[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 35 (Thursday, March 24, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     A SALUTE TO REV. KENNETH BROWN

                                 ______


                         HON. RONALD V. DELLUMS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 24, 1994

  Mr. DELLUMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute Rev. 
Kenneth Brown, a little man who makes a huge contribution to our 
country. It is a privilege for me to recognize this great individual.
  For someone who stands only 4 feet tall, Kenneth Brown is a man with 
some very big ideas. That's because, as he puts it, ``The Lord got to 
me.'' It also is because he is a born optimist who believes there are 
no barriers preventing him from making a positive contribution to 
society.
  Ken is a midget and very proud to be a member of namely, the ``Little 
People of America.'' As an African-American, he broke the color barrier 
in the 1,000-member Little People of America organization, becoming a 
member in Camden, NJ., in 1965. He became very active in the 
organization. Ken would often share his experiences as an African-
American with the organization in an effort to bring about better 
understanding and communication.
  In addition, he is in the ministry. He is well known in Washington 
and Baltimore churches for the type of message he brings and the 
enthusiasm with which it is given. But preaching did not come naturally 
to him.
  Ken's father, the late Rev. Willie Brown, Sr., was a longtime Baptist 
preacher in Charleston, SC, who was renown for the stirring and 
spiritual sermons that he delivered. As a youngster Ken was often moved 
and inspired by his father's sermons, however it was not until late in 
1970 in Baltimore that Ken really started ``getting squared away with 
God.'' Ken recalls that suddenly he believed his mission in life was to 
serve God.
  After his rebirth, Ken moved to the District and started working with 
the Civil Service Commission. Ken vividly remembers his first speaking 
assignment at 5 p.m. on February 23, 1973, at the Women's Worker's 
group at the Park Road Community Church in the District of Columbia. 
This is a very significant date because it has come to mean so much in 
his new found career as an evangelist.
  Increasingly, he found himself engrossed in the life of the churches. 
As a result, he was licensed to preach by the late Bishop Winfield A. 
Shawall of the First Apostolic Faith Church in Baltimore in July 1973 
and since then, there has been no keeping him quiet. Ken was 
increasingly called upon to deliver the word and he never failed to 
accept the challenge.
  Ken also believed it was important to do the Lord's work in the 
communities and neighborhoods throughout Washington, DC. He became very 
active in civic affairs and used his voice to assist the less fortunate 
in society. The issues of homelessness, hunger, drugs, and education 
are a passion for him. Ken often uses his pulpit to remind 
congregations that we are our brother's keeper.
  Ken is 1 of 10 children ranging in height from his 4 feet to 6 feet. 
His mother and father are only 5 feet 4 inches tall each. And although 
he stands only 4 feet tall he has made a significant contribution to 
his community and it's people. He has not allowed his size or color to 
be an impediment in his life. Rev. Kenneth Brown, a self-proclaimed 
midget in size, is indeed a giant in life. I am proud to know him and 
am honored to bring his accomplishments to the attention of this 
Nation.

                          ____________________