[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 143 (Sunday, October 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2067]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ADDISON McLEON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Saturday, October 10, 1998

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues here in the U.S. 
House of Representatives to join me in honoring a man whose 
contributions to his community and to the entire state of New Jersey 
are legendary, former Assemblyman Addison McLeon of Jersey City. He 
will be honored on October 22, 1998 at a special event: ``A Tribute to 
Addison McLean: A Lifetime of Community Leadership.''
  Mr. McLeon made history when he was elected the first African 
American from Hudson County to serve in the State Assembly, a post he 
held from 1966 to 1970. He also served in the Jersey City Housing 
Authority, beginning in 1954; as a member of the Jersey City Board of 
Education; as Director of Housing for the Essex County Urban League; 
and as a member of the Jersey City Branch of the National Association 
for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In addition, he is the 
founder of the Civic Awareness Council, a citizens' action 
organization.
  Assemblyman McLeon, who was born on June 17, 1921, attended public 
schools in Jersey City, including School Number 14 and Lincoln High 
School. He enrolled in Lincoln University, Pennsylvania in 1940, but 
his education was interrupted by World War II in 1944. He served in the 
U.S. Air Force during the war, rising from the rank of private within a 
year to Personnel Sergeant Major, the highest rank for enlisted men. He 
returned to Lincoln University in September of 1948 and received a 
Bachelor of Arts degree. He married the former Louise Williams and they 
produced three children.
  Although former Assemblyman McLeon is retired now, he has remained an 
active and passionate advocate for the cause of justice and continued 
progress. He has truly been an inspiration to all who have had the 
privilege of knowing him.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in congratulating former 
Assemblyman McLeon and wishing him all the best.

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