[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO ARTHUR ``PAPPY'' KENNEDY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2000

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
one of Florida's true heroes and pioneers, Arthur ``Pappy'' Kennedy. 
Pappy Kennedy passed away today after devoting a life time of service 
to the Florida political, civic, cultural and educational community. 
His honors are numerous, and his heroism unparalleled. As the first 
African American to be elected to the Orlando City Commission since 
Reconstruction, Pappy served with distinction and was re-elected by the 
largest percentage between contestants in the City's 101-year history 
up to that time. This was no great surprise to those who knew Pappy, 
who knew that his very existence depended upon his service to others. 
Nor was his service limited to the constituents who elected him. Having 
raised himself from poverty in rural Florida, Pappy was determined to 
improve the lot of others less fortunate than himself. And he did all 
this with the quietest dignity, at a time when dignity came at a 
premium for black men.
  He suffered through segregation and discrimination, and managed to 
out maneuver both. His personal sacrifices in the face of such trying 
times are untold and countless. His professional accomplishments were 
numerous. His pioneering days began when he became one of the first 
African American men to work at the Orange Court Hotel in downtown 
Orlando, rising from one position to another in an effort to pay his 
way through college, which he did. Pappy's college training in 
Psychology paid off, for everyone who knew him in his later years could 
extoll his wonderful counseling abilities. He was never too busy to 
listen to the slightest concern that one of his constituents or 
neighbors or friends might bring to him. And no problem was too great 
for Pappy to tackle. One such instance involved the time he began 
organizing the former Orlando Negro Chamber of Commerce. His pioneering 
spirit and persevering manner deflected the considerable reluctance on 
the part of some local business owners. I will never forget his many 
inspirational, and sage, messages to me over the years, especially as I 
aspired to political office.
  Though not a professional educator, Pappy's passion clearly lay in 
helping to enhance opportunities for minority schools and the students 
they served, and his efforts as President of the Jones High School PTA 
and the Orange County PTA Council left an indelible mark upon the City 
of Orlando. A spirited entrepreneur, Pappy was elected to the Florida 
League of Cities Board of Directors and was a Trust Officer of the 
Washington Shores Federal Savings and Loan Association, a black-owned 
and operated local financial institution.
  Pappy Kennedy was first and foremost a family man, devoted to his 
late wife Marian, and his two children Arthur Jr. and Shirley. Like so 
many other politicians, I was blessed to know Pappy: as a counselor in 
politics, as a guide in life, and as a friend in all that mattered. He 
will be missed by scores of Floridians, but his legacy of service and 
sacrifice will endure in the extraordinary opportunities that resulted 
from all that he gave and all that he was. In Florida, we are proud of 
Pappy Kennedy and better off because of him.

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