[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 106 (Thursday, July 18, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1325]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF THE MONK FAMILY REUNION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 1996

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, This July, the Monk family of New Haven 
hosts a reunion and weekend of events worthy of this exceptional 
family. They are celebrating their rich family history and the musical, 
athletic, and civic contributions of family members to the city of New 
Haven and the rest of the Nation. On Sunday, July 21, 1996 they will be 
commemorating their family's numerous achievements with a family 
parade. The will also be celebrating the 33rd Anniversary of the Monk 
Singers. I am delighted to rise today to salute and celebrate the Monk 
family.
  The Monk family history is truly extraordinary. Family members have 
carefully documented the many branches of this extended family tree and 
have been able to identify a history that spans the continents of 
Africa, Europe, and North America. Pamela Monk Kelley, carrying on the 
work so important to her father, the late Conley F. Monk Sr., has 
painstakingly recorded a detailed history. She has included 
documentation of the links between the Monk and Cole families and 
outlined the Black, White, and Native American ancestry. This labor of 
love is a testament to the Monk family's dedication to preserving their 
history for future generations.
  The Monk family has produced some remarkable individuals. Thelonius 
Monk, Jr. was born in 1917 and became a famous musician in the early 
1940's. He pioneered the genre of music known as bebop, a revolutionary 
form of jazz. Indeed, his innovations have shaped the direction of jazz 
music for years. Outstanding talent in the Monk family is not limited 
to music but extends to athletics as well. Art Monk played for the 
Washington Redskins for 14 years before moving to the New York Jets. He 
played in four Super Bowls and broke the National Football League 
record for receiving passes.
  Just as important as the Monk family's contributions to music and 
sports is their deep commitment to the communities in which they live. 
Conley F. Monk Sr., and his wife Olivia raised their own 9 children and 
also cared for over 45 foster children. Their children continue to 
carry on this tradition of caring for the community. Conley F. Monk, 
Jr. initiated, developed, and saw to the final completion of the 
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Monument on Long Wharf in New Haven, CT.
  The Monk family teaches us a lesson about the connections between 
people, about endless family ties that bring us closer together. They 
embody the idea that the true meaning of family is knowing we are part 
of something greater, something larger than ourselves. I am proud to 
join the people of the city of New Haven in honoring this great family.

                          ____________________