 million ethnic Haitians live in the Dominican Republic, many in isolated village slums across the countryside. Most of them are decedents of migrants just looking for a better life economically, but because the government doesn't recognize them as Dominican citizens, they face so many challenges.

"Sonia devoted her life to their cause and passionately stood up for their rights. In 2007 she was awarded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award honoring her work for Dominican-born ethnic Haitians. She always emphasized that she loved her country, The Dominican Republic, and that she just wanted to help her people.

"Sonia Pierre's spirit was truly great and we should celebrate the life and work of this dedicated woman. I offer my deepest condolences to her three children."