[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 138 (Wednesday, October 13, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2079-E2080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     A TRIBUTE TO MR. KENNETH GAMBLE AND UNIVERSAL COMMUNITY HOMES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 13, 1999

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor one of my 
most distinguished constituents, Kenneth Gamble and the organization he 
created, Universal Community Homes.
  Many of my colleagues will recognize Kenny Gamble as the pop music 
icon who gave us the ``Sound of Philadelphia'' as he steered 
Philadelphia International Records to the heights of the music 
industry. The unmistakable sounds of artists such as the Intruders, The 
Delfonics, The Spinners, The O'Jays, Phyllis Hyman, Teddy Pendergast, 
and Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes have enriched the lives of all 
Americans. It was Kenny's vision and hard work that made that possible.
  Mr. Speaker, Kenny Gamble could have chosen to take his well earned 
financial rewards and enjoy the ``good life'' away from the urban 
environment. Instead, he came back home to Philadelphia. We often hear 
people say that they want to make a difference. Well, Kenny Gamble has 
made a difference. He has taken an area that was plagued by drugs, 
violent crime and abandoned buildings and made from it a true 
community. He built houses, made community-based small businesses 
possible, mentored children, and did so much more. Throughout all this, 
he set an example. He showed young people in the neighborhood he grew 
up in that they could succeed without using or selling drugs. That the 
ball field is not the only way to escape poverty. That faith in God and 
respect for people is an honorable way to live. And most of all, that 
one need not flee ones past to live a bright future.
  Mr. Speaker, the non-profit development company Mr. Gamble founded, 
Universal Community Homes has already completed over $13 million in 
real estate and economic development programs, holds leadership 
positions in 13 community partnerships, and currently operates several 
educational, social and human service programs at 4 locations. Under 
Mr. Gamble's direct leadership and tremendous financial commitment, 
Universal Community Homes, in a relatively short period of time, has 
begun one of the largest concentrated community development initiatives 
in the history of Philadelphia.
  Mr. Speaker, October 13, 1999 has been designated Universal Community 
Homes Day in Philadelphia. I urge all my colleagues to join me in 
honoring this great man and his proud organization.

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