[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E36-E37]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           A BEACON-OF-HOPE FOR ALL AMERICANS: KENNETH TAYLOR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MAJOR R. OWENS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 1997

  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, with the 1996 election behind us, this Nation 
has completed another cycle for the ongoing democratic process which 
makes America great. The electoral process and the public officials 
selected through this process are invaluable assets in our quest to 
promote the general welfare and to guarantee the right to life, 
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is important, however, Mr. 
Speaker, that we also give due recognition to the equally valuable 
contribution of nonelected leaders throughout our Nation. The fabric of 
our society is generally enhanced and enriched by the hard work done 
year after year by ordinary volunteer citizens. Especially in our 
inner-city communities which suffer from long public policy neglect, 
local grassroots leaders provide invaluable service. These are men and 
women who engage in activities which generate hope. I salute all such 
heroes and heroines as Beacons-of-Hope.
  Kenneth Taylor is one of these Beacons-of-Hope residing in the 
central Brooklyn community of New York City and New York State. In 
1982, Mr. Taylor offered his services as a volunteer in the office of 
Congressman Major Owens and later rose to the position of deputy

[[Page E37]]

district director. During the course of his tenure there, he assisted 
thousands of constituents with various problems. He became an expert at 
resolving immigration problems and was recognized throughout the city. 
After nearly 13 years with Congressman Owens, Mr. Taylor retired; 
however he remains active in his community.
  Kenneth Taylor also devotes much of his time to music. He serves as 
an organist, composer, and arranger for his church in Brooklyn. 
Moreover, he is vice president of the 100 Men for Major Owens; member 
of District 65; and member of Sigma Alpha Delta.
  Shortly after his arrival from his native country of Cuba, Kenneth 
Taylor enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in France 
and Germany. At the end of his enlistment, he received an honorable 
discharge. He, thereafter, attended Bernard Baruch College where he 
graduated with a bachelor of arts in management. He also received a 
certificate in paralegal studies from Long Island University and 
completed an internship with the corporate counsel of the city of New 
York.
  Kenneth Taylor is a Beacon-of-Hope for central Brooklyn and for all 
Americans.

                          ____________________