[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2358]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CONGRATULATIONS, REVEREND EDWARD ALLEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 1997

  Mr. PAYNE Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues here in the House 
of Representatives to join me in honoring a man of remarkable 
dedication and commitment to the community he serves in my home city of 
Newark. Rev. Edward Allen, Sr., pastor of the Philemon Missionary 
Baptist Church.
  On November 21, Reverend Allen will be honored by his many friends at 
a special event to celebrate 20 years in the ministry. It is fitting 
that we offer our congratulations and appreciation for his many 
contributions.
  During the 10 years that I served as a councilman representing the 
South Ward in Newark, I often held town meetings to give local 
residents the opportunity to speak out about issues of concern. Because 
Reverend Allen always encouraged community involvement and 
participation, a town meeting that I hosted at his church was highly 
successful and well-attended. Philemon Missionary Baptist Church also 
hosted one of the most famous African-American women in modern history, 
the former Member of Congress and candidate for the President who was 
on the ballot in 12 primaries in 1972, the Honorable Shirley Chisholm.
  Reverend Allen shared with Mrs. Chisholm a passion for justice and 
equality in our society. In fact, at a breakfast sponsored by a member 
of the Newark Municipal Council and candidate for the New Jersey 
General Assembly, the Honorable Donald Tucker on November 2 of this 
year, Reverend Allen spoke out with characteristic eloquence and 
inspiration about ensuring that residents of Newark share in the 
economic development efforts underway in our State, so that the urban 
center could become a catalyst for positive change.
  Reverend Allen cares deeply about improving the quality of life in 
our community and ensuring that all people are treated with fairness 
and dignity.
  Among his many accomplishments and contributions to the community 
are: founding board member, Rainbow/Push Coalition chapter, Operation 
Push; lecturer and teacher of urban education and equal education 
opportunity; active involvement in the Jersey City community; cochair 
of the Clergy for Jesse Jackson for President in 1984 and 1988; 
counselor to youth and families in distress.
  A graduate of my Alma Mater, Seton Hall University, Reverend Allen 
also pursued studies at Jersey City State College, New York Theological 
Seminary, Union Professional School of Business, and Saint Peter's 
College.
  His professional career includes service as the director of the 
office of affirmative action compliance at the Jersey City Board of 
Education; college administrator, assistant to the educational 
opportunity fund director, and adjunct professor of the Afro-American 
Studies Program at Saint Peter's College.
  Mr. Speaker, Reverend Allen is a man who has truly made a difference 
in many lives in our community. Let us join in honoring him for his two 
decades of dedicated service and in wishing him many more productive 
and successful years ahead.

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