[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 86 (Friday, June 30, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING COLVIN W. GRANNUM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2000

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor and celebrate the 
achievements of Colvin W. Grannum, the founding director and the chief 
executive officer of Bridge Street Development Corporation. Bridge 
Street Development Corporation is a faith based non-profit 
organization, affiliated with Bridge Street African Wesleyan Methodist 
Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, NY.
  Mr. Grannum's motto is ``Building on Community Strength.'' His vision 
is to restore Bedford Stuyvesant to the ranks of the most desirable 
communities for parenting and doing business. Under Mr. Grannum's 
leadership, BSDC has grown to over a $2 million operation with 300 
units of housing in the development pipeline in only its first four 
years of experience. BSDC also has obtained preliminary approval for $2 
million in start up financing for two locally-owned businesses. 
Finally, to help begin to close the digital divide, Mr. Grannum has 
used BSDC to establish a community computer lab and Internet access 
facility.
  In addition to being a community leader, Mr. Grannum has also 
practiced law for 17 years as a litigation attorney. He started his 
legal career as a law clerk to a judge of the Superior Court of the 
District of Columbia. He also has held a variety of positions with the 
United States Department of Justice, the New York State Attorney 
General, the NYNEX Corporation, and the New York City Corporation 
Counsel. During his legal practice, Mr. Grannum was responsible for 
handling and supervising complex litigation, including trials, appeals, 
and regulatory proceedings. As a law student, he taught a legal writing 
and research course at Georgetown University Law Center.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Colvin W. Grannum for his 
selfless service to the community of Brooklyn. Also, please join me in 
wishing him the best in his future endeavors on ``Building on community 
strength.''

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