[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1005]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                THE MEN OF ESSEX--AN EXTRAORDINARY GROUP

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                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 1997

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw the attention of my 
colleagues to an event that will take place this evening in Newark, NJ. 
It is the 39th Annual Essex Award ceremony of the Men of Essex. For 39 
years this group of distinguished and dedicated gentlemen, the Men of 
Essex, has given time, expertise and resources to recognize and enhance 
the lives of students who have shown outstanding achievement and 
potential in academic and athletic activities. This evening, four of 
its founders--Winfred Gideon III, Hamilton V. Bowser, James Sherman, 
and J. Garfield Jackson, Sr., will be honored. All of these men are 
excellent role models and exemplify what it means to be of service to 
one's community.
  In 1958 a group of men having a common interest in athletics and 
creating a better image for the youth of the County of Essex met to 
discuss the possibilities of forming an organization whose prime 
function would be that of providing the young athletes in the community 
with some incentive for achieving both athletic and academic 
distinction. Following several informal meetings under the leadership 
of Winfred Gideon, with whom I had the pleasure of working with at The 
Prudential some years ago, it was agreed that there was a need for such 
service and the Men of Essex was born.
  Mr. Speaker, that was 40 years ago. Just a few weeks ago there was a 
summit in Philadelphia that focused on volunteer efforts and working 
with youth. I would like to commend and thank these men for having such 
foresight and remaining focused on such a laudable and practical 
mission.

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